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 is the most unique feature of Dholavira site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Its cities were horizontally divided in multiple parts
[B] Its cities were unevenly divided
[C] Its cities were divided into 3 parts
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Its cities were divided into 3 parts ]
Notes:
The most unique features of Dholavira, an Indus valley site in Gujarat, is its division. While other Indus Valley sites were divided into two parts viz. Citadel and Lower Town, Dholavira was divided into three divisions.
2. In which year, Alexander invaded India?
[A] 326 BC
[B] 316 BC
[C] 346 BC
[D] 256 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 326 BC ]
Notes:
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. In 326 BC, the Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexender the great and Porus along the banks of Haydaspes river( Jhelum river) in Punjab. Porus, the King of Paurava, ruled the area between the rivers Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab). Though, Porus was defeated, Alexendar was impressed by Porus’s might so asked Porus to rule his dynasty under his name.
3. In the Indus Valley Civilization, Great Bath was found at which place?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Rakhi Garhi
[D] Ropar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
The Great Bath was discovered at Mohenjodaro in Sindh, Pakistan. It measures 11.88 meters x 7.01 meters and has a maximum depth of 2.43 meters.
4. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held__?
[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Madurai ]
Notes:
The first tamil Sangam was held to the south of Madurai under the patronage of Makeerthy, the Pandyan king. Agastya was the president of first sangam. Unfortunately, no literary work of this Sangam was available. The second tamil Sangam was held in Kapatpuram, second capital of the Pandyas. The third Tamil Sangam was held in Madurai. Its chairman was a tamil poet Nakkirar.
5. Who among the following Gupta emperor made Ujjain as his second capital?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II Vikramaditya made Ujjain as second capital of his empire.
6. Which site has given the earliest evidence of pottery in the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Brahmagiri
[B] Chirand
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Burzahom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh, located in the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan, is one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia. Dated back to around 7000 – 5500 BCE, it is also known for its significant contribution in unearthing one of the earliest instances of pottery making.
7. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
8. In which state of India is located the ancient trading depot of Bharukaccha?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharastra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Bharuch derives its name from the great sage Bhrigu and the original name of Bharuch was ‘Bhrigukachchha’
9. The famous Gayatri mantra is addressed to which of the following vedic goddess?
[A] Aditi
[B] Saraswati
[C] Savitri
[D] Laxmi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Savitri]
Notes:
The Gāyatrī Mantra is also known as the Sāvitri Mantra. It is an important mantra from the Rig Veda dedicated to Savitri, the deity of five elements. Gāyatrī is the name of the Goddess of the Vedic Mantra in which the verse is composed.
10. “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.
