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. Hathigumpha inscription gives account of which of the following rulers?
[A] Asoka
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Kharvela
[D] Samudragupya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kharvela ]
Notes:
The Hathigumpha Inscription at Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar in Odisha was got inscribed by King Kharvela of Kalinga in 2nd century BC.
2. What is the number of prehistoric rock shelters in Bhimbetka?
[A] 221
[B] 243
[C] 268
[D] 289
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 243 ]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka group of rock shelters contains 243 prehistoric rock shelters. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The site is spread over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are renowned for their prehistoric rock shelters and paintings. The paintings date back to approximately 30,000 years and provide valuable insights into early human civilization. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Tolkāppiyam belongs to which tamil Sangam?
[A] first
[B] second
[C] third
[D] fourth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ second ]
Notes:
Tolkāppiyam is a work on the grammar of the Tamil language. It deals with orthography, phonology, morphology, semantics, prosody and the subject matter of literature. It belongs to second tamil Sangam.
4. In context of Sangam Age, which among the following was the ruling class in society?
[A] Arasar
[B] Kadaisiyar
[C] Enadi
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arasar ]
Notes:Arasar is a Tamil word used to refer to the rulers or kings of the Sangam period in ancient South India. The Sangam period spanned from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Sangam period refers to the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka.
The term “arasar” can also refer to the ruling class. The other castes in the Sangam period were:
- Anthanar, who played a significant role in the Sangam polity and religion
- Vanigar, who carried on trade and commerce
- Vellalar, who were agriculturists
The Sangam period dynasties were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. Important rulers included Cheran Senguttuvan, Karikala, and Neduncheliyan.
5. Who among the following is writer of the ‘Kalpasutra’?
[A] Simuka
[B] Panini
[C] Bhadrabahu
[D] Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bhadrabahu ]
Notes:
The Kalpasutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, most notably Parshvanath and Mahavira, including the latter’s Nirvana. The author of this text is Bhadrabahu.
6. For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for which among the following periods?
[A] Gupta Period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Shunga Period
[D] Satavahana period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya Period]
Notes:
For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for Mauryan period in the Arthashashtra of Kautilya. The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with the imperial capital at Pataliputra.
7. What was the function of Samharta in Mauryan Administration?
[A] To Collect Revenue
[B] To Work as a Judge
[C] Leadership of Army
[D] Delivering Justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To Collect Revenue]
Notes:
The important officials in revenue department are Sannidhata: Chief treasury, Samaharta: collector general of revenue.
8. Evidence of a game which was very similar to chess was found at which of the following sites at Indus valley civilization?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Mohen Jo dero
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
There is a close resemblance between various types of terracotta games-men found in Lothal and modern chessmen. That led to some scholars claim that Chess had its origin in games of the Indus Valley Civilization. However, other scholars believe that Chess originated in India as Chaturanga between 400 BC to 400 AD.
9. The three sangams were organized under the chairmanship of which of the following?
[A] Rishi Agastya, Nakkirar, Rishi Agastya
[B] Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar
[C] Nakkirar,Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar]
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. The second sangam was also led by king Agastya. The third sangam is led by Nakkirar.
10. Which among the following is a ritualistic Veda?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Yajurveda
[C] Samaveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Yajurveda]
Notes:
The Yajurveda (Sanskrit: यजुर्वेद, yajurveda, from yaj meaning “worship”, and veda meaning “knowledge”) is the Veda primarily of prose mantras for worship rituals.
