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 Aryans dedicated whole of a separate Mandala in Rig-Veda for the hymns dedicated to __?
[A] Agni
[B] Varuna
[C] Indra
[D] Soma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX Mandala of the Rigveda also known a Soma Mandala is dedicated to Soma Pavamana (purifying Soma) i.e. the sacred potion Somaras. It is made from the plant of the same name. Basically the Rigveda refers to the drink, the plant and the God with the same name Soma. It was believed to be the drink of Gods.
2. At which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization, the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found ?
[A] Mohen-jo-daro
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kalibangan ]
Notes:
Kalibangan – is an archaeological site where Ploughed Field, Bones of Camel, Circular and Rectangular Graves, distinctive fire (Vedic ) altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found.
3. Who was the founder of Chalukya Dynasty ?
[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Pulakesin I
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Pulakesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin I ]
Notes:
The founder of Chalukya dynasty, Pulakesin I established a small kingdom with Badami (or Vatapi) as its capital in Bijapur District, Karnataka .
4. Which among the following is known as the earliest example of Panchayatana style of temple?
[A] Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
[B] Temple at Pathari
[C] Shatrughneshwara temple at Bhubaneshwar
[D] Lakshmana temple at Sirpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dashavatara temple at Deogarh ]
Notes:
The Dashavatara Temple or Vishnu Temple also called Gupta temple at Deogarh. It was built in the Gupta Period (320 to c. 600 AD ). Archaeologists have inferred that it is the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India. A hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
5. Which among the following sacred books of Hindu religion has Brahma as the priest?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
In Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda is identified as the Veda where Brahma presides as the priest. This book encompasses a vast range of subjects, from healing rituals to royal consecrations. The name “Atharva Veda” comes from the type of priests who were specifically dedicated to its chanting and application. Brahma, in this context, portrays the deity of creation, thus extolling the grandeur of life.
6. Which city is historically believed to be the main site of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas?
[A] Delhi
[B] Ghaziabad
[C] Meerut
[D] Faridabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Meerut]
Notes:
Meerut, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is believed to be the main location of Hastinapur – the capital of both the Kauravas and Pandavas during the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE). This city, steeped in mythology and historical significance, was the centre of the Kuru Kingdom. The Imperial Gazetteer of India attests to this fact making it a site of immense archaeological and cultural importance.
7. Which among the following era is identical with Gupta era?
[A] Vikram era
[B] Vallabhi era
[C] Saka era
[D] Harsha era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi era ]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
8. Which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization marks the “Absence of Mother goddess figurines” ?
[A] Lothal
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Rangpur
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rangpur]
Notes:
No seal or image of mother goddess has been found at Rangpur.
9. Who among the following Buddhist Philosophers persuaded the Indo Greek King Meander to Accept Buddhism?
[A] Asanga
[B] Nagasena
[C] Dharmakirti
[D] Jambuka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagasena]
Notes:
Nagasena was a Sarvastivadan Buddhist sage born in Kashmir and lived around 150 BCE. His answers to questions about Buddhism posed by Menander I, the Indo-Greek king of northwestern India, are recorded in the Milinda Panha and the Sanskrit Nagasenabhiksusutra.
10. 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”.
