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 Upanishads is composed in prose form?
[A] Isa Upanishad
[B] Katha Upanishad
[C] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Svetasvatara Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]
Notes:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the oldest Upanishads and is estimated to have been composed about 700 BCE. It is written in prose and forms part of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda. It is considered as a source of philosophical doctrines, metaphorical speculative thoughts and mystical symbolism in Hinduism.
2. World’s first oil paintings have been found in which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Afghanistan ]
Notes:
In 2008, oil paintings were discovered in caves near the village of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan. The paintings have been radiocarbon dated to more than the 5th century CE, making them the oldest known oil paintings in the world.
3. The word ‘Sangam’ of Sangam Age was closely associated with which of the following?
[A] Crowd
[B] Assembly
[C] Influence
[D] Source
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Assembly ]
Notes:
The word Sangam is associated with a College or Assembly of Tamil scholars and Poets .
4. Which of the following was capital of Guptas?
[A] Taxila
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Ujjain
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
Patliputra was the capital city of Gupta dynasty.
5. As per Vedic rituals, which among the following is the divine messenger who receives the prayers and conveys them to the heavenly spheres?
[A] Agni
[B] Soma
[C] Varuna
[D] Indra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agni]
Notes:
The correct answer is Agni. In Vedic rituals, Agni, the fire god, is considered the divine messenger who receives offerings and prayers from humans and conveys them to the heavens. Agni is central to Vedic ceremonies, symbolizing purity and the connection between the earthly and divine realms. He is often invoked in rituals for blessings and protection.
6. Which among the following dynasties is known to have given the largest grant of villages to the temples and Brahamans?
[A] Prathihara
[B] Guptas
[C] Pala
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guptas]
Notes:The Guptas gave the largest grant of villages to temples and Brahmins. The practice of donating land to Brahmins was common during the Gupta period, which was a time of great cultural and intellectual flourishing in India. The three types of land grants in the Gupta period were:
- Brahmadeya: Land given to a group of Brahmins.
- Devadana: Land given to the gods.
- Agrahara: A settlement of priests.
The land was typically used for farming or other agricultural purposes. The income generated from the land was used to support the Brahmins and their families. The taxes from the villages were assigned to the Brahmana donees, who were also given the right to get the donated land cultivated.
7. Savatthi was capital of which among the 16 Mahajanpadas?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosala
[C] Matsya
[D] Anga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kosala]
Notes:
Sravasti was the capital of Kosala . There are 16 Mahajanapadas. The Mahajanapadas represent the state system of 600BC. The processes of emergence of Mahajanpadas were initiated by certain important economic changes.
8. Nalanda University was founded by which of the following ?
[A] Kumaragupta
[B] Skandagupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumaragupta]
Notes:
The Nalanda University was founded by Gupta emperor Kumargupta I. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. It was established in 5th century.
9. Who among the following Buddhist Philosophers persuaded the Indo Greek King Meander to Accept Buddhism?
[A] Asanga
[B] Nagasena
[C] Dharmakirti
[D] Jambuka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagasena]
Notes:
Nagasena was a Sarvastivadan Buddhist sage born in Kashmir and lived around 150 BCE. His answers to questions about Buddhism posed by Menander I, the Indo-Greek king of northwestern India, are recorded in the Milinda Panha and the Sanskrit Nagasenabhiksusutra.
10. In Rigveda the rivers Ganga & Yamuna are mentioned as below
[A] Yamuna Once, Ganga Thrice
[B] Yamuna Thrice, Ganga Once
[C] Ganga Twice , Yamuna Once
[D] Yamuna Thrice, Ganga Twice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Yamuna Thrice, Ganga Once]
Notes:
The rivers ganga ,Yamuna and saraswati had great prominence in Vedas. Ganga and Yamuna are mentioned together for the first time in Rig Veda. Yamuna is mentioned three times and Ganga is mentioned once in Rig veda.
