SSC Exam 2025: Best Ancient History MCQs with Mock Test Practice
Preparing for SSC Exam 2025? Don’t miss out on one of the most important sections – Ancient Indian History!
In this post, you’ll get a collection of the best and most important Ancient History MCQs based on previous years’ SSC exams. These questions are specially selected for candidates preparing for SSC CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS, and other government exams.
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- Top Ancient History questions asked in SSC exams
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Best Ancient History MCQs
Q1. In the 4th century BCE, the capital of Magadha was shifted to –––––.
(a) Vaishali
(b) Champa
(c) Rajagriha
(d) Pataliputra
Answer: d) Pataliputra
Explanation: Initially, the capital of Magadha was Rajagriha. However, in the 4th century BCE, under the rule of Udayin (son of Ajatashatru), the capital was shifted to Pataliputra due to its strategic location at the confluence of several rivers.
Q2. Kalinga’s King Kharvela was associated with which of the following dynasty?
(a) Maurya Dynasty
(b) Satavahana Dynasty
(c) Gupta Dynasty
(d) Chedi Dynasty (Mahameghavahana Dynasty)
Answer: d) Chedi Dynasty (Mahameghavahana Dynasty)
Explanation: King Kharavela, a powerful ruler of Kalinga (modern Odisha) in the 2nd century BCE, belonged to the Chedi Dynasty, also known as the Mahameghavahana dynasty. His achievements are documented in the Hathigumpha inscription.
Q3. Which was the first empire in ancient India to use elephants in its war on a large scale?
(a) Haryanka Empire
(b) Shishunaga Empire
(c) Gupta Empire
(d) Magadha Empire
Answer: d) Magadha Empire
Explanation: The Magadha Empire, particularly under the Nanda dynasty and later the Mauryas, was the first major power in ancient India to effectively use elephants on a large scale in warfare, which contributed significantly to their military prowess.
Q4. Who was the last Tirthankara of Jains?
(a) Rishabhanatha
(b) Parshvanatha
(c) Arishtanemi
(d) Mahavira
Answer: d) Mahavira
Explanation: Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism, who propagated and organized the Jain dharma in its present form.
Q5. In which Indian Religion, there are 24 Tirthankaras?
(a) Hinduism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Jainism
Answer: d) Jainism
Explanation: The concept of 24 Tirthankaras, who are considered spiritual teachers and pathfinders, is central to the philosophy and history of Jainism.
Q6. Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
(a) Mahavira
(b) Parshvanatha
(c) Arishtanemi
(d) Rishabhanatha
Answer: d) Rishabhanatha
Explanation: Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinatha) is revered as the first Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism.
Q7. Which of the following religious groups annually celebrates the ‘Paryushan Parva’ for self purification and uplift by adhering of the ten universal virtues in practical life ?
(a) Sikhs
(b) Buddhists
(c) Hindus
(d) Jains
Answer: d) Jains
Explanation: Paryushan Parva is the most important annual holy event for Jains, celebrated over 8 or 10 days for self-purification, introspection, and spiritual upliftment through various religious practices and adherence to universal virtues.
Q8. Lord Mahavira was born in present state of
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Bihar
Answer: d) Bihar
Explanation: Lord Mahavira was born in Kundagrama (or Kundalagrama), near Vaishali, which is located in the present-day state of Bihar, India.
Q9. Santhara is a religious ritual of…. community.
(a) Buddhist
(b) Hindu
(c) Sikh
(d) Jain
Answer: d) Jain
Explanation: Santhara (or Sallekhana) is a controversial but ancient religious vow of voluntary fasting unto death, observed by adherents of Jainism.
Q10. With which religion is Kaivalya associated?
(a) Hinduism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Jainism
Answer: d) Jainism
Explanation: In Jainism, ‘Kaivalya’ refers to omniscience or supreme knowledge, the state of perfect liberation and enlightenment achieved by a soul that has destroyed all karmic bonds.
Q11. A collective term used by the Jains for their sacred books is
(a) Pitakas
(b) Vedas
(c) Puranas
(d) Agamas
Answer: d) Agamas
Explanation: The canonical scriptures of Jainism are collectively known as the Agamas. They contain the teachings of the Tirthankaras, primarily Lord Mahavira.
Q12. The renowned Temple at Ranakpur is a__ Temple.
