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 king was the ruler of all except Brahamanas”. This was the view of __?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Apasthamba
[D] Gautama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautama ]
Notes:
Gautama-dharmasutra The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana, and Vasistha The Dharmasutras are the four surviving written works of the ancient Indian tradition on the subject of dharma, or the rules of behavior a community recognizes as binding on its members. Gautama- dharmasutra is believed to be the oldest of the four Hindu Dharmasastras, It survives as an independent treatise. According to Gautama the ruler is the owner of everything in his realm except the brahmanas.
2. Which Chalukyan ruler set up it capital at Vengi ?
[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Mahendravarman
[C] Kakusthavarman
[D] Pulakesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnuvardhan ]
Notes:
The son of Pulakesin II, Vishnuvardhan established the eastern branch of the chalukyas with it’s capital first at Pistapur and later at Vengi.
3. Mathura, the famous city was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?
[A] Panchal
[B] Kasi
[C] Kuru
[D] Sursena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sursena ]
Notes:
Mathura, the famous city was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada.
4. Which rock edict of Ashoka mentions the purpose of the rock edicts?
[A] Major Rock Edict XIV
[B] Major Rock Edict XV
[C] Major Rock Edict XI
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict XIV ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIV describes the purpose of the rock edicts of different parts of the country.
5. Which among the following Ashokan inscriptions mentions the name Ashoka?
[A] Bhabru Edict
[B] Maski Edict
[C] Puranas
[D] Junagarh Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Maski Edict ]
Notes:
The Mauryan Emperor Asoka has been mentioned by name ‘Ashoka’ in his inscriptions at Maski and Gujarra only.
6. The Nalanda University was founded by which Gupta ruler mentioned as Shakraditya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
Some archaeological sources identify a monarch called Shakraditya as founder of Nalanda university. The scholars identify Shakraditya as 5th-century CE Gupta emperor, Kumaragupta-I, whose coin has been discovered at Nalanda.
7. Which among the following sites in Haryana, is the place as per legends where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita?
[A] Jyotisar
[B] Pehowa
[C] Shahabad
[D] Ladwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jyotisar]
Notes:
Jyotisar is situated at 5 kms from the town of Kurukshetra in Haryana. It was in this very spot that Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, and it is aptly called “Gitopadesha.”
8. A civilization (mature period 2600–1900 BCE) which was centred mostly in the western part of the Indian Subcontinent?
[A] Vedic civilization
[B] Mahajanpada
[C] Kushan Empire
[D] Indus Valley Civilization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indus Valley Civilization ]
Notes:
Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that thrived from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE, although its mature period is generally considered to be from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization was primarily located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing present-day Pakistan and northwest India. The major urban centers of the civilization included Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal. The civilization is known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, sophisticated brickwork, and a script that has not yet been deciphered.
9. Etti, Kavidi and Eradi are names of which among the following in sangam age?
[A] taxes
[B] Titles
[C] Places
[D] crops
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Titles]
Notes:
Etti, Kavidi and Eradi are the Titles followed in sangam age. The Sangam Age was the period of history of ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala and parts of Sri Lanka.
10. The famous Gayatri mantra is addressed to which of the following vedic goddess?
[A] Aditi
[B] Saraswati
[C] Savitri
[D] Laxmi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Savitri]
Notes:
The Gāyatrī Mantra is also known as the Sāvitri Mantra. It is an important mantra from the Rig Veda dedicated to Savitri, the deity of five elements. Gāyatrī is the name of the Goddess of the Vedic Mantra in which the verse is composed.