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. Which among the following places have given the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent?
[A] Pratapgarh
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Quetta
[D] Kalat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
The earliest evidence of Agriculture in Indian subcontinent is found at Mehrgarh, which is located in Baluchistan state of Pakistan.
3. Who was the father of King Harshavardhan ?
[A] Prabhakara Vardhana
[B] Bhaskar vardhan
[C] Jaivardhan
[D] Mahavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Prabhakara Vardhana ]
Notes:
Prabhakara Vardhana, the founder of Vardhana Dynasty ruled from 580-605 AD. He had two sons – Rajya Vardhan and Harshvardhan and one daughter, Rajyasri. He died fighting with the Huns in 605 A.D.
4. In the Indus Valley civilization the Great Granary was found in which among the following sites?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Surkotada
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
Great Granary was found at Mohen-jo daro, while six small granaries were found at Harappa.
5. In which among the following sacrifices, the sacrificial materials used was sura in Vedic Era?
[A] Agnistoma
[B] Rajasuya
[C] Sautramani
[D] Vajapeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sautramani]
Notes:
Sautramani was the sacrifice of the asuras and was adopted by the devas. The sacrificial materials used was sura, wine. In the Sautramani sacrifice the oblations of sura are prescribed.
6. The following were the immediate successors of imperial Mauryas?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Kushans
[C] Nandas
[D] Sungas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sungas]
Notes:
The Shunga Empire was an ancient Indian dynasty from Magadha that controlled areas of the central and eastern Indian subcontinent from around 185 to 75 BCE. They are the immediate successors of imperial Mauryas.
7. Under whose reign were some Greeks or “Yavans” converted to the Vaishnava Cult?
[A] Shungas
[B] Nandas
[C] Shakas
[D] Satavahans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shungas]
Notes:
The Shungas succeeded the Maurya Empire and their rule witnessed the conversion of some Greeks or “Yavans” to the Vaishnava Cult. This period marked a blending of cultures and religions as the borders expanded, and it led to the propagation and transformation of religious practices that had impact on both Indian and Greek civilizations. Not much is known about the Yavans, but it is indicative of cross-cultural exchanges that occurred.
8. Partha was the name of which of the following character in Mahabharta?
[A] Arjuna
[B] Bhima
[C] Krishna
[D] Yudhisthara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arjuna]
Notes:
Partha is the name of Arjuna in Mahabharata. He was called Partha by his dear friend Sri Krishna.
9. Which among the following best suits to Vajrasana?
[A] The place where Buddha got enlightment
[B] The Place where First Buddhist Council was held
[C] The capital of one of the clans of Athakula
[D] The site where a Mauryan Palace has been excavated
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The place where Buddha got enlightment]
Notes:
The Vajrasana is an ancient stone slab located under the Bodhi tree, directly beside the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. It was placed at Bodhgayā by emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire between 250-233 BCE, at the spot where the Buddha gained enlightenment about 200 years before.
10. To perform which among the following functions, Rajukas were appointed by Asoka?
[A] Revenue Functions
[B] Judicial Functions
[C] Religious Functions
[D] Military Functions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Judicial Functions]
Notes:
The rajukas worked in a judicial capacity as well as being revenue administrators. During asoka’s reign they were given increased judicial powers in the settlement of disputes.
