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 reign of which of the following reigns was known as golden age for Mathura school of art?
[A] Indo-Greeks
[B] Sakas
[C] Kushanas
[D] Gupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushanas ]
Notes:
The period of Kushana King Kanishka, Huviska and Vasudeva is considered to be golden age for Mathura school of art. The theme of Mathura school of art may vary from Buddhist to Brahmanical to sometimes secular. The more stress is given to the inner beauty and facial emotions rather than bodily gesture. The sculptures were made on White-spotted red stones.
2. Which of the following Upanishads is composed in prose form?
[A] Isa Upanishad
[B] Katha Upanishad
[C] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Svetasvatara Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]
Notes:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the oldest Upanishads and is estimated to have been composed about 700 BCE. It is written in prose and forms part of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda. It is considered as a source of philosophical doctrines, metaphorical speculative thoughts and mystical symbolism in Hinduism.
3. In which state / UT of India, the first Paleolithic site was discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Karnataka ]
Notes:
The first evidence of the Stone Age culture in India surfaced in Karnataka as early as in 1842 when Dr. Primrose discovered polished stone knives and arrow heads at Lingsugur in Raichur district of Karnataka.
4. Which Gupta emperor was an expert Veena player?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta was an expert ‘ Veena’ player and adopted the title of Kaviraj (King of poets). He was not only a great warrior but also a great patron of art and literature.
5. 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).
6. Which of the following rivers was known as “Drishdvati” in Vedic Era?
[A] Ravi
[B] Chenab
[C] Jhelum
[D] Ghagghar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ghagghar]
Notes:
In the Vedic era, the river Ghaggar-Hakra, which flowed through parts of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab in India, and Cholistan in Pakistan, was known as “Drishdvati” or “Drishadvati.” The Ghaggar-Hakra river system was an important river during the Vedic period and is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
It was one of the major rivers along which the early Vedic people settled and established their civilization. However, the Ghaggar-Hakra river system lost its prominence over time due to a number of factors, including tectonic activity and climate change. The river gradually dried up, leaving behind a dry channel that can still be seen today.
7. Which Seleucid king’s name appears on Ashoka’s edicts?
[A] Antiochus I Soter
[B] Seleucus IV Philopator
[C] Antiochus II Theos
[D] Seleucus II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Antiochus II Theos]
Notes:
Antiochus II Theos, ruler of Syria, is mentioned in Ashoka’s edicts among Hellenistic contemporaries: Ptolemy II (Egypt), Magas (Cyrene), Antigonus Gonatas (Macedonia), and Alexander (Epirus).
8. As per the Hindu Philosophy, what is the number of articles under the restraints and practices (Yamas and Niyamas)?
[A] 5
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 36
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [20]
Notes:
The 10 Yamas are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (marital fidelity and chastity), Kshama, Dhriti (fortitude), Daya (compassion), Arjava (sincerity and non-hypocrisy), Mitahara (measured diet).
The 10 Niyamas are Tapas (persistence), Santosa (contentment), Astikya (belief in self and God), Dana (generosity), Isvarpujana (worship of one’s God), Siddhanta Sravana (listening to scriptures), Mati (thinking and understanding), Japa (reciting prayers), Huta & Vrata. Huta means religious rituals and Vrata means fulfilling religious vows.
9. Which of the following places is known for painted rock shelters belonging to Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages ?
[A] Utnur
[B] Uyyur
[C] Bhimbetka
[D] Bairath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhimbetka]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric paleolithic and mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent and evidence of Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian.
10. Which was the second capital of Kanishka?
[A] Mathura
[B] Sanchi
[C] Banaras
[D] Pataliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mathura]
Notes:
Kanishka’s main capital was at Peshawar (Purushpura) and regional capitals is at Taxila in Pakistan, Begram in Afghanistan and Mathura in India. Mathura had a status of almost a second capital.