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 Aryans dedicated whole of a separate Mandala in Rig-Veda for the hymns dedicated to __?
[A] Agni
[B] Varuna
[C] Indra
[D] Soma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX Mandala of the Rigveda also known a Soma Mandala is dedicated to Soma Pavamana (purifying Soma) i.e. the sacred potion Somaras. It is made from the plant of the same name. Basically the Rigveda refers to the drink, the plant and the God with the same name Soma. It was believed to be the drink of Gods.
2. Which among the following Bodhisattva holds thunderbolt?
[A] Vajrapani
[B] Manjushri
[C] Maitreya
[D] Amitabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vajrapani ]
Notes:
The Bodhisattva, Vajrapani, holds a thunderbolt like the deity Indra of Hinduism and fights against evil and sin. Avlokitesvara or Padmapani is the lotus bearer; Majushri holds a book describing 10 paramitas ( spiritual perfections); Maitreya is the future Buddha; Ksitigarbha is the bodhisattva of hell-beings and guardian of purgatories; while Amitabha is Buddha of heaven and the Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light.
3. Ujjaini located in the Malwa region, came under which Mahajanapada?
[A] Anga
[B] Kasi
[C] Kosal
[D] Avanti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Avanti ]
Notes:
Ujjaini was located in the Malwa region came under Avanti Mahajanapada.
4. Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of which of the following?
[A] Taxilla
[B] Ujjain
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Kandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taxilla ]
Notes:
Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of Taxila.
5. In which state / UT of India, the first Paleolithic site was discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Karnataka ]
Notes:
The first evidence of the Stone Age culture in India surfaced in Karnataka as early as in 1842 when Dr. Primrose discovered polished stone knives and arrow heads at Lingsugur in Raichur district of Karnataka.
6. The place Dharanikota in South India is related to which ancient dynasty?
[A] Chola
[B] Satavahana
[C] Pandya
[D] Chera
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Satavahana ]
Notes:
Dharanikota is a town near Amaravati in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in India, It is the site of the ancient Dhanyakataka which was the capital of the Satavahana kingdom which ruled in the Deccan around the 1st to 3rd centuries A.D.
7. Who was the father of King Harshavardhan ?
[A] Prabhakara Vardhana
[B] Bhaskar vardhan
[C] Jaivardhan
[D] Mahavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Prabhakara Vardhana ]
Notes:
Prabhakara Vardhana, the founder of Vardhana Dynasty ruled from 580-605 AD. He had two sons – Rajya Vardhan and Harshvardhan and one daughter, Rajyasri. He died fighting with the Huns in 605 A.D.
8. At which of the following Harappan sites, terracotta female figures were discovered?
[A] Mohenjo-daro
[B] Kot Bala
[C] Kot Diji
[D] Khirasara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mohenjo-daro]
Notes:
Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2500 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Various discoveries at Mohenjo-daro include- Great Bath (the biggest bath ghat), Great granary, Bronze dancing girl, Bearded man, terracotta toys, Bull seal, Pashupati seal, three cylindrical seals of the Mesopotamian type, a piece of woven cloth.
9. Which among the following veda has been described as “Braham Veda”?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharavaveda]
Notes:
Atharava Veda is known as Brahma Veda because it is recited by the Brahma priest in the Yajna and also because there are deliberations about Brahman, which is the ultimate reality according to Vedanta.
10. During the reign of Guptas in North India , who were their contemporaries in South India ?
[A] Cholas
[B] Rasthrakutas
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Kakatiyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rasthrakutas]
Notes:
The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire existing from the mid-to-late 3rd century CE to 543 CE. Rashtrakutas was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent . They are the contemporaries.
