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 later Satavahana rulers of the second century CE recovered parts of the western Deccan from the Shakas?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Satkarni I
[C] Hala
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Yajna Sri Satakarni]
Notes:
Yajna Sri Satakarni was a later Satavahana ruler associated with the recovery of territory from the Shakas in parts of the western Deccan. His coins and inscriptions indicate a renewed Satavahana presence in western regions, including the Konkan. This distinguishes him from Gautamiputra Satakarni, who fought the Shakas earlier, and from Hala and Satakarni I, who are not associated with this later recovery.
2. Mahavir Swami belonged to which clan?
[A] Kosala
[B] Huna
[C] Jantriak
[D] Sakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jantriak ]
Notes:
Jantriak Vardhamana Mahavir belonged an aristocratic family and Kshatriya clan called Naya or Jnatri. He was born in Kudagrama , near modern Patna and his father was King of this area. His mother, Trishala was sister of Chetak (Cetakka) an eminent Lichchvi prince of Vaisali.
3. Who wrote Dashakumaracharita, and which Pallava ruler is generally associated with his literary career?
[A] Dandin, Narasimhavarman II
[B] Bharavi, Nandivarman II
[C] Appar, Dandivarman I
[D] Bharavi, Narsimhavarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dandin, Narasimhavarman II]
Notes:
Dandin wrote Dashakumaracharita and Kavyadarsha. His literary career is generally associated with the Pallava court of Narasimhavarman II, also called Rajasimha.
4. Vidhushaka in Sanskrit drama belongs to which varna?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaishya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmana]
Notes:
In Sanskrit drama, Vidhushaka is depicted as a Brahmana. He serves as the hero’s attendant and is educated in Sanskrit. Though educated, he speaks Prakrit, the vernacular language. The Natyasastra by Bharata includes Vidhushaka among principal characters. Brahmana is one of the four varnas in the traditional Hindu social order.
5. Which among the following Harappan site has been divided into three parts?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Surkotda
[C] Daimabad
[D] Mohenjodaro
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.
6. Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes:
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
7. Which of the following is the most common motif of the Indus seals?
[A] Unicorn
[B] Bull
[C] Rhinoceros
[D] Elephant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Unicorn]
Notes:
The unicorn is the most frequently depicted motif on Indus seals. It appears in a large number of seal impressions from the Harappan civilisation and is identified by a single horn, often shown in profile. Its exact symbolic or religious meaning is not certain, but among the animal figures on Indus seals, the unicorn is the most common.
8. Which of the following metals were known to the people of the Indus Valley civilisation:
- Copper
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The Indus Valley civilisation people used copper, bronze, silver, and gold. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, reflects advanced metallurgy. Silver and gold were utilized for ornaments and trade. Iron was not known or used, which differentiates this civilisation from later Indian societies. Hence, all four metals except iron were known and used by them.
9. 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.
10. The term “Vitasta” in Rig Veda refers to which among the following rivers?
[A] Indus
[B] Beas
[C] Jhelum
[D] Chenab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jhelum]
Notes:Rigvedic Name and Modern Names of Indian Rivers:
| Ancient Name |
Modern Name |
| Sindhu |
Indus |
| Vitasta |
Jhelum |
| Askini |
Chenab |
| Vipasa |
Beas |
| Purushini |
Ravi |
| Satudri |
Sutlej |
| Gomal |
Gomati |
| Drishvadati |
Ghaggar |