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 among the following laid down for punishment for a person becoming mendicant without making adequate provision for dependent wife and children?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Kautilya
[D] Narada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kautilya ]
Notes:
Chanakya : He is also known by Vishnugupta, Kautilya,was born around 350 BC and is known for his being the chief architect of Mauryan Empire and writing the pioneering work in the Economics and Political Science that is Arthashstra. He is known as Indian Machiavelli in the western world.
2. During reign of Harsha, the Kannauj assembly was held to publicise the doctrines of which of the following sects?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Hinayana
[C] Theravada
[D] Svetambara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahayana ]
Notes:
The Kannauj assembly (643 AD) was held in the honour of Hieun Tsang (Chinese pilgrim) and to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism.Harshavardhana was a Mahayana Buddhist. He organised Kannauj assembly (643 AD) to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Though, he was a tolerant ruler and supported all Indic faiths viz. Buddhism, Vedism and Jainism. The scholars regarded him as the last great Hindu emperor of India, who ruled over Northern India.
3. Which of the following are ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Upanishads
[C] Aranyakas
[D] Itihasas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Brahmanas ]
Notes:
The ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas were known as the Brahmanas.
4. As per the Dharmashastras, what does ‘Anuloma Vivah’ mean ?
[A] A marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman
[B] A marriage between a lower caste man and a higher caste woman
[C] A marriage between a man and woman of a same caste
[D] A marriage between a man and a woman of same gotra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ A marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman ]
Notes:
An Anuloma vivah is a marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman. A Pratiloma Vivah is a marriage between a lower caste man and a higher caste woman.
5. Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador of which of the following Indo-Greek kings?
[A] Antialcidas Nikephoros
[B] Selecus Nicator
[C] Alexander
[D] Constantine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Antialcidas Nikephoros ]
Notes:
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador of Indo-Greek king Antialcidas Nikephoros of Taxila in the court of Sunga King Bhagbhadra. He erected famous votive Heliodorus pillar around 110 BC near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
6. Who composed Prayag-Prashasti inscription during the Gupta period?
[A] Harisena
[B] Veerasena
[C] Amarkhaddava
[D] Aswaghosa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Harisena ]
Notes:
Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, who mentioned the achievements of Samudragupta in the Prayag-Prasasti inscription (or Allahabad Pillar inscription).
7. In which among the following sacrifices, the sacrificial materials used was sura in Vedic Era?
[A] Agnistoma
[B] Rajasuya
[C] Sautramani
[D] Vajapeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sautramani]
Notes:
Sautramani was the sacrifice of the asuras and was adopted by the devas. The sacrificial materials used was sura, wine. In the Sautramani sacrifice the oblations of sura are prescribed.
8. The “Rajtarangini”, described the history of which region in India as per Kalhana?
[A] Kashmir
[B] Malwa
[C] Magadha
[D] Gandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kashmir]
Notes:
The “Rajtarangini”, written by the Kashmiri poet-historian Kalhana in the 12th century, provides a detailed historical account of Kashmir. It is recognized for its comprehensiveness and adherence to historical facts. Regarded as the first attempt at historiography in the Indian subcontinent, the Rajtarangini presents Kashmir’s history, starting from mythical antiquity to the 12th century. It was written in Sanskrit language, and it consists of over 7,800 verses.
9. There is no evidence of cultivation of which among the Barley , Sugarcane, Rice & Field pea at any of the sites of the Indus valley ?
[A] Sugarcane, Rice & Field pea
[B] Rice & Field pea
[C] Sugarcane Only
[D] Rice only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sugarcane Only]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Sugarcane Only.” While barley and rice were cultivated in the Indus Valley Civilization, there is no archaeological evidence of sugarcane cultivation in that region during that period. The Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2500 BCE, is known for its advanced agricultural practices, including the cultivation of barley and rice, but sugarcane was primarily cultivated in other regions, such as Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, before spreading to India later.
10. Which among the following Brahman provides details of cultivation process?
[A] Aitarey
[B] Kaushitaki
[C] Satpatha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satpatha]
Notes:
The Shatapatha / Satapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Śukla Yajurveda. It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas. It contains details of cultivation process along with detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology.
