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. Who assassinated Grahavarmana, the brother in law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Shashanka of Gauda
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Chandragupta
[D] Narsimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Shashanka of Gauda ]
Notes:
Shashanka of Gauda assassinated Grahavarmana and imprisoned his wife Rajyasri ( who was sister of Harshavardhana).
2. Who was the author of Aihole Inscription ?
[A] Ravikirti
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Bharavi
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ravikirti ]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription is a eulogy written by Ravikirti who was the court poet of Chalukya King Pulakesin II.
3. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
[A] Bolan Pass
[B] Nathu La Pass
[C] Shipki La Pass
[D] Bara-lacha la Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bolan Pass ]
Notes:
The Sakas came to India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes of Iranian origin.
4. In the Indus Valley Civilisation(IVC) which among the following site has a unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Surkotada
[C] Daimabad
[D] Banawali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dholavira ]
Notes:
Dholavira located at the Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, Gujarat. The archaeological finding at Dholavira are a) A unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system. B) A large well & a bath (giant water reservoirs). C) Only site to be divided into 3 parts. D) Largest Harappan inscription used for civic purpose. E) A stadium.
5. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
6. At which of the following Harappan sites, terracotta female figures were discovered?
[A] Mohenjo-daro
[B] Kot Bala
[C] Kot Diji
[D] Khirasara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mohenjo-daro]
Notes:
Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2500 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Various discoveries at Mohenjo-daro include- Great Bath (the biggest bath ghat), Great granary, Bronze dancing girl, Bearded man, terracotta toys, Bull seal, Pashupati seal, three cylindrical seals of the Mesopotamian type, a piece of woven cloth.
7. Who among the following is writer of the ‘Kalpasutra’?
[A] Simuka
[B] Panini
[C] Bhadrabahu
[D] Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bhadrabahu ]
Notes:
The Kalpasutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, most notably Parshvanath and Mahavira, including the latter’s Nirvana. The author of this text is Bhadrabahu.
8. 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.
9. 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
10. Which among the ancient Indian Play has referred to the defeat of Yavanas on the bank of River Sindhu in the hands of Vasumitra?
[A] Raghuvamsa
[B] Malvikagnimitram
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Dasakumarcharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malvikagnimitram]
Notes:
The play mentions Vasumitra, the son of Agnimitra, defeating a band of Yavanas on the right bank of the river Sindhu when they tried to capture the sacrificial horse of Pushyamitra.
