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] Charana
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Charana]
Notes:
Charana is a term used for a Vedic school or tradition of learning connected with the transmission of a branch of the Vedas. It refers to a lineage or educational tradition followed by teachers and students for preserving and studying Vedic knowledge. Shakha means a branch of a Veda, while Ratha and Yajna have different meanings in Vedic literature. Therefore, Charana is the correct answer.
2. Which among the following is the most unique feature of Dholavira site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Its city was horizontally divided in multiple parts
[B] Its city was unevenly divided
[C] Its city was divided into 3 parts
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Its city was divided into 3 parts]
Notes:
Dholavira is distinctive among major Indus Valley sites because its urban plan was organized into three principal divisions: the citadel, the middle town, and the lower town. This three-tier layout is one of the site’s most noted planning features and sets it apart from many other Harappan settlements, which are typically described in two broad zones. Hence, the statement that its city was divided into 3 parts is correct.
3. The Vallabhi University was set up by which ruler?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Bhattarka
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Gopala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bhattarka ]
Notes:
The Maitrak King, Bhattarka established the Vallabhi University in Gujarat.
4. Who among the following wrote ‘Nagananda’?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Simhanada
[C] Pulakesin II
[D] Harshavardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Harshavardhana ]
Notes:
The emperor of Vardhana dynasty, Harshavardhana wrote a play ‘Nagananda’. It describes the story of the Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas. It has an enlightening Buddhist legend for its subject and is one of the best works of the Indian Drama.
5. Which among the following Pallava king wrote the famous burlesque ‘Mattavilasa Prahasana’ ?
[A] Mahendravarman I
[B] Narsimhavarman
[C] Narsimhavarman II
[D] Paramesvar Varman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahendravarman I ]
Notes:
The versatile Pallava ruler and great scholar Mahendravarman I wrote the famous burlesque Mattavilasa Prahasana (the Sport of Drunkards). It is a short one-act Sanskrit play.
6. Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
[A] Bhabru rock edict
[B] Kalinga rock edict
[C] Tarai rock edict
[D] Barabar cave rock edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhabru rock edict ]
Notes:
The Bhabru rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism. The rock edict stated that he has full faith in Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma.
7. In which inscription, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha)?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Dipavamsa Inscription
[D] Babhru Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Babhru Inscription ]
Notes:
In Babhru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.
8. Who was the author of the Jivaka Chintamani?
[A] Perudevanar
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Tiruttakrdeva
[D] Ilango Adigal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Tiruttakrdeva ]
Notes:
The epic tamil poem, Jivaka Cintamani (also known as Civaka Cintamani) is a Jain religious epic authored by jain saint Tiruttakrdeva. This epic is considered one of the classic epics of Sangam Literature. The poem means “fabulous gem”and is also known as Manannul (Book of Marriages).
9. Purusha sukta is a part of which among the following vedas?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Rig Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Yajur Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
Rig Veda Purusha sukta is the Xth mandal of the Rig Veda that explains the origin of four varnas viz. Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
10. Which among the following can best define the Neolithic Revolution ?
[A] Green Revolution
[B] Technology Revolution
[C] Milk Revolution
[D] Agricultural Revolution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Agricultural Revolution ]
Notes:
The Neolithic Revolution or Neolithic Demographic Transition, sometimes called the Agricultural Revolution, was the world’s first historically verifiable revolution in agriculture. It was the wide-scale transition of many human cultures from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to one of agriculture and settlement which supported an increasingly large population. Archaeological data indicates that various forms of plants and animal domestication evolved in separate locations worldwide, starting around 12,000 years ago.
