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 among the following places have given the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent?
[A] Pratapgarh
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Quetta
[D] Kalat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
The earliest evidence of Agriculture in Indian subcontinent is found at Mehrgarh, which is located in Baluchistan state of Pakistan.
2. The rulers of which dynasty were first to make land grants to Brahmins?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Satvahana
[D] Kanvas
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Correct Answer: C [ Satvahana ]
Notes:
The rulers of Sarvanana dynasty were the first to make land grant to Brahmins.
3. The governors called Strategos were introduced by __?
[A] Sakas
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Kushanas
[D] Bactrians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Indo-Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-greeks introduced practice of military governorship. The governors were called Strategos.
4. In which among the following sacrifices, the sacrificial materials used was sura in Vedic Era?
[A] Agnistoma
[B] Rajasuya
[C] Sautramani
[D] Vajapeya
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Correct Answer: C [Sautramani ]
Notes:
Sautramani refers to a “sacrifice performed in order to please god Indra” and represented one of the various rituals mentioned in Taittiriya school of the Krishna Yajurveda. This sacrifice involved use of Sura.
5. Which among the following dynasties were ruling over Magadha when Alexander invaded India?
[A] Shisunagas
[B] Nandas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kosalas
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Correct Answer: B [ Nandas ]
Notes:
The ruler of Nanda Dynasty, Dhanananda was the contemporary of Alexander.
6. In which state / UT of India, the first Paleolithic site was discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
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Correct Answer: D [ Karnataka ]
Notes:
The first evidence of the Stone Age culture in India surfaced in Karnataka as early as in 1842 when Dr. Primrose discovered polished stone knives and arrow heads at Lingsugur in Raichur district of Karnataka.
7. Who was the founder of Kushana Empire in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kujula Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kujula Kadphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises was the first Yueh Chi chief who crossed the Hindukush Mountains and laid down the foundation of the Kushana Empire. He adopted the epithet of Dharma-thida and Sachdharmathida.
8. Which of the following was denoted by the term “Kahapana” or “Karshapan” during ancient India?
[A] A cloth
[B] A trader
[C] A monk
[D] A coin
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Correct Answer: D [ A coin ]
Notes:
“Kahapana” or “Karshapan” was a common coin during Pre-Gupta period. It was made of copper and also of silver.
9. Manyakheta (modern Malkhed) on the banks of Kagina River in Gulbarga district, Karnataka state was the capital of ______?
[A] Satvahanas
[B] Rastrakutas
[C] Hoysalas
[D] Kakatiyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rastrakutas]
Notes:
Manyakheta, also known as Malkhed, was the capital of the Rashtrakutas from 818 to 982. The city is located on the banks of the Kagina River in the Gulbarga district of Karnataka, India. It’s about 40 miles (25 km) from Gulbarga city.
The Rashtrakutas were a royal dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries. The city became well-known during the Rashtrakuta dynasty because it was a place where Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu scholars studied.
The city was destroyed by Rajendra Chola in 1007 CE. It remained the capital of the Rashtrakutas’ successors, the Kalyani Chalukyas, until about 1050 CE.
Today, Malkhed is a place of historical importance. It has the ruins of an ancient fort with four entrances and 52 bastions. The fort is currently under renovation.
10. Which of the following religious text is written in the form of questions and answers?
[A] Vinaya Pitaka
[B] Sutta Pitaka
[C] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[D] Prakirnas
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Correct Answer: C [Abhidhamma Pitaka]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a detailed scholastic analysis and summary of the Buddha’s teachings in the Suttas. Everything written in this is in the form of question and answer.
