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. The Chalukya king, Pulakesin II defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of which river?
[A] Narmada
[B] Kaveri
[C] Niranjana
[D] Rijupalika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narmada ]
Notes:
Chalukya king Pulakesin II had defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of River Narmada in 618 AD. Pulakeshin, who ruled from the Chalukyan capitalof Badami, challenged Harsha’s conquests. The former had established himself as ‘lord paramount’ of the south, as Harsha had of the north. Unwilling to tolerate the existence of a powerful rival in the south, Harsha had marched from Kanauj with a huge force. Such was Pulakeshin’s efficiency in guarding the passes of the Narmada that Harsha was compelled to accept the river as the demarcation and retire from the field of battle after losing a major part of his elephant force.
2. Which of the following Chinese emperors was contemporary of Harshavardhana?
[A] Taizong
[B] Wu Zetian
[C] Ruizong
[D] Xuanzong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taizong ]
Notes:
In 641 AD Harshavardhan sent an envoy to Taizong (Tai-Tsung), the Tang emperor of China and in return, the Chinese ruler sent three embassies to Harsha court.
3. Who was Paura during the Maurya empire?
[A] Governor of the city
[B] Chief Judge
[C] Mantri
[D] Dandapal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Governor of the city ]
Notes:
As per the Arthashastra of Chanakya, Paura was the Governor of the city.
4. Which of the following is the equivalent term used for Raja in early vedic era?
[A] Gopati
[B] Gomat
[C] Gopa
[D] Gomitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gopati ]
Notes:
In the Early Vedic age, ‘Raja’ was known as Gopati.
5. Which among the following age marks a very distinct growth in population of Human beings compared to other ages?
[A] Lower paleolithic age
[B] Upper Paleolithic Age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] Neolithic Age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mesolithic age ]
Notes:
There are several reasons why the population may have grown during the Mesolithic age. One reason is that the development of new technologies, such as the creation of new tools and weapons, made it easier for people to hunt and gather food. This would have helped them to sustain larger populations. Additionally, the use of fire to cook food would have made it more nutritious and easier to digest, which would also have allowed people to support larger populations. Finally, the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled one may have allowed people to establish larger, more stable communities that could support more people.
6. At which of the following sites, largest variety of food grains in the Chalcolithic age has been found?
[A] Navdatoli
[B] Gilund
[C] Adamgarh
[D] Banahali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Navdatoli ]
Notes:
At Navdatoli, located near Maheshwar town in Madhya Pradesh in Narmada valley, several varieties of food grains like rice, jowar, ragi etc. have been found.
7. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
8. During the Maurya Period, which among the following was the primary source of revenue?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Pindikara
[C] Hiranya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhaga]
Notes:
Bhaga was the primary source of revenue during the Mauryan period, levied at a rate of approximately one-fourth to one-sixth of a harvested crop. It played a significant role in the Maurya kingdom’s economic system, supplementing the administration’s financial resources and enabling it to carry out the vast administrative and welfare operations prevalent during its reign.
9. Who among the following was the most important divinity during the early Vedic era?
[A] Agni
[B] Indra
[C] Vayu
[D] Varuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indra]
Notes:
Some major deities of the Vedic tradition include Indra, Surya, Agni, Ushas, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Mitra, Aditi, Yama, Soma, Sarasvati, Prithvi, and Rudra. Among all Indra is the most important god.
10. At which of the following places Aphsad inscription has been found which gives account of later Guptas?
[A] Bhagalpur
[B] Gaya
[C] Bhubneshwar
[D] Alwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gaya]
Notes:
Aphsad inscription is at gaya. It is inscription of Aditya sena. It gives account of later vedas.
