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 one of the following archaeologists discovered the Harappa site of the Indus Valley civilisation?
[A] Rakhal Das Bannerjee
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar
[D] Daya Ram Sahini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Daya Ram Sahini ]
Notes:
In 1921, an Indian archaeologist Raj Bahadur Daya Ram Sahini discovered the Harappa site of the Indus Valley civilisation.
2. Which Ashokan inscription elaborates the policy of Dhamma?
[A] Major rock edict IX
[B] Major rock edict XI
[C] Major rock edict XII
[D] Major rock edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict XI ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict XI elaborates the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma. It stresses the respect for elders, abstain from killing animals and liberal towards friends.
3. Whom did Skandgupta appointed as the the Provincial Governor of Saurashtra?
[A] Virasena
[B] Parnadatta
[C] Harisena
[D] Amarkhaddava
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Parnadatta ]
Notes:
In the Skandgupta’s Junagarh Inscription, it is mentioned that Skandagupta appointed Parnadatta as goptri (governor) of Surashtra (Saurashtra).
4. Rajatarangini, a book that generally recorded the heritage of Kashmir in the 12th Century, was written by__:
[A] Pravaragupta
[B] Kalhana
[C] Lalitapida
[D] Kashyapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kalhana ]
Notes:
Kalhana penned the book named Rajatarangini in 12th century CE. It is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit. Rajatarangini describe the misrule prevailing in Kashmir during the reign of King Kalash, son of King Ananta Deva of Kashmir.
5. Who was the priest of the Bharatas in the battle of Ten Kings ?
[A] Visvamitra
[B] Vasishtha
[C] Atri
[D] Bhrigu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Visvamitra ]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin. In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
6. In the Indus Valley Civilisation(IVC) which among the following site has a unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Surkotada
[C] Daimabad
[D] Banawali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dholavira ]
Notes:
Dholavira located at the Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, Gujarat. The archaeological finding at Dholavira are a) A unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system. B) A large well & a bath (giant water reservoirs). C) Only site to be divided into 3 parts. D) Largest Harappan inscription used for civic purpose. E) A stadium.
7. From the times of which among the following Chola rulers, the Gangaikondacholapuram became the capital of the Chola empire?
[A] Parantaka Chola I
[B] Rajendra Chola I
[C] Kulottunga Chola I
[D] Vikrama Chola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Chola I]
Notes:
Gangaikondacholapuram was constructed by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his conquest over the chalukyas and other feudatories Kalonga, Gangas, Palas etc .These victories led him to assume the title Gangaikonda.
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. Which among the following text of Buddhism speaks about the sixteen Mahajanapadas?
[A] Digh Nikaya
[B] Anguttar Nikaya
[C] Maha Parinibbana Sutta
[D] Majjhima Nikaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anguttar Nikaya]
Notes:
16 Mahajanapadas have been listed by several Buddhist and Jainsm texts. For example Anguttara Nikaya gives a list of sixteen great nations, which is slightly diffrent from Digha Nikaya which mentions only twelve Mahajanapadas. Similarly, Jain text Vyākhyāprajñapti (or Bhagavati Sutra) gives a different list of sixteen Mahajanapadas.
10. Pushyamitra Shunga, who was originally a Senapati of the Mauryan Empire and assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor Brihadrath in 185 BC was a ____?
[A] Brahamin
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaishya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahamin]
Notes:
Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder and first ruler of the Shunga Empire. He was a Brahmin and follower of Hinduism. Pushyamitra was originally a Senapati “General” of the Maurya Empire. In 185 BCE he assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha Maurya, during an army review, and proclaimed himself emperor.
