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. The Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of ___:
[A] Rigveda
[B] Yajurveda
[C] Samaveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Yajurveda ]
Notes:
Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of Yajurveda.
2. What was the fifth tenet added by Tirthankara Mahavira to the four basic tenets of Jainism?
[A] Non injury
[B] Non lying
[C] Observe continence
[D] Non stealing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Observe continence ]
Notes:
The five main teachings of Jainism are do not commit violence, do not speak a lie, do not steal, do not acquire property and observe continence (brahmacharya). The brahmacharya was added by Lord Mahavira.
3. Who was the author of the book ‘Silappadikarma’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ilango Adigal ]
Notes:
The author of an epic Silappadikarma is Ilango Adigal. The epic deals with the love story of Kovalan (Son of a wealthy merchant in Puhar )and Madhavi (a beautiful courtesan dancer) of Kaveripattinam. It is also called Illiyad of Tamil Poetry.
4. 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.
5. Who among the following is ascribed for the work Mudrarakshaha?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Vishakhadatta
[C] Kautilya
[D] Bhatrihari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Ashoka’s Inscriptions, Megasthenes Indica and Vishakhadatta`s Mudrarakshasa are the main sources of Mauryan History.
6. There is only one edict, in which Ashoka refers himself as King of Magadha (Laja Magadhe). Identify the edict from the following:
[A] Minor Rock Edict of Maski
[B] The Queen’s Edict
[C] Bhabru Edict
[D] Dhauli Pillar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhabru Edict]
Notes:
In Bhabru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. In the Queen’s Edict, Ashoka states that the Queen Karuvaki should be credited for her gifts. The Dhauli Pillar Inscription discusses about the Kalinga War. The Maski Edict confirms title “Devanampriya” with the King Asoka.
7. In which of the following age human shifted from food gathering stage to food producing stage ?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Neolithic age]
Notes:
The Neolithic Age in India spanned from around 7,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C. was the last and third part of the Stone Age. The Neolithic Age is mainly characterized by the development of settled agriculture and the use of tools and weapons made of polished stones. It shows the shifting from food gathering stage to food producing stage.
8. Which among the following is Incorrect regarding the early Vedic religion?
[A] They didn’t believe in Idol worship and believed in one supreme god indeed
[B] The Vedic god were classified into three categories- Terrestrial , Atmospheric and Celestial
[C] The people used to worship of spiritual reasons
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The people used to worship of spiritual reasons]
Notes:
They used to worship for welfare of praja and pashu
9. Vajasneya belongs to the following Veda?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Sama Veda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajurveda]
Notes:
Vajasneya samhita belongs to Shukla YajurVeda. The name Vajasaneyi is derived from Vajasaneya, the patronymic of Yajnavalkya, and the founder of the Vajasaneyi branch.
10. In context with Vedic culture, in which of the following categories will be kept Gopath?
[A] Upveda
[B] Brahman
[C] Aranyaka
[D] Upnishada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brahman]
Notes:
Vedic culture, Gopath is kept in the Brahman category. The Vedic texts are the primary sources for understanding the Vedic age. The Vedic period was in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age of India’s history. The Vedas are liturgical texts that form the basis of the Brahmanical ideology. The Vedic texts contain details of life during this period.
