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. The people from which of the following ancient places were called as Vrishnis?
[A] Mathura
[B] Dwarka
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Gandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dwarka]
Notes:
The Vrishnis were an ancient group associated with the city of Dwarka, which is linked to Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology. Dwarka was a important city in the Mahabharata and is often described as a prosperous and advanced civilization. The Vrishnis were known for their valor and were considered a clan of the Yadavas, the descendants of Yadu, and played a crucial role in the epic narratives surrounding Krishna.
12. What is the vedic name of river Chenab?
[A] Bipasa
[B] Askini
[C] Satudri
[D] Chandni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Askini ]
Notes:
Chenab River was called Asikni in the Rigveda. The name Asikni means “dark colored waters”. The Chenab River is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi. It runs through the Jammu area of J&K and into Pakistan’s Punjab plains.
13. The forces of Alexander refused to cross which of the following rivers and returned back?
[A] Beas
[B] Chenab
[C] Ravi
[D] Satluj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Beas ]
Notes:
The forces of Alexander while invading India refused to cross Beas (Bipasa) river.
14. With reference to vedic literature, “Tat Tvam Asi” is one of the most interpreted mahavakya (great saying). Which among the following is source of this mahavakya?
[A] Aitareya Brahman
[B] Kalpasutra
[C] Brahadaranyaka
[D] Chandogya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to “That Thou Art” in English. It is a central teaching in the Hindu philosophical tradition of Advaita Vedanta, which holds that the ultimate reality is non-dual and that the individual self (atman) is ultimately identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman). Tat Tvam Asi comes from Chandogya Upanishad.
15. At which of the following places the First Buddhist Council took place?
[A] Rajagriha
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Jalandhara
[D] Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajagriha]
Notes:
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.
16. Why the Indus valley civilization is also known as the Harappa culture?
[A] The site of Harappa is six times larger than Mohenjo-Daro site
[B] The Indus valley civilization is considered the elementary/initial stage of the Vedic culture and Harappa is believed to be the same as Harappa mentioned in the Vedas
[C] Harappa was the first site to be excavated in the Indus valley
[D] The most important/significant evidence of the achievements of this civilization have been excavated from Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The most important/significant evidence of the achievements of this civilization have been excavated from Harappa]
Notes:
The Indus Valley civilization is also known as the Harappan civilization because the first site of the archaeological remains of the Indus Valley civilization was found at the modern site of Harappa, West Punjab, Pakistan.
17. Vidhushaka, a common character in Sanskrit drama, belongs to which of the following categories?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaisya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmana]
Notes:
In classical Sanskrit drama, Vidushaka is essentially a Brahmin and is a confident / attendent of the Hero. Despite being educated in Sanskrit, he speaks in Prakrit, the vernacular language of the time. Bharata mentions him along with the principal characters in his Natyasastra.
18. According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas which of the following is the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons (Yugas)?
[A] Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali
[B] Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali
[C] Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali
[D] Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali]
Notes:
A complete Yuga starts with the Satya Yuga, via Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga into a Kali Yuga.
19. The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. Which of the following year will be similar in Vikram Samvat?
[A] 601
[B] 300
[C] 330
[D] 407
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [601]
Notes:
The Saka era started in 78 AD, while Vikram era started from 58 BC. So if we want to convert Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I to Vikram era, it will be 465 + 78 + 58 = 601 Vikram Samvat.
20. Consider the following persons who visited India:
- Fa-Hien
- I-Tsing
- Megasthenese
- Hieun-Tsang
What is the correct chronological sequence of their visits?
[A] Megasthenese, Fa-Hien, I-Tsing, Hieun-Tsang
[B] Megasthenese, Fa-Hien, Hieun-Tsang, I-Tsing
[C] Fa-Hien, Megasthenese, I-Tsing, Hieun-Tsang
[D] Fa-Hien, Megasthenese, Hieun-Tsang, I-Tsing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Megasthenese, Fa-Hien, Hieun-Tsang, I-Tsing]
Notes:The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:
- Megasthanese visited India from 302–298 BC.
- Fa-Hien visited India from 405–411 CE.
- Hieun-Tsang visited India from 630–645CE.
- I-Tsing visited India from 671–695 CE.
