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. Metronymics were borne by the later rulers of which among the following dynasties?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kanva
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Satavahana ]
Notes:
Metronymics: A name derived from the name of a mother or female ancestor. The metronymics are borne by the later Satavahanas and not by the early Satavahanas. It was mainly because Satavahanas had to establish matrimonial alliance with maharathis. The metronymics of the Satavahanas was the result of such alliances.
2. In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanatha
[D] Rishabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mahavira ]
Notes:
In Pali Buddhist texts, most notably the Sutta Pitaka, Lord Mahavira is referred and addressed as ‘Nigantha Nataputta’. Nigantha means one without any bonds or ties. Nataputta means son of Jnatri clan to which Mahavira belonged. This name referred to Mahavira’s state as an ascetic who had renounced worldly pleasures and ties. The term contrasts Buddhism’s middle path to Jainism’s ascetic path to moksha or liberation.
3. Which of the following types of Vedic priests was most responsible for making correct arrangements for vedic sacrificial rites?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryu
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Adhvaryu ]
Notes:
Adhvaryu In the operational aspects of Vedic fire rites, the Adhvaryu was a central figure because he was the one who measured the sacrificial ground, built all that was needed and prepared materials to be used like, articles of oblation, utensils, woods and water. He also kindled the fire for expected offerings. Thus, success of a Yajna was dependent on correct duties of the Adhvaryu priest.
4. Heliodorus’ a Greek ambassador of the Indo-Greek king was sent to the court of which ruler?
[A] Bhagbhadra
[B] Devabhut
[C] Pushyamitra
[D] Ghosha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhagbhadra ]
Notes:
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas. Heliodorus erected famous votive Heliodorus pillar around 110 BC near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
5. Which site has given the earliest evidence of pottery in the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Brahmagiri
[B] Chirand
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Burzahom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh, located in the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan, is one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia. Dated back to around 7000 – 5500 BCE, it is also known for its significant contribution in unearthing one of the earliest instances of pottery making.
6. In which of the following modern State, most of the 24 Tirthankar of Jainism attained nirvana?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar is the state where most of Tirthankara attained nirvana. Lord Buddha attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
7. Which among the following is the most important work of Tamil Literature of Sangam Period (sometimes also referred as Bible of the Tamil land)?
[A] Thirukkural
[B] Purananuru
[C] Malaipatukatam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Thirukkural]
Notes:
Thiruvalluvar was the author of the book ‘Tirukkural (also known as the Kural). It is a classic Tamil sangam literature consisting of 1330 couplets or Kurals. The book is also called as the fifth Veda or ‘Bible of the Tamil Land’.
8. What was the profession of Karmara in Vedic age?
[A] Blacksmith
[B] Potter
[C] Ratha (Chariot ) Makers
[D] Goldsmith
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Blacksmith]
Notes:Some of the ancient professions and their names are as follows:
- Karmara – Blacksmith
- Takshan – Carpenter
- Vapta – Barber
- Charmana – Tanner
- Hiranayakara – Goldsmith
- Tantuvaya – weaver
9. Allahabad Pillar Inscription gives a detailed account of the reign of which of the following?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Samudra gupta
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudra gupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta court poet and minister Harisena composed the Allahabad pillar Inscription or Prayag Prasasti. The Pillar was an Asokan Pillar erected by Asoka six century before him.
This Inscription is a eulogy of Samudragupta and mentions about the conquests of Samudragupta and boundaries of the Gupta Empire. As per this inscription, Samudragupta defeated 9 kings in North, 12 Kings in South, reduced all the Atavika states to vassalage.
10. Bhagwati sutra is related to which of the following religions?
[A] Buddhism
[B] Jainism
[C] Hinduism
[D] Sikhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jainism]
Notes:
Bhagwati sutra is the fifth of the 12 Jain Agamas said to be promulgated by Mahavira. The Bhagwati sutra is said to have been composed by Sudharmaswami by the Śvētāmbara school of Jainism.
