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 is the equivalent term used for Raja in early vedic era?
[A] Gopati
[B] Gomat
[C] Gopa
[D] Gomitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gopati ]
Notes:
In the Early Vedic age, ‘Raja’ was known as Gopati.
2. What was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada?
[A] Viratnagar
[B] Mathura
[C] Taxila
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura ]
Notes:
Surasena Mahajanapada was located in the region corresponding to the present-day Braj region in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Its capital was Mathura.
3. Which among the following have been proved to be the best source of info regarding ancient India?
[A] Religious literature
[B] inscriptions
[C] coins
[D] monumnets
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [inscriptions]
Notes:
The correct answer is inscriptions. Inscriptions, often found on stone or metal, provide direct evidence of historical events, rulers, and societal norms in ancient India. They date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and include important examples like the Edicts of Ashoka, which offer insights into governance, religion, and culture. Unlike religious literature, which can be biased, inscriptions are primary sources that reflect contemporary realities. Coins also provide valuable information but are less comprehensive than inscriptions.
4. Who are the mother, wife, and daughter of Emperor Asoka respectively?
[A] Mahadevi, Subhadrangi, Sanghmitra
[B] Subhadrangi, Mahadevi, Sanghmitra
[C] Mahadevi, Sanghamitra, Subhadrangi
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Subhadrangi, Mahadevi, Sanghmitra]
Notes:
Emperor Asoka, who ruled most of India after the Maurya Dynasty, was born to his mother, Subhadrangi. He was married to Mahadevi and they had a daughter named Sanghmitra. Asoka is known for his significant contributions to Buddhism.
5. Which among the following is not correctly matched? (Maurya Kings and contemporary Travelers/ Ambassadors )
[A] Chandra Gupta Maurya – Megasthenes
[B] Bindusara – Deimakos
[C] Harshavardhana – Hiuen Tsang
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
The correct answer is “All are correct.” – Chandra Gupta Maurya was indeed associated with Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador to his court. – Bindusara, Chandra Gupta’s son, was linked to Deimakos, another Greek ambassador. – Harshavardhana, a later ruler, was visited by Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), a Chinese monk and traveler. Thus, all pairs are accurately matched with their respective historical figures.
6. What is Ettuthokai?
[A] A dynasty during sangam era
[B] A collection of poems
[C] A series of sports plays during Sangam Era
[D] A writing tool during sangam Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A collection of poems]
Notes:
Ettuthokai is a collection of eight books of classical Tamil poetry. It is part of the Pathinen Melkanakku series, which is a collection of 11 anthologies of songs with more lines. The eight books in Ettuthokai are: Ainkurnuru, Akananuru, Purananuru, Kaliththokai, Kuruntokai, Natrinai, Paripaatal, Pathirruppaththu.
Ettuthokai is part of the Sangam Literature, which is some of the oldest available Tamil literature. It is dated to between 200 BCE and 200 CE.
7. “Niska ” was used as a medium of exchange, in which of the following periods?
[A] Vedic period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Gupta Period
[D] Sangam Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vedic period]
Notes:
During the Vedic age, 2 types of medium of exchange are Niska and hiranyapinda. Rigvedic niskas and hiranyapindas, in this period, stood as a link between the money and currency stages of the development of the economy.
8. Who was the founder of Parmaras dynasty?
[A] Vakpati Munj
[B] Padmagupta
[C] Bhoja
[D] Sindhuraj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vakpati Munj]
Notes:
Vakpati Munj was the founder of Parmaras dynasty. He is said to have ruled from 993 to 995 A.D.
9. Which ancient Indian philosopher did not make a significant contribution to the Yogācāra philosophical tradition?
[A] Vasubandhu
[B] Dinnaga
[C] Dharmakirti
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagarjuna]
Notes:
The Yogācāra is a Buddhist school’s philosophical tradition that stressed on metaphysical idealism. Nagarjuna, unlike the other philosophers Vasubandhu, Dinnaga, and Dharmakirti, was not a significant contributor to this tradition. Nagarjuna is renowned for his doctrine of “śūnyatā” (emptiness), a cornerstone of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition, rather than the Yogācāra tradition.
10. According to the archaeologists, which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization was probably abandoned because of an earthquake?
[A] Rakhigarhi
[B] Dholavira
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Banawali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalibangan]
Notes:
Kalibangan was abandoned, perhaps due to an earthquake, but in the Mature Harappan period a new settlement was constructed.
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