Welcome to the Ancient Indian History GK Quiz! This quiz will test your knowledge of the Maurya Empire, Ashoka, the Vedic Age, and important historical events that are commonly asked in KVS and NVS recruitment exams.
Quiz Instructions:
- This quiz contains 15 questions on Ancient Indian History
- Each question has 4 multiple choice options
- Try to answer before looking at the answers below
- Mark your score and review weak areas
Let’s begin!
QUIZ QUESTIONS:
Question 1: Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
A) Ashoka
B) Chandragupta Maurya
C) Bindusara
D) Harsha
Correct Answer: B) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 322 BCE. He defeated the Nanda dynasty and established one of the largest empires in ancient India.
Question 2: Which Mauryan emperor is known for his rock edicts?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka
D) Samprati
Correct Answer: C) Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka is famous for his rock edicts and pillar edicts, which contain his dhamma (teachings). He converted to Buddhism after witnessing the bloodshed in the Kalinga War.
Question 3: The Vedas were composed during which period?
A) Rigvedic Period (1500-1200 BCE)
B) Vedic Period (1200-600 BCE)
C) Later Vedic Period (1000-600 BCE)
D) Pre-Vedic Period
Correct Answer: A) Rigvedic Period (1500-1200 BCE)
Explanation: The Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed during the Rigvedic period around 1500-1200 BCE.
Question 4: The Kalinga War was fought by which emperor?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka
D) Samrat Vikramaditya
Correct Answer: C) Ashoka
Explanation: The Kalinga War was fought by Emperor Ashoka in 261 BCE. The massive casualties in this war moved Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and renounce violence.
Question 5: Which dynasty succeeded the Mauryan Empire?
A) Gupta Dynasty
B) Shunga Dynasty
C) Satavahana Dynasty
D) Nanda Dynasty
Correct Answer: B) Shunga Dynasty
Explanation: After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the Shunga Dynasty ruled central India from around 185 to 73 BCE.
Question 6: Who wrote the Arthashastra, the famous book on statecraft?
A) Kalidasa
B) Chanakya (Vishnugupta)
C) Ashoka
D) Panini
Correct Answer: B) Chanakya (Vishnugupta)
Explanation: Chanakya, also known as Vishnugupta, was the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya and wrote the Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on politics, economics, and military strategy.
Question 7: Which language was used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?
A) Sanskrit
B) Prakrit
C) Tamil
D) Pali
Correct Answer: B) Prakrit
Explanation: Ashoka’s inscriptions were primarily written in Prakrit, a language that was more widely understood by the common people compared to Sanskrit.
Question 8: The capital of the Mauryan Empire was:
A) Pataliputra
B) Ujjain
C) Mathura
D) Takshashila
Correct Answer: A) Pataliputra
Explanation: Pataliputra (modern Patna) was the capital of the Mauryan Empire. It was built on the banks of the Ganges River and was one of the most important cities of ancient India.
Question 9: What was the religion preached by Buddha?
A) Hinduism
B) Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) Sikhism
Correct Answer: B) Buddhism
Explanation: Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) preached Buddhism, which emphasizes the path to enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Question 10: The Mauryan Empire covered approximately what area?
A) Northern India only
B) Most of the Indian subcontinent except southern parts
C) The entire Indian subcontinent
D) Only the Gangetic plain
Correct Answer: B) Most of the Indian subcontinent except southern parts
Explanation: The Mauryan Empire under Ashoka covered most of the Indian subcontinent including present-day India, Pakistan, Nepal, and parts of Afghanistan, but didn’t include the southern parts of India.
SUMMARY:
This quiz covered 10 important questions about Ancient Indian History, focusing on the Mauryan Empire, key emperors, and important historical facts. These questions represent the types of questions commonly asked in KVS and NVS recruitment examinations.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY:
- Read about the Mauryan Administration and governance structure
- Study the role of Chanakya in empire-building
- Learn about Buddhist contributions during the Mauryan period
- Practice more questions from previous year KVS/NVS papers
Good luck with your exam preparation! Keep practicing and revising these concepts regularly.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.