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.
11. Which among the following sites in Haryana, is the place as per legends where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita?
[A] Jyotisar
[B] Pehowa
[C] Shahabad
[D] Ladwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jyotisar]
Notes:
Jyotisar is situated at 5 kms from the town of Kurukshetra in Haryana. It was in this very spot that Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, and it is aptly called “Gitopadesha.”
12. Kharvela who constructed caves in the Udaigri for jain Monks was a ruler belonging to which dynasty ?
[A] Cheti
[B] Satavahana
[C] Shunga
[D] Nanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cheti]
Notes:
The small caves were constructed for meditation purpose of Jain monks at Udaigiri by Kharvela. As per the inscription at the site, the caves were first excavated by king Kharavela of Chedi Dynasty.
13. Which of the following was used in house making in Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Stone
[B] Bricks
[C] Wood
[D] Bamboo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bricks]
Notes:
Bricks were used in Indus Valley Sites for house making.
14. Kavi Vatsal was a title assumed by a king from which of the following dynasties?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Pallava
[C] Maurya
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Satavahana]
Notes:
Kavi Vatsal was a title taken up by King Hala who belonged to the Satavahana Dynasty. Hala is renowned for his poetical work known as Gaha Sattasai, a prominent piece in Prakrit literature. The Satavahana Dynasty, also known as the Andhras in Deccan, lasted from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE and made a significant contribution to Indian architecture, religion, culture, and society.
15. Who among the following historical figures assumed the titles of sakayavanpallavanidusana (destroyer of saka, yavana and pallavas) and Trisamudrapittoyvahana (one whose horses had drunk waters from 3 oceans)?
[A] Gautami Putra satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Rudra daman I
[D] Vijaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautami Putra satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of the Satavahana Empire in India, held these impressive titles. His reign marked an era of great imperial expansion, with his forces reaching three oceans and defeating several significant enemies. The titles he assumed symbolized his prowess and achievements. He systematically obliterated the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pallavas, symbolized by the title Sakayavanpallavanidusana. And Trisamudrapittoyvahana denoted the vast range of his conquests.
16. As per the ancient Indian Texts, the land between which among the following two rivers has been called “Brahamavarta”?
[A] Saraswati river and Drsadvati River
[B] Saraswati river and Saryu River
[C] Sutudri (Satluj) River and Vipas (Beas) River
[D] Ganga River and Yamuna River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saraswati river and Drsadvati River]
Notes:
The Hindu religious text Manusmriti describes Brahmavarta as the region between the rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati in India.
17. Which of the following is the most important cause for the decline of Buddhism after Ashoka? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Non-patronage by the kings
[B] Condemnation of animal sacrifices
[C] Growth of licentious practices in Buddhist centres
[D] Allegiance to the middle path
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Non-patronage by the kings]
Notes:
The decline of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent refers to a gradual process of dwindling and replacement of Buddhism in India, which ended around the 12th century. The decline of Buddhism has been attributed to various factors:• Regionalisation of India after the end of the Gupta Empire which led to the loss of patronage and donations • Indian dynasties turned to the services of Hindu Brahmins• Invasions of north India by various groups such as Huns, Turco-mongols and Persians Subsequent destruction of Buddhist institutions such as Nalanda and religious persecutions
18. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because? (UPSC Prelims 1998)
[A] Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time
[B] they had renounced the policy of war and violence
[C] caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them
[D] Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them]
Notes:
They embraced Buddhism because caste ridden Hinduism did not attract them.
19. Loe Banr and Kalako-deray in Swat Valley of Pakistan are known for which of the following archeological remains?
[A] Fire altars
[B] Pit-dwellings
[C] Iron implements
[D] Bone tools
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pit-dwellings ]
Notes:
Pit dwellings have been found in Gufkral in Kashmir and in Loe Banr and Kalako-deray in the Swat valley.
20. Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells? (UPSC Prelims 2004)
[A] Rig-veda
[B] Yajur-veda
[C] Atharva-veda
[D] Sama-veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Atharva-veda]
Notes:
Atharvaveda is a book of magical formula. It contains charms and spells to ward-off evil and disease.
