Ancient Indian History MCQs
Multiple Choice Quiz Questions (MCQs) on Ancient Indian History for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. Who defeated Harsha Vardhana on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.?
[A] Pulakesin II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Pulakesin I
[D] Kirtivarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
As per the Aihole inscription, Harsha Vardhana was defeated by Pulakesin-II, the great Chalukya king, on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.
2. Which of the following was the capital of Northern Panchalas?
[A] Ahicchatra
[B] Kampilya
[C] Vajji
[D] Panchal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ahicchatra ]
Notes:
The Northern Panchalas had their capital at Ahicchatra. On the other hand, Southern Panchalas had their capital at Kampilya.
3. Which Ashokan pillar edict provides a list of animals and birds killing of which was prohibited?
[A] Pillar edict V
[B] Pillar edict VIII
[C] Pillar edict XII
[D] Pillar edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pillar edict V ]
Notes:
The Pillar edict-V of Ashoka provides a list of animals and birds which should not be killed on some days and another list of animals which have not to be killed at all occasions and also describes the release of 25 prisionars by Mauryan Emperor Asoka.
4. The hymns of regveda were composed by ?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryas
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hotri ]
Notes:
Hotri For Vedic priests viz. Hotri, adhvaryu, udgatri and brahman (brahmin) participated in the shrauta rites and each of them had special attributes. Hotri was the priest chanting the hymns of Rig Veda; adhvaryu chanting the hymns of Yajur Veda; Udgatri chanting the Sama Veda hymns. Brahman priest was the most and supervisor of the entire ceremony and the one chanting the hymns of Atharva Veda.
5. The Nalanda University was founded by which Gupta ruler mentioned as Shakraditya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
Some archaeological sources identify a monarch called Shakraditya as founder of Nalanda university. The scholars identify Shakraditya as 5th-century CE Gupta emperor, Kumaragupta-I, whose coin has been discovered at Nalanda.
6. That the homeland of the Aryans was Arctic Region, was propounded by ___?
[A] Max Muller
[B] Edward Meyer
[C] Bal Gangadhar Tilak
[D] Herzefeld
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bal Gangadhar Tilak ]
Notes:
The Arctic Home in the Vedas is a book on the origin of Aryans by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak The book was written at the end of 1898, but was first published in March 1903 in Pune .It propounded the theory that the North Pole was the original home of Aryans during pre-glacial period which they had to leave due to the ice deluge around 8000 B.C. And had to migrate to the Northern parts of Europe and Asia in search of lands for new settlements. In support to his theory , Tilak has presented certain Vedic hymns, East Iranian passages, Vedic chronology and Vedic calendars with interpretations of the contents in detail.
7. In the Indus Valley Civilization, the style of script is:
[A] Boustrophedon
[B] Pictographic
[C] Brahmi
[D] Not deciphered yet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Boustrophedon ]
Notes:
Indus Scripts are popularly described as Boustrophedon scripts. This literally means “as the ox turns” in ancient Greek, denoting writing systems that alternate direction. Indus texts feature pictures and symbols, undeciphered to date, inscribed right-to-left in one line with the next line flipping left-to-right in an “ox turns” style unlike later Indian scripts. They have been found on seals, pottery, tools, even an ancient signboard. Deciphering these scripts would unlock valuable information about Harappan economics, political organization, language and beliefs.
8. At which among the following places, Gautam Buddha preached his last sermon?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Pavapuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaishali]
Notes:
Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath. Buddha preached most sermons at Sravasti. Lord Buddha preached his last sermon at Vaishali.
9. Who among the following was the founder of Rastrakuta dynasty ?
[A] Dantidurga
[B] Krishna -I
[C] Indra – II
[D] Govinda -I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dantidurga]
Notes:
In the mid of the 8th century, Dantidurga , who was one of the chieftain of ancient Rastrakuta family fought his way to the front and overthrew Kirtivarman II, thus bringing an end to the main branch of Chalukyas. This was the beginning of the Rastrakuta Empire in Deccan.
10. In the context of Buddhism, what does the term Vihara refer to?
[A] Residence of Monks
[B] Hall of Worship
[C] Congregation Hall
[D] Garden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Residence of Monks]
Notes:
Vihara in Buddhism refers to the residence of monks who dedicated their lives towards spiritual practices. The word ‘Vihara’ has Pali origin and initially denoted a transitory dwelling place used by wandering monks during the monsoon. Unlike Chaityas, or the assembly halls where discussions took place, Viharas did not contain stupas, which are mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics.
