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. 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 refers to a “sacrifice performed in order to please god Indra” and represented one of the various rituals mentioned in Taittiriya school of the Krishna Yajurveda. This sacrifice involved use of Sura.
2. At which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization, the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found ?
[A] Mohen-jo-daro
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kalibangan ]
Notes:
Kalibangan – is an archaeological site where Ploughed Field, Bones of Camel, Circular and Rectangular Graves, distinctive fire (Vedic ) altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found.
3. Who among the following is the author of ‘Harshacharita’ ?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Harshavardhan
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Banabhatta ]
Notes:
Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana, who wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. Harshacharita is an important historical work narratted the incidents of the earlier part of Harsha’s reign.
4. Which of the following Pallava rulers invaded the Chalukya Kingdom and captured Badami ?
[A] Narsimhavarman I
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Vishnuvardhan
[D] Mahendravarnan I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman I ]
Notes:
In the Battle of Vatapi, the Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I defeated and killed Pulakesin II and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD. Thus, he assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
5. Who among the following is known as the father of Indian prehistory?
[A] Robert Bruce Foote
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] E.J.H. Mackay
[D] Sir John Marshall
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Robert Bruce Foote]
Notes:
Robert Bruce Foote is regarded as the father of Indian prehistory because of his pioneering work in identifying and studying prehistoric sites in India. As a geologist with the Geological Survey of India, he discovered important stone tools at Pallavaram in 1863, one of the earliest recognized prehistoric finds in the country. His research helped establish the scientific study of India’s prehistoric past and laid the foundation for later archaeological investigations.
6. “Revere all the Buddhas, revere the dharma, revere the sangha” Which among the following quotes this _________?
[A] Allahabad Pillar Inscription
[B] Asoka Edict XII
[C] Asoka Edict X
[D] Mathura Lion capital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mathura Lion capital ]
Notes:
Mathura Lion capital will be the correct answer.
7. Which among the following was the last ruler of Gupta empire?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Buddhagupta
[D] Kumaragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnugupta ]
Notes:
Vishnugupta was the last ruler of the Gupta empire. His reign lasted 10 years, from 540 to 550 CE.
8. Savatthi was capital of which among the 16 Mahajanpadas?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosala
[C] Matsya
[D] Anga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kosala]
Notes:
Sravasti was the capital of Kosala . There are 16 Mahajanapadas. The Mahajanapadas represent the state system of 600BC. The processes of emergence of Mahajanpadas were initiated by certain important economic changes.
9. In which period of the Indian History , the number zero as well as decimal system were invented?
[A] Gupta
[B] Maurya
[C] Nanda
[D] Chedi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta]
Notes:
The concept of zero as a number, and the use of a symbol to represent it, are generally attributed to the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. In his book “Aryabhatiya,” which was written in the 5th century CE, Aryabhata described the concept of zero as a placeholder in positional notation, and he used a dot to represent it. This was a significant development in the history of mathematics, as it allowed for the creation of more sophisticated mathematical systems.
10. What was the most prominent reason of arrival of Indo-Aryans from central Asia , possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea?
[A] They were in search of arable land
[B] They were of Nomadic Culture
[C] They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors
[D] They were aware of prosperity of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors]
Notes:
Getting defeated by European neighbor’s is the main reason for the Indo-Aryans to move away from that area. They came to India possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea.
