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 of the following Upanishads is composed in prose form?
[A] Isa Upanishad
[B] Katha Upanishad
[C] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Svetasvatara Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]
Notes:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the oldest Upanishads and is estimated to have been composed about 700 BCE. It is written in prose and forms part of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda. It is considered as a source of philosophical doctrines, metaphorical speculative thoughts and mystical symbolism in Hinduism.
2. One of the writers of the Dharmashashtra disapproved the practice of Sati declaring it as an act of suicide. Identify him from the given options:
[A] Angiras
[B] Medhatithi
[C] Usana
[D] Visnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Medhatithi ]
Notes:
Medhatithi is one of the oldest and most famous commentators on the Manusmriti. He considered sati system identical to suicide, which was forbidden by the Vedas. One shall not die before the span of one’s life is run out.
3. The grandson of Ashoka, who accepted Jainism was __?
[A] Samprati
[B] Kunala
[C] Dasharatha
[D] Salisuka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samprati ]
Notes:
Emperor Samprati was the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, who reigned from 224–274 BCE. And accepted Jainism.
4. Who among the following Chalukyan king sent an ambassador to Persian king Khusrau II ?
[A] Pulakesin I
[B] Pulakesin II
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
Pulakesin II of the Badami Chalukya dynasty is associated with an embassy to the Sasanian king Khusrau II around 625–626 CE. This diplomatic contact is mentioned in the account of the historian al-Tabari.
5. Who was the author of the Jivaka Chintamani?
[A] Perudevanar
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Tiruttakrdeva
[D] Ilango Adigal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Tiruttakrdeva ]
Notes:
Jivaka Chintamani, or Civaka Cintamani, was composed by the Jain poet Tiruttakkadevar. It is one of the Five Great Tamil Epics and belongs to the later Tamil literary tradition, rather than the early Sangam anthologies.
6. Which city is historically believed to be the main site of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas?
[A] Delhi
[B] Ghaziabad
[C] Meerut
[D] Faridabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Meerut]
Notes:
Meerut, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is believed to be the main location of Hastinapur – the capital of both the Kauravas and Pandavas during the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE). This city, steeped in mythology and historical significance, was the centre of the Kuru Kingdom. The Imperial Gazetteer of India attests to this fact making it a site of immense archaeological and cultural importance.
7. Consider the following rulers:
- Bimbisar of Magadha
- Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala
- Udayan of Avanti
Which of the above rulers were contemporary of Buddha?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Bimbisara of Magadha, Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala, and Udayan of Avanti were all rulers during Buddha’s time.
8. Which of the following rivers was known as “Drishdvati” in Vedic Era?
[A] Ravi
[B] Chenab
[C] Jhelum
[D] Ghagghar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ghagghar]
Notes:
In the Vedic era, the river Ghaggar-Hakra, which flowed through parts of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab in India, and Cholistan in Pakistan, was known as “Drishdvati” or “Drishadvati.” The Ghaggar-Hakra river system was an important river during the Vedic period and is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
It was one of the major rivers along which the early Vedic people settled and established their civilization. However, the Ghaggar-Hakra river system lost its prominence over time due to a number of factors, including tectonic activity and climate change. The river gradually dried up, leaving behind a dry channel that can still be seen today.
9. Works of 12th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
[A] Odissi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Kathak
[D] Manipuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odissi]
Notes:
Jayadeva’s seminal works greatly influenced the Odissi dance form. He is known for his epic Gita Govinda, an important text in Odissi dance’s repertoire. It describes the unique relationship of divine Krishna and his devotee Radha, along with the gopis of Vrindavan. These spiritual themes find a visual depiction through Odissi dance, showcasing its close tie with ancient poet Jayadeva.
10. Which among the following sites near Pondicherry gives best support to the view on an ancient trade between Rome and the ancient Tamil country of India?
[A] Villianur
[B] Suttukeni
[C] Arikamedu
[D] Andiarpalayam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arikamedu]
Notes:
Arikamedu, near Puducherry, provides archaeological evidence of trade with the Roman Mediterranean. Imported pottery and amphorae, together with evidence of bead production, show its role in early historic maritime commerce.
