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 Chinese emperors was contemporary of Harshavardhana?
[A] Taizong
[B] Wu Zetian
[C] Ruizong
[D] Xuanzong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taizong ]
Notes:
In 641 AD Harshavardhan sent an envoy to Taizong (Tai-Tsung), the Tang emperor of China and in return, the Chinese ruler sent three embassies to Harsha court.
2. Who among the following Chalukyan king sent an ambassador to Persian king Khusrau II ?
[A] Pulakesin I
[B] Pulakesin II
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
The Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II sent an ambassador to the Persian king Khusrau II in 625 A.D. And received one from him.
3. What is the number of prehistoric rock shelters in Bhimbetka?
[A] 221
[B] 243
[C] 268
[D] 289
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 243 ]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka group of rock shelters contains 243 prehistoric rock shelters. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The site is spread over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are renowned for their prehistoric rock shelters and paintings. The paintings date back to approximately 30,000 years and provide valuable insights into early human civilization. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. At which of the following sites, largest variety of food grains in the Chalcolithic age has been found?
[A] Navdatoli
[B] Gilund
[C] Adamgarh
[D] Banahali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Navdatoli ]
Notes:
At Navdatoli, located near Maheshwar town in Madhya Pradesh in Narmada valley, several varieties of food grains like rice, jowar, ragi etc. have been found.
5. 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.
6. Consider the following rulers:
- Bimbisar of Magadha
- Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala
- Udayan of Avanti
Which of the above rulers were contemporary of Buddha?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Bimbisara of Magadha, Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala, and Udayan of Avanti were all rulers during Buddha’s time.
7. Kotada timba, which contains ruins of an ancient Harappan city is located in which among the following states?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat]
Notes:
Dholavira in Gujarat is known locally as Kotada timba. This site contains ruins of a city of the ancient Indus Valley civilization.
8. What is the meaning of kalibangan in Rajasthan which shows the prehistoric and pre-Mauryan character of Indus Valley Civilization ?
[A] Black River
[B] Black Bangles
[C] Black forest
[D] Black land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Black Bangles]
Notes:
- Kali = Black
- Bangan = Bangles
9. Which among the following was referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in Early vedic era?
[A] Earth
[B] Fire
[C] Water
[D] Moon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fire]
Notes:
Fire is referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in early vedic era. It has a great importance. There are lots of verses in vedas related to fire.
10. Which Jain Tirthankara is regarded as female by the Shwetambar sect of Jainism?
[A] 16th
[B] 18th
[C] 19th
[D] 20th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [19th]
Notes:
Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, is divided into two main sects – the Shwetambars and the Digambars. In a unique aspect, the Shwetambars believe the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinath, to have been a woman. However, this belief is not shared by the Digambar sect. This diversity in perspectives showcases the complexities and variations that exist even within single religious communities.
