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 Satavahana ruler composed Gathasaptashati?
[A] Simuka
[B] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[C] Pulumayi
[D] Hala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hala ]
Notes:
The Gathasaptashati, also called Gaha Sattasai, is a collection of about 700 poems in Maharashtri Prakrit, traditionally associated with the Satavahana king Hala. It contains compositions by several poets and poetesses, mainly on love and everyday life.
2. One of the writers of the Dharmashashtra disapproved the practice of Sati declaring it as an act of suicide. Identify him from the given options:
[A] Angiras
[B] Medhatithi
[C] Usana
[D] Visnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Medhatithi ]
Notes:
Medhatithi is one of the oldest and most famous commentators on the Manusmriti. He considered sati system identical to suicide, which was forbidden by the Vedas. One shall not die before the span of one’s life is run out.
3. 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.
4. Which prehistoric age saw a very distinct growth in the human population?
[A] Lower Paleolithic Age
[B] Upper Paleolithic Age
[C] Mesolithic Age
[D] Neolithic Age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mesolithic Age]
Notes:
The Mesolithic Age is associated with a marked increase in human population. Improved microlith tools, better food collection, and a more settled way of life supported larger groups.
5. The achievements of Samudragupta are mentioned in which inscription?
[A] Hathigumpha inscription
[B] Allahabad Pillar inscription
[C] Bairut inscription
[D] Junagarh Pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Allahabad Pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are composed by his court-poet Harisena in Allahabad Pillar inscription ( or Prayag-Prasasti inscription).
6. Jorwe culture, a Chalcolithic culture, was first discovered in which of the following states of India?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Jorwe is a village and an archaeological site located on the banks of the Godavari River in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This site was first was excavated in 1950-51 under the direction of Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia and Shantaram Bhalchandra Deo.
7. Which of the following dynasties arose from the Guishuang branch of the Yuezhi?
[A] Kushans
[B] Shakas
[C] Hunas
[D] Kalabhras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushans arose from the Guishuang branch of the Yuezhi. The label “Tocharian” has been used in different historical and linguistic senses and should not be treated as an exact synonym for all Kushans.
8. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of which among the following Sen kings?
[A] Ballal Sen
[B] Vijay Sen
[C] Samnta Sen
[D] Hemanta Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vijay Sen]
Notes:
Vijaya Sena is also known as Vijay Sen in vernacular literature, was the son of Hemanta Sena, and succeeded him as a Sena dynasty ruler of Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of Vijay sen.
9. The three sangams were organized under the chairmanship of which of the following?
[A] Rishi Agastya, Nakkirar, Rishi Agastya
[B] Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar
[C] Nakkirar,Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar]
Notes:
In the traditional account, Agastya is associated with the first two Sangams and Nakkirar with the third. Agastya is described as a sage, not a king.
10. Which among the following was referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in Early vedic era?
[A] Earth
[B] Fire
[C] Water
[D] Moon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fire]
Notes:
Fire is referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in early vedic era. It has a great importance. There are lots of verses in vedas related to fire.
