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. First Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Ajatsatru
[B] Ashoka
[C] Kanishka
[D] Kalasoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ajatsatru ]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council was held at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha in 72 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ajatsatru. It was held under the Presidentship of Mahakassapa to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
3. Where was the second Jain council held?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Patliputra
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi ]
Notes:
The second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi under the chairmainship of Devaradhi Kshamasramana in 512 AD and resulted in finl compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
4. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana in which of the following?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Puranas
[C] Nitlur minor rock edict
[D] Maski edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Puranas ]
Notes:
In the Puranas, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana. However, in the Rudradaman’s Junagarh rock edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is mentioned as Asoka Maurya.
5. The word ‘Sangam’ of Sangam Age was closely associated with which of the following?
[A] Crowd
[B] Assembly
[C] Influence
[D] Source
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Assembly ]
Notes:
The word Sangam is associated with a College or Assembly of Tamil scholars and Poets .
6. Which among the following sites gives an evidence of maritime trade in harappan era?
[A] Mohen-jo dero
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
Lothal is a small mature Harappan settlement near Gulf of Khambat in Dhalka taluk of Ahmadabad in Gujrat. It was first excavated in 1957 by S R Rao. The notable structures at Lothal include a dockyard, warehouse, workshop for manufacturing of stone beads, evidence of shell working, rice husk and a cemetery.
7. Battle of the Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and King Porus in 326 BC. Hydapses means which river________?
[A] Jelum
[B] Indus
[C] Beas
[D] Ravi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jelum]
Notes:
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. In 326 BC, the Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexender the great and Porus along the banks of Haydaspes river( Jhelum river) in Punjab. Porus, the King of Paurava, ruled the area between the rivers Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab). Though, Porus was defeated, Alexendar was impressed by Porus’s might so asked Porus to rule his dynasty under his name.
8. What was the profession of Karmara in Vedic age?
[A] Blacksmith
[B] Potter
[C] Ratha (Chariot ) Makers
[D] Goldsmith
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Blacksmith]
Notes:Some of the ancient professions and their names are as follows:
- Karmara – Blacksmith
- Takshan – Carpenter
- Vapta – Barber
- Charmana – Tanner
- Hiranayakara – Goldsmith
- Tantuvaya – weaver
9. Saka Year is how many years behind the Christian Era?
[A] 50
[B] 75
[C] 78
[D] 100
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [78]
Notes:
The Shaka era is a historical calendar era, the epoch of which corresponds to Julian year 78. Kanishka the Great, was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century founded the Shaka era.
10. We have read that the writing in the Indus valley Civilization was Boustrophedon. This means that ______?
[A] It was written left to right
[B] It was written right to left
[C] It was written left to right and right to left in alternate lines
[D] It was written up to down
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It was written left to right and right to left in alternate lines]
Notes:
Boustrophedon is a type of bi-directional text, mostly seen in ancient manuscripts and other inscriptions. Every other line of writing is flipped or reversed, with reversed letters.
