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 Indus Valley Site was discovered by Rakhal Das Bannerjee?
[A] Kali Banga
[B] Harappa
[C] Lothal
[D] Mohenjodaro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
Rakhal Das Bannerjee, an Indian archaeologist, discovered the Indus Valley civilization site of Mohenjodaro in 1922. Mohenjodaro is located in Sindh, Pakistan. The name Mohenjodaro means “Mound of the dead”. It was the largest city of the Indus Valley civilization. Bannerjee was an officer of the Archaeological Survey of India. In 1920, he was surveying the lower part of the Indus River valley when he heard reports of a buried site. While exploring, he found pottery and stone blades. He studied the unusual shape and size of several mounds. He submitted a report to his boss on what he had found in 1922.
2. The script of Indus Valley people was __?
[A] Desi Script
[B] Pictographic Script
[C] Brahmi Script
[D] Kharosti Script
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pictographic Script ]
Notes:
The pictographic script was used by the Indus Valley people.
3. 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.
4. Purusha sukta is a part of which among the following vedas?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Rig Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Yajur Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
Rig Veda Purusha sukta is the Xth mandal of the Rig Veda that explains the origin of four varnas viz. Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
5. Which of the following types of Vedic priests was most responsible for making correct arrangements for vedic sacrificial rites?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryu
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Adhvaryu ]
Notes:
Adhvaryu In the operational aspects of Vedic fire rites, the Adhvaryu was a central figure because he was the one who measured the sacrificial ground, built all that was needed and prepared materials to be used like, articles of oblation, utensils, woods and water. He also kindled the fire for expected offerings. Thus, success of a Yajna was dependent on correct duties of the Adhvaryu priest.
6. Who composed Nasik Inscription in which achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were recorded?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Sarkarni- I
[C] Kanha
[D] Gautami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautami ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gutamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription that were composed by his mother Gautami Balasri. The Nasik Prasasti describes Gautamiputra as the ruler of the Aparanta, Anupa, Saurashtra, Kukura, Akara and Avanti and defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
7. In which period, “Arthshastra” was written?
[A] Gupta
[B] Maurya
[C] Shaka
[D] Kushan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya]
Notes:
Arthshastra was written by Kautilya or Vishnugupta or Chanakya, who was a professor at Taxila University and later the prime minister of the Maurya Empire. The manuscript was discovered by Arya Sharma Shashtri in 1904. Arthshastra has been divided in 15 Adhikarans and 180 Prakarans. It is related to money and politics and contains 6000 shlokas
8. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
9. Meander who was an Indo Greek king accepted which of the following religion ?
[A] Janism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Jainism
[D] Islam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
10. The temple of Konark was built by Narasimha of the:
[A] Maratha Dynasty
[B] Chola Dynasty
[C] Ganga Dynasty
[D] Vijaynagar Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Ganga Dynasty ]
Notes:
The Sun Temple at Konark, on the eastern shores of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the outstanding examples of temple architecture. Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. Narsimhadeva was a powerful monarch and warrior of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of medieval Odisha who reigned from 1238 to 1264.
