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. Who was the founder of Chalukya Dynasty ?
[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Pulakesin I
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Pulakesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin I ]
Notes:
Pulakesin I established the Badami Chalukya kingdom in the sixth century, with Vatapi, modern Badami in Karnataka, as its capital.
3. In the Indus Valley Civilization, Great Bath was found at which place?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Rakhi Garhi
[D] Ropar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
The Great Bath was discovered at Mohenjodaro in Sindh, Pakistan. It measures 11.88 meters x 7.01 meters and has a maximum depth of 2.43 meters.
4. Which Ashokan pillar edict provides a list of animals and birds killing of which was prohibited?
[A] Pillar edict V
[B] Pillar edict VIII
[C] Pillar edict XII
[D] Pillar edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pillar edict V ]
Notes:
Pillar Edict V lists protected animals and restrictions on killing or injuring animals. It also records that Ashoka had ordered the release of prisoners on twenty-five occasions by the twenty-sixth year after his consecration.
5. Which among the following is the bilingual inscription?
[A] Girnar Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Maski Inscription
[D] Bairut Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kandhar Inscription ]
Notes:
The Kandhar Inscription of Ashoka is bilingual (Greek and Aramaic) inscription.
6. The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as__?
[A] Dinara
[B] Couch
[C] Archer
[D] Chhatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dinara ]
Notes:
The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as Dinara. The dinara was named after the Roman coin, the denarius aureus, due to India’s trading contacts with the West.
7. Who was the elder brother and rightful heir to the throne prior to Ashoka?
[A] Kunala
[B] Susima
[C] tivara
[D] Odruka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Susima]
Notes:
Susima was the eldest son of Bindusara, making him the rightful heir to the throne. However, after a potential power struggle, Ashoka secured the throne. There are claims in Buddhist texts that Ashoka had 100 brothers, an assertion likely exaggerated as the term “brothers” could include half-brothers and cousins.
8. Dhauli Hills are located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Bihar
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
Dhauli is in Odisha, near Bhubaneswar on the Daya River. Ashoka’s rock edicts there include the Separate Kalinga Edicts.
9. Which among the following sites gives an evidence of maritime trade in harappan era?
[A] Mohen-jo dero
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
Lothal is a small mature Harappan settlement near Gulf of Khambat in Dhalka taluk of Ahmadabad in Gujrat. It was first excavated in 1957 by S R Rao. The notable structures at Lothal include a dockyard, warehouse, workshop for manufacturing of stone beads, evidence of shell working, rice husk and a cemetery.
10. In ancient India, which dynasty issued the largest number of Gold coins?
[A] Guptas
[B] Mauryas
[C] Cholas
[D] Nandas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guptas]
Notes:
The Guptas are noted for their abundant gold coinage. These coins depict royal achievements, religious symbols and activities such as music and hunting. Gold coins were already issued in India before the Gupta period.
