Ancient Indian History MCQs

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According to the scriptures of all Buddhist schools, the first Buddhist Council was held soon after the death of the Buddha.It was dated by the majority of recent scholars around 400 BCE. It took place under the patronage of the king Ajatashatru with the monk Mahakasyapa presiding, at Sattapanni caves, Rajgriha.

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Utnur is an important Neolithic site located in Adilabad district of Telangana. Ash-mounds, which mystified archeologists, have been discovered at UtnurNote that Ash mounds are also found in Pallavoy (Andhra Pradesh), Kupgal (Karnataka) and Kodekal (Karnataka)

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The religious iconography of the Indus people consists of the imagery depicted on seals, bronze statuettes, and terracotta figurines that allow insights into their spiritual concepts and early South Asian theology. Common motifs include seated deities, animals like bulls and elephants, mother goddesses, pipal leaf, swastika symbols, and abstract geometry.

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Steatite, a smooth fine-grained composite rock made of minerals like talc and rich in magnesium, was the most predominant material used in carving small Indus seals. Easy availability in areas surrounding Harappan sites made it an ideal choice. The soft nature of steatite also enabled easy carving of intricate designs and writing symbols by artisans.

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A group of skeletons were uncovered from Mohenjo-daro in areas like in lane of house No. VII and below the stairs facing house No. XI which pointed to a sudden catastrophe where people took shelter till their last breath. At Dholavira, large-scale destruction of the island fortress including buffer area has also been observed.

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The theory that internal decay coupled with external shocks caused the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization was proposed by archaeologist Gordon Childe in 1942. He suggested interruption of trade and loss of faith in the ruling elite led to disintegration, later compounded by attacks from bellicose tribes like the Aryans. However, climate change and natural disasters are now seen as more likely factors.

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In the Chhandogya Upanishad we can find reference to the first three ashrams. It also discusses the types of marriage. The two main types discussed are the  Anuloma marriage and the Pratiloma marriage.

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The second Jain council was held in 453 or 466 CE at Vallabhi. The council led to the final compilation of 12 angas and 12 upangas. It was presided by Derridhiganj. The president of the first council was Sthulabhadra, which was held in Patliputra.

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The Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitak is further subdivided into fifteen books. One of the most prominent among them being the Jatakas which contains stories of the previous births of the Buddha.

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The capital of the state of Gandhara was Taxila or Takshashila located in modern-day Peshawar and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. They had cordial relations with Magadha Mahajanapda and also waged a successful war against Avanti.