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. Nābhivarṣa is the historical name of which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] China
[D] Egypt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India ]
Notes:
According to some historical sources, the term Nābhivarṣa was used for India prior to its name Bharatvarsa. The name is derived from King Nabhi, who was father of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism.
2. Metronymics were borne by the later rulers of which among the following dynasties?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kanva
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Satavahana ]
Notes:
Metronymics: A name derived from the name of a mother or female ancestor. The metronymics are borne by the later Satavahanas and not by the early Satavahanas. It was mainly because Satavahanas had to establish matrimonial alliance with maharathis. The metronymics of the Satavahanas was the result of such alliances.
3. Who was the author of Aihole Inscription ?
[A] Ravikirti
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Bharavi
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ravikirti ]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription is a eulogy written by Ravikirti who was the court poet of Chalukya King Pulakesin II.
4. At which among the following sites, first evidence of cultivation of cotton has been found?
[A] Piklihal
[B] Hathonora
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Ghaligai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
First evidence of cotton growing has been found at Mehrgarh (now in Pakistan).
5. In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanatha
[D] Rishabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahavira]
Notes:
Nigantha Nataputta refers to Mahavira. A Nirgrantha refers to Jains. A person who has attained kevalya can be a nirgrantha.
6. Which of the following was a common way of Chola kings Raj Raja-1 and Rajendra 1 to commemorate their victories?
[A] Erecting Pillars
[B] Erecting Temples
[C] Erecting inscriptions
[D] issuing coins
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Erecting Temples]
Notes:
Rajaraja I, born Arulmoli Varman, often described as Rajaraja the Great, was a Chola emperor chiefly remembered for reinstating the Chola power. Rajendra Chola I or Rajendra I was a Tamil Chola emperor of South India who succeeded his father Rajaraja Chola I to the throne in 1014 CE. They build temples to commemorate their victories.
7. Which among the following Brahaman gave an account of agricultural operations for a season?
[A] Aitreya
[B] Satpatha
[C] kaushitaki
[D] Panchvimsh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satpatha]
Notes:
The Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda. It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas, it contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology. It has detailed account on the operation of agriculture according to the seasons.
8. Who among the following has been mentioned as Maharajadhiraja and a Lion to the Huna Deer by Banabhatta?
[A] Harshavarshana
[B] Prabhakarvardhana
[C] Yashovardhana
[D] Grahavarman.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakarvardhana]
Notes:
Prabhakaravardhana was a king of Thanesar in northern India around the time of the decline of the Gupta Empire. Banabhatta credits Prabhakaravardhana with a strong stance against the Hunas, describing him as:”A lion to the Huna deer”.
9. Who among the following Chola ruler built Brihadeshwar temple at Thanjavur in year 1010 AD ?
[A] Rajaraja
[B] Adhirajendra
[C] Rajendra I
[D] Vijayalaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajaraja]
Notes:
The Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I built Brihadeshwar temple (also known as Rajarajeshwar temple) at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu in year 1010 AD. It is the world’s first complete granite temple.
10. Which of the following rivers is not included in the list of Seven Rivers that graced and nourished the first Aryan settlement?
[A] Sutudri
[B] Parusni
[C] Asikni
[D] Charmanvati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Charmanvati]
Notes:
Charmanvati is the ancient name of Chambal. There is a verse in Nadistuti sukta of Rig-Veda, hymn of praise of rivers which mentions the following 10 rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikiya, and Susoma. The Shutudri was Sutlej, Parushni was Ravi, Asikni was Chenab and Vitasta was Jhelum. The 5 rivers Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Vitasta, and Vipas all were tributaries of Sindhu River. Together with Sarasawti and Sindhu, these 5 rivers constituted the Sapta Sindhu
