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 of Indus Valley Civilization marks the “Absence of Mother goddess figurines” ?
[A] Lothal
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Rangpur
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rangpur]
Notes:
No seal or image of mother goddess has been found at Rangpur.
12. Which dynasty is recognized for establishing tranquility in the country following the decline of the Maurya Empire?
[A] Pallavas
[B] Cholas
[C] Saatvahanas
[D] Vakatakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Saatvahanas]
Notes:
The Saatvahana dynasty, also known as the Andhras in ancient India, played an influential role in re-establishing peace after the Maurya Empire’s fall. They took over the region of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh and expanded to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Their reign contributed to the prosperity in Deccan, with their robust strategies in trade, agriculture and craftmanship.
13. Which among the following was the most famous learning centre during maurya Period?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Taxila
[C] Nalanda
[D] Vikramsila
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Correct Answer: A [Ujjain]
Notes:
Taxila was the most famous leaning centre during the Mauryas. Taxila was absorbed into the Mauryan empire founded by Chandragupta, under whom it became a provincial capital.
14. Which of the following Indian playwright was imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhatti
[D] Vagbhatta
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Correct Answer: B [Kalidasa]
Notes:
Kalidasa was Indian playwright imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana.
15. In “Kumarasambhava” , the famous work of Kalidasa, who among the following has been referred as Kumara, whose birth has been depicted in this epic poem?
[A] Chadragupta II
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Kartikeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kartikeya ]
Notes:
Kalidasa, in his epic “Kumarasambhava”, portrays the birth of “Kumara”, referring to Kartikeya. The story aligns with the narrative in the Kalikapurana. Kartikeya, also known as Subramanya or Murugan, is a Hindu god, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is popularly worshipped in South India and by Tamil communities across the world.
16. Which of the following periods marks the start of the worship of idols in India? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1979)
[A] Pre-Aryan period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Mauryan period
[D] Kushan period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
The language of this question may be ambiguous. If we talk about the Archaeological evidence of deity worship, then we find traces of Puja rituals and worship of idols in temples from Gupta Empire era (i.e. 4th century AD). The Gupta Period was marked by great transformation in Hinduism and Buddhism. This period is known for wide prevalence of worship of ‘Shakti’ and specification of images of different gods and goddesses that were incorporated from Puranas. The cult of Kartikeya and Ganesha was also very prominent during that period.
17. Which one of the following conquered a number of sates in Sumatra, Java and Malaysia? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Rajaraja I
[B] Rajendra Chola
[C] Pulakesin
[D] Mahipala II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Chola]
Notes:
Rajendra Chola I was one of the greatest emperors of the Chola dynasty. Apart from reaching northwards to River Ganges and moving overseas to Maldives and Sri Lanka, he also invaded the Southeast Asian territories of Srivijaya in Malaysia, Indonesia and southern Thailand. He assumed the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ after defeating the Gangas, Chalukyas, Cheras, Palas, Pandyas, Kalinga and other rulers. He built a vast empire and a strong military and naval force. His rule came to be known as the ‘Golden Age of Cholas’.
18. Which one of the following shows the earliest evidence of silver in India?
[A] Harappan culture
[B] Chalcolithic cultures of Western India
[C] Vedic texts
[D] Silver punch-marked coins
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harappan culture]
Notes:
Variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver was extensively used by the Harappan metal workers. Minor metals like tin, arsenic, lead, antimony etc. were used for alloying. They had also perfected the intricate cireperdue or lost wax technique of metal casting as early as the third millennium BCE.
19. Utnur is an important Neolithic site located in which state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Telangana ]
Notes:
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)
20. Consider the following archaeological sites in India:
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
- Hunsgi
- Attirampakkam
- Paisra
- Sanghao Cave
Which of the following is the correct order of the above sites from north to south?
[A] 5 4 1 2 3
[B] 4 5 1 3 2
[C] 4 5 1 2 3
[D] 5 4 1 3 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [5 4 1 2 3]
Notes:
The correct order of the archaeological sites from north to south is as follows: 1. Sanghao Cave (located in North India) 2. Paisra (located in Bihar) 3. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (located in Madhya Pradesh) 4. Hunsgi (located in Karnataka) 5. Attirampakkam (located in Tamil Nadu) This sequence respects the geographical positions of the sites, ranging from northernmost to southernmost. Therefore, option [A] is the correct answer.
