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. Bagh caves near Gwalior represent the paintings of which of the following era?
[A] Maurya Era
[B] Gupta Era
[C] Kushana Era
[D] Rajput Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Era]
Notes:
Bagh caves near Gwalior represent the paintings of Gupta era. The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments.
12. Which among the following had contact with the Indus Valley people? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Egyptians
[B] Sumerians
[C] Chinese
[D] Mesopotamians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mesopotamians]
Notes:
The Indus people were greatly reliant on trade. They traded with many different civilizations like Persia, Mesopotamia and China. They were also known to trade in the Arabian Gulf region, central parts of Asia, portions of Afghanistan and northern and western India. The ancient Mesopotamian civilizations were located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Indus-Mesopotamia relations are thought to have developed during the second half of 3rd millennium BCE, until they came to a halt with the extinction of the Indus valley civilization after around 1900 BCE.
13. Which of the following is the parent script of the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] Indus
[B] Brahmi
[C] Kharosti
[D] Aramic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indus]
Notes:
The parent script of the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language is Indus.
14. It is said that of the five doctrines taught by Jainism four were taken over by Mahavira from previous teachers and only one was added by him. Which one of the following was the doctrine added by him? (UPSC Prelims 1991)
[A] Do not commit violence
[B] Observe continence
[C] Do not acquire property
[D] Do not speak a lie
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Observe continence]
Notes:
Mahavira added the principle of chastity to the four Jain principles already given by Parshva (no violence, no lying, no stealing, no possessions). According to tradition Mahavira is said to have established a community of 14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns before he died.
15. Ramanuja, the Vaishnava Saint, was born at which of the following places? (UPSC Prelims 1991)
[A] Srirangam
[B] Srivilliputtur
[C] Udipi
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [None of the above]
Notes:
Ramanuja was born to mother Kanthimathi and father Asuri Kesava Somayaji, in Sriperumbudur, near modern Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He is believed to have been born in the month of Chaitra under the star Tiruvadhirai.
16. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve foodgrains to be utilized during the crises in the country? (UPSC Prelims 1998)
[A] Sohagaura Copper-plate
[B] Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka
[C] Prayaga-Prasasti
[D] Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sohagaura Copper-plate]
Notes:
The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India.
17. Which of the following age is also known as copper age?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] Chalcolithic age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chalcolithic age ]
Notes:
Neolithic age is followed by the Chalcolithic or stone – copper age, which generally occurred from 1800 – 1000 BC
18. Which of the following were the most standardized products of the Harappans?
[A] Pottery
[B] Terracottas
[C] Bricks
[D] Statues
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bricks]
Notes:
Bricks and weights were perhaps the most standardized products manufactured in the Harappan civilization. Standardized sizes of bricks in ratio of 1:2:4 have been documented. Uniform weights based on binary system have been found, implying established trade practices and regulated urban industries governed by administrative policies for greater economic integration across the far-flung Harappan domain.
19. The Harappan culture as a whole gives the picture of a changeless, stagnant society. But this can be disproved by the changes in the:
[A] pottery
[B] images
[C] forms of worship
[D] town planning
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [pottery]
Notes:
Harappan culture has sometimes been characterized as an unchanging, stagnant society. However, this impression can be disproved by examining the stylistic and manufacturing changes seen specifically in Harappan pottery produced over the civilization’s history from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. Archaeologists have documented distinct differences between Early, Mature and Late phase ceramic types indicating the Harappans actively innovated, adopted new techniques and adapted to socio-economic shifts over the centuries.
20. Which of the following crop was cultivated by the people of Indus as Rabi crop?
[A] Wheat
[B] Rice
[C] Cotton
[D] Seasum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Wheat]
Notes:
Wheat and Barley formed the main Rabi crop cultivated in winter season by Harappan people as evident from grains retrieved from granaries. Rice, sesame seeds, peas are Kharif crop examples grown in wet season. Higher proportion of barley signifies colder climate. Variety of crops attests advanced horticultural skills.
