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 term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
2. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the teachings of Buddhism?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Both b & c
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sutta Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Sutta-pitaka (or basket of suttas) contains the essence of the Gautma Buddha’s teaching regarding the Dhamma. It contains more than 10,000 suttas (or teachings) attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples. It is the second of three sections of the Tripitaka, the earliest Buddhist scripture. The Sutta Pitaka is made of five nikayas ( or collections) of suttas viz. Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, Khuddaka Nikaya.
3. 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.
4. Who assumed the title of ‘Ksitipasatapatih’ (Lord of hundred Kings)?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Skandgupta
[C] Ashoka
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Skandgupta ]
Notes:
The titles of Skandagupta are Parambhattaraka, Paramdevta, Maharajadhiraj, Kramaditya, Vikramaditya, etc. In the Kahaum inscription he is also known as KsitipaSatapatih (or lord of a hundred kings).
5. During the period of Harshavardhana the fields were watered by the pots which were called Ghati yantra. The writing of which among the following authors records this?
[A] Hiuen-tsang
[B] Subhandhu
[C] Dandin
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hiuen-tsang]
Notes:
Hiuen-tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who traveled to India in the seventh century and described the interaction between Chinese Buddhism and Indian Buddhism during the early Tang dynasty. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha. Ghati Yantras was recorded by him.
6. Who among the following was the most important divinity during the early Vedic era?
[A] Agni
[B] Indra
[C] Vayu
[D] Varuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indra]
Notes:
Some major deities of the Vedic tradition include Indra, Surya, Agni, Ushas, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Mitra, Aditi, Yama, Soma, Sarasvati, Prithvi, and Rudra. Among all Indra is the most important god.
7. Which among the following is true?
[A] the gold coins issued by Guptas were having more Gold Content than Kushanas
[B] The gold coins issued by Kushana were having more Gold content than Guptas
[C] Both were having the same fraction of Gold
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The gold coins issued by Kushana were having more Gold content than Guptas]
Notes:
According to the Indian Archaeology, the gold coins were issued by different emperors. Kushanas issued gold coins that were being used to make trade relation easier. The Gupta emperors made the most aristocratic gold coins. The gold coins of Gupta rulers were better than Kushana rulers because Gupta used good quality gold for the coins. This indicates that Gupta coins were more expensive and high quality.
8. Nakulin or Lakulin is considered to be a founder of which of the following sects?
[A] Pashupat
[B] Saiva
[C] Kapalika
[D] Kalamukhas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pashupat]
Notes:
Pashupata sect to worships the god Shiva as the supreme deity. Acording to Mahabharat, Shiva indicated that he would enter a dead body and incarnate himself as Lakulin or Nakulin or Lakulisha. Inscriptions from the 10th and 13th centuries refer to a teacher named Lakulin, whose followers believed him to be an incarnation of Shiva.
9. Who is the author of the historical text “Rajavalipataka”?
[A] Kalhana
[B] Pandit Jonaraja
[C] Pandit Shrivara
[D] Pandit Prajabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pandit Prajabhatta]
Notes:
Pandit Prajabhatta is credited with the authorship of “Rajavalipataka”. This text is a significant historical chronicle, offering valuable insights into the cultural, socio-economic, and political aspects of the time it represents. The erudite scholars of ancient and medieval India have contributed significantly to the preservation and propagation of historical knowledge, highlighting their importance in historical research and understanding.
10. Who among the following were also known as Tocharians?
[A] Kushanas
[B] Hunas
[C] Greeks
[D] Shakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kushanas]
Notes:
The Tocharians were an Indo-European people who inhabited the medieval oasis city-states on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin in ancient times. The Tocharian languages, a branch of the Indo-European family, are known from manuscripts from the 6th to 8th centuries AD. The Kushans were most probably one of five branches of the Yuezhi confederation, an Indo-European nomadic people of possible Tocharian origin.
