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 ruler is credited for the spread of Jainism in Karnataka?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Ashoka
[D] Samparati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta Maurya ]
Notes:
The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. The Emperor became a Jaina, gave up his throne and spent the last years of his life in Karnataka as a Jaina ascetic.
2. Which among the following rulers is often described as ‘the first empire builder of Indian History’?
[A] Dhanananda
[B] Mahapadmananda
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mahapadmananda ]
Notes:
The founder of Nanda dynasty, Mahapadmananda is often described as ‘the first empire builder of Indian History’.
3. The earliest evidence of Banking transactions in India comes from __:
[A] Vedic Era
[B] Maurya Era
[C] Gupta Era
[D] Medieval India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vedic Era ]
Notes:
Earliest evidence of Banking in India is found from the period of Vedic Civilization. During those days, loan deeds called rnapatra or rnalekhya were prevalent. Interest rates as well as usury was prevalent in Vedic India. The Vedic word Kusidin refers to an usurer.This term is also found in Manusmriti.
4. Who was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Seethalai Saathanaar ]
Notes:
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.
5. Who among the following introduced Shaka era?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Kushana emperor Kanishka is often recognized for the initiation of the Saka era. This significant event took place when he acceded to the throne in 78 A.D. The Saka era, also known as the Indian national calendar, is used alongside the Gregorian calendar by the Government of India.
6. Which of the following was main capital of Kushana king Kanishka-I?
[A] Purushapura
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Taxila
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Purushapura ]
Notes:
The capital of Kanishka I was at Purushapura (modern Peshawar) and regional capitals were Taxila (Pakistan), Begram (Afghanistan) and Mathura (India).
7. What metals were known to the people of Indus valley civilisation?
[A] Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron
[B] Copper, silver, iron but not bronze
[C] Copper, gold, iron but not silver
[D] Copper, silver, iron but not gold
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron ]
Notes:
The Indus valley people knew the use of copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron.
8. Jorwe culture, a Chalcolithic culture, was first discovered in which of the following states of India?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Jorwe is a village and an archaeological site located on the banks of the Godavari River in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This site was first was excavated in 1950-51 under the direction of Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia and Shantaram Bhalchandra Deo.
9. Which among the following comprises Code of Laws?
[A] Sutras
[B] Manusmriti
[C] Vedas
[D] Up Vedas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manusmriti]
Notes:
The Manusmriti, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmasastras of Hinduism. It was one of the first Sanskrit texts to have been translated into English in 1794, by Sir William Jones.
10. Which among the following is NOT correct ?
[A] The picture of Yogi is found in many Muhar in Harppa which who has three heads and sits in crossed legs indicating Shiva Worship
[B] The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft
[C] The dogs and cats were the favorite domesticated animals of Harppan people
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft]
Notes:
A lot of talismans made of bronze and copper have been found which indicate that People of Harappa believe in witchcrafts and dead souls
