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. These questions are part of GKToday’s 35000+ MCQs Bank Course in GKToday Android App
21. Which of the following is the first month of the Saka era?
[A] Chaitra
[B] Vaishakha
[C] Phalguna
[D] Pausha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chaitra]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana Empire. It started from the year 78 A.D. The national calendar is based on the Saka Era. Its first month is Chaitra. It starts from 22 March 1957 along with the Gregorian calendar for the following official purposes: Gazette of India. News broadcast by All India Radio.
22. Which of the following animal figures was frequently represented on the Indus seals?
[A] Elephant
[B] Humped bull
[C] Unicorn
[D] Rhinoceros
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Unicorn]
Notes:
The one-horned unicorn is seen depicted on many miniature steatite Indus seals especially on the top with inscription below in line with mythical legends of other ancient cultures. Some inferences link the image with sacred concentrated forces wearing one-horned headgear.
23. The beginnings of the Harappan script can be traced back to the potter’s marks found at:
[A] Kalibangan and Gumla
[B] Mundigak and Damb Sadat
[C] Kot Diji and Kalibangan
[D] Amri and Gumla
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mundigak and Damb Sadat]
Notes:
Early prototypes of the undeciphered Indus script have been traced to potters’ marks discovered at Mundigak in Afghanistan and Damb Sadaat in Pakistan, dating between 3500 BCE and 3000 BCE. These sites had trading ties with Harappans. Signs on pottery later developed into a pictographic script using 400 glyphs by mature Harappan phase around 2500 BCE.
24. What was the other name of dasas during the Rig Vedic period?
[A] A-vrata
[B] Yadu
[C] Turvasha
[D] Druhyu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A-vrata]
Notes:
The indigenous inhabitants were called “dasyus” or “ dasas”. They were also referred as a-vrata which means those who do not obey the ordinances of the gods and akratu which means those who do not perform sacrifices.
25. Which of the following is also also known by the name of Jitendriya?
[A] Dharmnath
[B] Parshavnath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Ajitnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahavira]
Notes:
Vardhamana Mahavira is considered as the 24th and last Tirthankara or Jina. Jina means victor, one who has attained infinite knowledge. Mahavira was also known by the names of Jitendriya and Arihant.
26. Arrange the following realms in ascending order as per Buddhism:
1) Buddha
2) Pratyeka buddha
3) Bodhisattva
4) Human beings
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2, 3, 4
[B] 1, 4, 3, 2
[C] 2,1, 4, 3
[D] 1, 3, 2, 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 3, 2, 4]
Notes:
The correct order of the existence of 10 realms are- Buddha, Bodhisattva, Pratyeka Buddha, Sravaka, Heavenly beings, Human beings, Asura, Beasts, Preta, Depraved men. Buddha is at the top and depraved men is at the bottom of the order.
27. Which event of Gautam Buddha’s life is depicted by the wheel and deer in Indian art?
[A] Great departure
[B] Enlightenment
[C] First preaching
[D] Nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [First preaching]
Notes:
The first preaching event of Gautam buddha’s life is represented by the wheel and deer in Indian art. Mahatama Buddha gave the first preaching or sermon at Mrigadava Sarnath.
28. In which century the first punched marked coins were used?
[A] 7th century BCE
[B] 8th century BCE
[C] 1st century AD
[D] 6th century BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [6th century BCE]
Notes:
The earliest evidences of punch-marked coins can be traced back to the 6th century BCE. They were called so because pieces of metals were punched with certain marks such as hill, tree, bull, fish, crescent, elephant, etc.
29. Who is also famous as the conqueror of land between the two seas?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Bindusara
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bindusara]
Notes:
During his reign, Bindusara expanded the Maurya empire to the southern part of India up to Mysore. His empire extended from the Arabian Sea (west coast of India) to the Bay of Bengal (east coast of India). As his kingdom spanned the territory between the two seas, he gained the fame as “the conqueror of the land between the two seas”.
30. What does the use of ‘Elephant’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Departure of Siddhartha
[B] Purity and Fecundity
[C] Pride and Courage
[D] Buddha\’s conception
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Buddha\’s conception]
Notes:
Ashoka was a patron of Buddhism therefore he used many symbols that are relevant in Buddhism as motifs in the Ashokan pillar. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant.
