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. The cotton cloth worn by Indians had a brighter white colour than any cotton found elsewhere. This view was recorded by __?
[A] Alexander
[B] Megasthenes
[C] Nearchus
[D] Pliny
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Megasthenes ]
Notes:
Megasthenes – an ancient Greek historian and diplomat, author of an account of India, the Indica, in four books. He was sent by the Hellenistic king Seleucus I on embassies to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote that the dress worn by the Indians was made of cotton of a brighter white colour than any cotton found elsewhere.
3. “The king was the ruler of all except Brahamanas”. This was the view of __?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Apasthamba
[D] Gautama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautama ]
Notes:
Gautama-dharmasutra The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana, and Vasistha The Dharmasutras are the four surviving written works of the ancient Indian tradition on the subject of dharma, or the rules of behavior a community recognizes as binding on its members. Gautama- dharmasutra is believed to be the oldest of the four Hindu Dharmasastras, It survives as an independent treatise. According to Gautama the ruler is the owner of everything in his realm except the brahmanas.
4. At which place Mahavira attained Niravana?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Kundagram
[C] Vaishali
[D] Rajgriha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pavapuri ]
Notes:
At the age of 72 in 468 BC, Tirthankar Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri, Bihar.
5. Taxila was the capital of which ancient Mahajanpada ?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Anga
[C] Magadha
[D] Kasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gandhara]
Notes:
“Gandhara” was one of the 16 mahajanapadas, located in the northwest region of ancient India, roughly corresponding to present-day eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. Its capitals were Kapisi (Bagram), Puṣkalavati (Charsadda), Puruṣapura (Peshawer), Takshashila (Taxila) and Udabhandapura (Hund)
6. Which rock edict of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict VI
[B] Major Rock Edict VII
[C] Major Rock Edict VIII
[D] Major Rock Edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major Rock Edict VII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VII of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance amongst all sects. It appears from the edict that tensions among the sects were intense perhaps in open antagonism.
7. The oldest evidence in human history for the drilling of teeth in a living person was found in which of the following cultures?
[A] Ahar banas
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Sohn Valley
[D] Malwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
In April 2006, Nature journal announced that the earliest evidence of drilling holes in human teeth while the person was still alive was found at the Mehrgarh neolithic site in Balochistan, Pakistan dating around 7,500 BCE to 9,000 BCE. Eleven drilled molar crowns were discovered here revealing the first known instance of proto-dentistry practiced anywhere in the world. This indicates advanced medical knowledge and skills amongst the early farming communities of Mehrgarh.
8. As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, the duties related to Crown lands was performed by whom ?
[A] Kosadhyaksha
[B] Hastyadhyaksha
[C] Lohadhyaksha
[D] Sitadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sitadhyaksha ]
Notes:
Sitadhyaksha was responsible for the maintenance of Crown lands.
9. The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to?
[A] Soma
[B] Purushkuta
[C] Gotra
[D] Gayatri Mantra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to Soma.
10. 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.
