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. Which of the following term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
2. In which of the following inscriptions Ashoka made his famous declaration, “All men are my children”?
[A] Minor Rock Edict (Ahraura)
[B] Pillar Edict VII
[C] Lumbini Pillar Edict
[D] Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I ]
Notes:
Separate Edicts: They were found at sites in Kalinga »Separate Edict I : Asoka declared all people are my sons »Separate Edict II: proclamation of edicts even to a single person.
3. What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Bodh tree
[B] Lotus
[C] Horse
[D] Wheel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lotus ]
Notes:
Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.
4. The earliest evidence of animal domestication has been found at Adamgarh. In which of the following states is Adamgarh located?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Adamgarh is a prehistoric site known for early evidence of animal domestication. It is located in Madhya Pradesh, in the Narmadapuram district, which was earlier known as Hoshangabad. The site is often mentioned alongside Bagor in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, in discussions on the earliest domestication evidence in India. Hence, Madhya Pradesh is the correct answer.
5. Purusha sukta is a part of which among the following vedas?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Rig Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Yajur Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
Rig Veda Purusha sukta is the Xth mandal of the Rig Veda that explains the origin of four varnas viz. Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
6. In which state/UT of India was the first recognized Paleolithic site discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The first recognized Paleolithic discovery in India is associated with Pallavaram near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. In 1863, Robert Bruce Foote found a handaxe there, which became an important early evidence of Paleolithic culture in the Indian subcontinent. This discovery is widely regarded as the starting point of systematic prehistoric archaeology in India. Before this, in 1842, the discovery of polished stone tools by Dr. Primrose at Lingsugur in the Raichur district of Karnataka marked the first recorded find of prehistoric stone tool artifacts in India, signaling the inception of South Asian prehistory. However, it belonged to Neolithic period not Paleolithic.
7. Who wrote Malvikagnimitra?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Tulsidas
[C] Agnimitra
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kalidas ]
Notes:
Malvikagnimitra is a five-act drama based on Sunga king Agnimitra’s love for Vidharbha princess Malvika. It was a Sanskrit play written by Kalidas.
8. Who among the following succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of Gupta Dynasty ?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Mahendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta ll (380-412 A.D.) succeeded Samundragupta as the next ruler of Gupta dynasty. He was also known as Devgupta, Devraj and Devshree. Some titled he adopted were : Vikramank, Vikramaditya and Parambhagawat.
9. The Neolithic sites Kuchai and Golbai Sasan are located in which Indian state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Bihar
[C] Odisha
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
The Neolithic sites in Odisha include Kuchai in Mayurbhanj district, and the recently excavated site of Golbai Sasan on the banks of Mandakini River.
10. The silver coins of which among the following kings carried portraits and bilingual legends, which were inspired by the Kshatrapa types?
[A] Satavahanas
[B] Kushanas
[C] Guptas
[D] Mauryas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Satavahanas ]
Notes:
Satavahana kings are noted for issuing bilingual coins featuring Middle Indo-Aryan language on one side, and Tamil language on the other side.