(a) Hindu
(b) Buddhist
(c) Sikh
(d) Jain
Answer: d) Jain
Explanation: The Ranakpur Jain Temple, located in Rajasthan, is one of the most magnificent and important Jain temples in India, famous for its intricate marble carvings and unique architecture.
Q13. Name the holy city recognized as the birthplace of the first and fourth Jain Tirthankaras.
(a) Vaishali
(b) Pawapuri
(c) Sravasti
(d) Ayodhya
Answer: d) Ayodhya
Explanation: According to Jain tradition, Ayodhya is the birthplace of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), and also of the fourth Tirthankara, Abhinandananatha.
Q14. According to the Jain Philosophy, the term ‘Jina’ means –––––.
(a) Great Teacher
(b) Enlightened One
(c) God
(d) Conqueror
Answer: d) Conqueror
Explanation: In Jain philosophy, ‘Jina’ means ‘conqueror’, referring to a human being who has conquered all inner passions and desires (like attachment, anger, pride, and greed) through self-control and discipline.
Q15. Teachings of Mahavira, which were written about 1500 years ago, are currently present at which place?
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kapilavastu
(d) Vallabhi
Answer: d) Vallabhi
Explanation: The final compilation and writing down of the Jain Agamas (teachings of Mahavira) took place at the Council of Vallabhi (in present-day Gujarat) around 5th or 6th century CE, approximately 1500 years ago.
Q16. In which of the following states are the Son Bhandar Caves located?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Bihar
Answer: d) Bihar
Explanation: The Son Bhandar Caves are located in Rajgir, in the Nalanda district of Bihar. They are ancient rock-cut caves, believed to be associated with Jainism.
Q17. __________was the first woman to become a nun in Buddhism.
(a) Yashodhara
(b) Ambapali
(c) Kisa Gotami
(d) Mahapajapati Gotami
Answer: d) Mahapajapati Gotami
Explanation: Mahapajapati Gotami, the stepmother and aunt of Gautama Buddha, was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun) with the permission of the Buddha.
Q18. Which of the following Buddhist sites is not located in the Vengi Region of Andhra Pradesh?
(a) Amaravati
(b) Nagarjunakonda
(c) Ghantasala
(d) Sanchi
Answer: d) Sanchi
Explanation: Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, and Ghantasala are significant Buddhist sites located in the Vengi region (coastal Andhra Pradesh). Sanchi Stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh.
Q19. Which is the oldest stupa of the Buddhist period?
(a) Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath
(b) Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath
(c) Jetavana Stupa, Sravasti
(d) Sanchi Stupa
Answer: d) Sanchi Stupa
Explanation: While the Piprahwa Stupa holds the oldest known Buddhist relics, the Great Stupa at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) is generally considered the oldest surviving large-scale Buddhist stupa, initially built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
Q20. Buddha meditated for days on end under a peepal tree at ……., where he attained enlightenment.
(a) Sarnath
(b) Kushinagar
(c) Lumbini
(d) Bodh Gaya
Answer: d) Bodh Gaya
Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama meditated under a Bodhi (peepal) tree at Bodh Gaya (in present-day Bihar) and attained enlightenment, becoming the Buddha.
Q21. ………..was the book in which all the rules made for the Buddhist sangha was written down in.
(a) Sutta Pitaka
(b) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(c) Jataka Tales
(d) Vinaya Pitaka
Answer: d) Vinaya Pitaka
Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka (the Buddhist canon) and contains the rules and regulations governing the monastic life of Buddhist monks and nuns (the Sangha).
Q22. At which Buddhist site in India did Gautam Buddha first preach the Dhamma?
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Kushinagar
(c) Kapilavastu
(d) Sarnath
Answer: d) Sarnath
Explanation: After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautam Buddha traveled to Sarnath (near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) and delivered his first sermon to his five disciples at the Deer Park, an event known as the ‘Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana’ (Turning the Wheel of Dhamma).
Q23. Kya Gompa, the largest centre of Buddhist learning in the western Himalayas, is situated in the state/Union territory of ……
(a) Ladakh
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Jammu & Kashmir
(d) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: d) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation: Key Monastery (Kya Gompa or Ki Gompa) is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Q24. The place of Gautama Buddha’s birth was a grove known as __.
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Lumbini
Answer: d) Lumbini
Explanation: Prince Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) was born in the Lumbini grove, which is located in present-day Nepal, near the Indian border.
Q25. At which of the following places did Lord Buddha attain enlightenment?
