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. Women were allowed to attend which of the following during the Rig Vedic Age?
[A] Samiti
[B] Gana
[C] Vidatha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vidatha]
Notes:
Women during the Rig Vedic Age were allowed to attend both the samiti and vidatha. They were not allowed to attend sabha and gana. These assemblies performed deliberative, military and religious functions.
32. The rows of hearths were discovered at which of the following place?
1. Atranjikhera
2. Ahichchhtra
3. Videha
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 &3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
The rows of hearths were discovered at Atranjikhera and at Ahichchhtra both of which are in western Uttar Pradesh. The excavations show that these hearths were meant for communal feeding or for cooking the food of large families.
33. The mention of the eastern and western seas is found in which of the following?
[A] Atreya Brahamana
[B] Satpatha Brahmana
[C] Maitrayani Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satpatha Brahmana]
Notes:
The mention of the eastern and western seas is found in the Satpatha Brahmana. The Shatapatha Brahmana is considered significant in the development of Vaishnavism.
34. 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.
35. Who among the following was the founder of the state of Matsya?
[A] Avantipura
[B] Udayana
[C] Virata
[D] Pradyota
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Virata]
Notes:
Matsya was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas mentioned in the Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya. The founder of the kingdom of the Matsya was Virata. It consisted of the present-day Alwar, Jaipur and Bharatpur.
36. Which of the following regions was ruled by the Hellenistic Kings during the last two centuries of the BC era?
[A] Taxila
[B] Nalanda
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Ujjain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Taxila]
Notes:
During the last two centuries of the BC era, the Northern and Northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent were governed by around 30 Hellenistic Kings. Significant areas under their rule included Taxila, which is located in present-day Pakistan, along with Peshawar and Sagala. Hellenistic rule greatly impacted the cultural and theological dynamics of these regions, influencing philosophical and scientific progress at that time.
37. Which of the following Dharmashastra is a book on statecraft?
[A] Katyayana
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Nitisara
[D] Narada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nitisara]
Notes:
Many Puranas and law books also called Smritis were compiled during the Gupta period such as Katyayana, Yajnavalkya, and Narada. Kamandaka’s Nitisara which is a book on statecraft was also compiled during this period.
38. Which of the following kings was identified as king Juzr from the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant, Sulaiman?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Nagabhatta I
[C] Harichandra
[D] Mihir Bhoja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mihir Bhoja]
Notes:
Mihir Bhoja is also identified as the king Juzr from the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant, Sulaiman. According to the Arab merchant Sulaiman, Mihir Bhoja possessed great military power and riches.
39. Which of the following Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Haribhadra
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haribhadra]
Notes:
Dharmapala founded a splendid monetary at Odantapuri in Bihar. Haribhadra who was a Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala. Dharmapala was great both in arts of peace and war.
40. Which of the following was the successor of Vijayalaya?
[A] Aditya I
[B] Parantaka I
[C] Sundara Chola
[D] Uttama Chola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aditya I ]
Notes:
Aditya I who ruled from c.871 to 907 CE was the successor of Vijayalaya. He achieved significant military successes and expanded the Chola kingdom. He also entered into a matrimonial alliance by marrying a Pallava princess.
