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.
31. Events which occurred before the invention of writing come under which of the following?
[A] Prehistory
[B] Proto-history
[C] History
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prehistory]
Notes:
Event that occurred before the invention of writing are considered the domain of prehistory. It is generally represented by the three stone ages. History is usually divided into pre-history, proto-history, and history.
32. Which of the following Jain doctrine signifies the system of describing reality from different points of view?
[A] Anekantavada
[B] Syadavada
[C] Nayavada
[D] Pancha Mahavrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nayavada]
Notes:
The Jain doctrine of Nayavada refers to the system of describing reality from different points of view. ‘Naya’ is understood as partially true statements. They cannot lay claim to absolute validity.
33. What was the name of Siddhartha’s charioteer?
[A] Channa
[B] Kanthaka
[C] Kondanna
[D] Vappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Channa]
Notes:
Siddhartha decided to become a wanderer and left his palace at the age of 29 with Channa his charioteer, and his favourite horse called Kanthaka, in search of truth (Mahabhinishkramana/Great Renunciation).
34. During the sixth century BCE the economic and political activity shifted from the North-West, Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP to which of the following areas?
[A] Ganga Basin
[B] Godavari Basin
[C] Krishna Basin
[D] Indus Basin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ganga Basin]
Notes:
During the sixth century BCE the centre of economic and political activity shifted from the North-West, Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP, to Eastern UP and Bihar, that is, the Ganga Basin.
35. Which of the following material was used for the construction of Ashokan pillars?
[A] Limestone
[B] Sandstone
[C] Granite
[D] Red stone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sandstone]
Notes:
Ashokan Pillar Edicts were mostly in similar forms and dimensions. The pillar was made of sandstone which was quarried from Chunar in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Mostly these pillars were carved out of a single piece of stone.
36. Which of the following was responsible for the security of frontier forts in the Mauryan administration?
[A] Nikayas
[B] Anta-Mahamattas
[C] Senapati
[D] Sthanikas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anta-Mahamattas]
Notes:
It is believed that the Mauryans maintained a huge army. The army consisted of 6,00,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9,000 elephants, and 8,000 chariots. In Mauryan administration the security of frontier forts was the responsibility of Anta-Mahamattas.
37. The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were described and eulogised after his death in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Naneghat Inscription
[C] Nashik Inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nashik Inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Satavahana King Gautamiputra Satkarniare were described and eulogised after his death, during his son Pulumayi II’s reign, in a Nashik Inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri. The inscription is written in Prakrit.
38. Which of the following was the lowest level of administration during the Satavahana dynasty?
[A] Village
[B] Town
[C] Province
[D] District
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Village]
Notes:
The lowest level of administration during the Satavahana period was a grama or village. It was under the charge of a gaulmika or village headman. The village headman was also the head of a military regiment consisting of nine chariots, nine elephants, 25 horses and 45 foot soldiers.
39. Which of the following text mentions that the water touched by an untouchable is seen as unfit for consumption by higher caste?
[A] Acharakkovai
[B] Buddhacharita
[C] Mahabhashya
[D] Mrichakatika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Acharakkovai]
Notes:
According to the famous text Acharakkovai, if the water is touched by an untouchable also called as Pulaiya, it is seen as unfit for consumption by higher caste people. It is also mentioned that even glancing at a pulaiya polluted the upper caste people.
40. Vapi, Tadaga, and Dirghula refer to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Tanks
[B] Canals
[C] Rivers
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tanks]
Notes:
During the Gupta period lots of canals were constructed not only from rivers but also tanks and lakes. The tanks were variously called as the vapi, tadaga, and dirghula, according to their sizes.