(a) Sarnath
(b) Kushinagar
(c) Lumbini
(d) Bodh Gaya
Answer: d) Bodh Gaya
Explanation: Lord Buddha attained enlightenment (Nirvana) under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
Q26. To which Ganarajya Gautam Buddha belonged?
(a) Lichchhavis
(b) Mallas
(c) Vajjis
(d) Shakyas
Answer: d) Shakyas
Explanation: Gautam Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan, which was a republican (gana-sangha) state with its capital at Kapilavastu (near present-day Lumbini).
Q27. Which Buddhist Council was held soon after the death of Gautam Buddha?
(a) Second Buddhist Council
(b) Third Buddhist Council
(c) Fourth Buddhist Council
(d) First Buddhist Council
Answer: d) First Buddhist Council
Explanation: The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha (Rajgir) in 483 BCE, soon after the Mahaparinirvana (death) of Gautam Buddha, to compile his teachings (Dhamma) and monastic rules (Vinaya).
Q28. In which city was the third Buddhist Council held?
(a) Vaishali
(b) Rajagriha
(c) Kashmir (Kundalvana)
(d) Pataliputra
Answer: d) Pataliputra
Explanation: The Third Buddhist Council was held around 250 BCE at Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire, during the reign of Emperor Ashoka.
Q29. One of the major events of Ashoka’s reign was the convening of the __ Buddhist Sangha (council) in 250 BCE in the capital Pataliputra.
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth
Answer: c) Third
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council in Pataliputra around 250 BCE to purify the Buddhist Sangha and systematize the Buddhist scriptures.
Q30. In which language did most Buddhist texts were written?
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Hindi
(d) Pali
Answer: d) Pali
Explanation: Most of the early Buddhist scriptures, particularly those of the Theravada tradition (like the Tripitaka), were written in Pali, a Middle Indo-Aryan language.
Q31. Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana during the reign of which of the following rulers?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Bindusara
(c) Harsha
(d) Kanishka
Answer: d) Kanishka
Explanation: The division of Buddhism into two major sects, Mahayana and Hinayana, occurred during the Fourth Buddhist Council, which was held under the patronage of the Kushan ruler Kanishka in Kashmir.
Q32. The term ‘Stupa’ is associated with which of the following event of Gautam Buddha’s life?
(a) Birth
(b) Enlightenment
(c) First Sermon
(d) Mahaparinirvana (Death)
Answer: d) Mahaparinirvana (Death)
Explanation: Stupas are monumental structures built over the relics (bones, ashes, etc.) of Buddha or other Buddhist saints, commemorating their passing (Mahaparinirvana) and serving as places of worship.
Q33. Which of the following is a part of Sutta Pitaka?
(a) Vinaya
(b) Abhidhamma
(c) Milindapanho
(d) Digha Nikaya
Answer: d) Digha Nikaya
Explanation: The Sutta Pitaka is a vast collection of discourses attributed to Buddha. Digha Nikaya is one of its five main collections, containing long discourses. (Milindapanho is also a Buddhist text but typically considered outside the core Tripitaka).
Q34. ‘Tripitakas’ are sacred books of………….
(a) Jainism
(b) Hinduism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Buddhism
Answer: d) Buddhism
Explanation: The Tripitakas (meaning “Three Baskets”) are the traditional collections of Buddhist scriptures, comprising the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical treatises).
Q35. Gautam Buddha’s teachings are found mainly in:
(a) Vinaya Pitaka
(b) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(c) Jataka Tales
(d) Sutta Pitaka
Answer: d) Sutta Pitaka
Explanation: The Sutta Pitaka contains the main body of Gautam Buddha’s discourses and teachings on doctrine and ethics.
Q36. From which monument, Gautama Buddha propagated his divine knowledge of Buddhism to the world?
(a) Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
(b) Nalanda Mahavihara
(c) Sanchi Stupa
(d) Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath
Answer: d) Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath
Explanation: The Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath marks the spot where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana) to his five disciples, thus beginning the propagation of his teachings.
Q37. The language in which Buddha preached?
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Hindi
(c) Ardhamagadhi
(d) Pali
Answer: d) Pali
Explanation: Gautam Buddha primarily preached his teachings in Pali, a local Prakrit dialect, to make them accessible to the common people, rather than in scholarly Sanskrit.
Q38. Which of the following stupas is not located in the state Uttar Pradesh ?
(a) Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath
(b) Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath
(c) Ramabhar Stupa, Kushinagar
(d) Sanchi Stupa
Answer: d) Sanchi Stupa
Explanation: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa (both in Sarnath), and Ramabhar Stupa (Kushinagar) are all located in Uttar Pradesh. Sanchi Stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh.
Q39. Which of the following is related with the architecture of Buddhist stupas ?
(a) Gopuram
(b) Vimana
(c) Shikhara
(d) Harmika
Answer: d) Harmika
Explanation: Harmika is a square railing that surmounts the dome of a stupa, representing the abode of the gods. Gopuram, Vimana, and Shikhara are architectural features associated with Hindu temples.
Q40. The Mahayana text belongs to which religion?
(a) Jainism
(b) Hinduism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Buddhism
Answer: d) Buddhism
Explanation: Mahayana is one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism (the other being Theravada or Hinayana). Mahayana texts, therefore, are sacred scriptures belonging to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
Q41. Which is the most important work of the Hinayana school?
(a) Lotus Sutra
(b) Heart Sutra
(c) Diamond Sutra
(d) Pali Canon (Tripitaka)
Answer: d) Pali Canon (Tripitaka)
Explanation: The Pali Canon, also known as the Tripitaka (Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka), is the complete collection of sacred texts of the Theravada (often equated with Hinayana historically) school of Buddhism and is considered its most important work.
Q42. Which of the following sites is associated with the birth of Gautama Buddha?
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Lumbini
Answer: d) Lumbini
Explanation: Lumbini, located in present-day Nepal, is universally recognized as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
Q43. The concept of ‘The Four Noble Truths’ belongs to which of the following religions ?
(a) Jainism
(b) Hinduism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Buddhism
Answer: d) Buddhism
Explanation: The Four Noble Truths (Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, Magga) are the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, expounded by Gautam Buddha in his first sermon at Sarnath.
Q44. The Buddhist sites Vaishali and Nalanda are situated in which of the following states ?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) West Bengal
(d) Bihar
Answer: d) Bihar
Explanation: Vaishali, an ancient republican state and significant Buddhist site, and Nalanda, home to the famous ancient Buddhist monastery and learning center, are both located in the state of Bihar, India.
Q45. Ashta Mahasthan refers to eight important places associated with the life of Buddha. Which of the following is not one of them?
(a) Lumbini
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Sarnath
(d) Sanchi
Answer: d) Sanchi
Explanation: The Ashta Mahasthan are the eight great holy places associated with the life of Buddha: Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana), Sravasti, Sankassa, Rajgir, and Vaishali. Sanchi is a significant Buddhist site but not one of the Ashta Mahasthan.
Q46. During the reign of Kanishka, which of the following places was chosen as the venue of the fourth Buddhist Council?
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Vaishali
(c) Rajagriha
(d) Kundalvana, Kashmir
Answer: d) Kundalvana, Kashmir
Explanation: The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kundalvana, Kashmir, under the patronage of the Kushan emperor Kanishka, where Buddhism was divided into Hinayana and Mahayana sects.
Q47. At which of the following places did Lord Buddha gave his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths?
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Kushinagar
(c) Lumbini
(d) Sarnath
Answer: d) Sarnath
Explanation: Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, which included the core teaching of the Four Noble Truths, at the Deer Park in Sarnath.
Q48. Who among the following was NOT a Nayanar saint?
(a) Appar
(b) Sambandar
(c) Sundarar
(d) Andal
Answer: d) Andal
Explanation: Nayanar saints were 63 revered poet-saints of Shaivism (devotees of Shiva) from Tamil Nadu. Andal was a prominent female saint among the Alvars, who were Vaishnavite (devotees of Vishnu) poet-saints.
Q49. ………is a depiction of the Hindu God Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance called Tandavam.
(a) Ardhanarishvara
(b) Lingam
(c) Pashupati
(d) Nataraja
Answer: d) Nataraja
Explanation: Nataraja is the iconic representation of the Hindu deity Shiva as the cosmic dancer. His dance, the Tandavam, symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe.
Q50. Which god despite being the creator god among the Trimurti, is rarely worshiped today?
(a) Vishnu
(b) Shiva
(c) Indra
(d) Brahma
Answer: d) Brahma
Explanation: In the Hindu Trimurti (trinity) of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer), Brahma is the creator god. However, unlike Vishnu and Shiva, he is rarely worshipped in contemporary Hinduism, with very few temples dedicated solely to him.
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