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 was the most important grain grown in the Vedic Age?
[A] Wheat
[B] Barley
[C] Maize
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barley]
Notes:
The the most important grain grown in the Vedic Age was Barley.
12. Which pillar edict of Asoka is longest of all pillars?
[A] 2nd
[B] 5th
[C] 6th
[D] 7th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [7th]
Notes:
Seventh Pillar Edict mentions about Dhamma mahamattas
13. On which of the following systems of Hindu Philosophy, Shankaracharya wrote commentary in 9th century AD?
[A] Sankhya
[B] Vaisheshika
[C] Yoga
[D] Uttarmimansa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Uttarmimansa]
Notes:
Uttar Mimamsa is the Vedanta, one of the most significant of all Indian philosophies. As compared to other systems, its advent and growth is recent. Still it is the most influential orthodox philosophical systems of India.
14. The varaha Temple at mamallapuram was built by:
[A] Singh Vishnu
[B] Mahendra varmana I
[C] Narsimhavarmana -I
[D] Aditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narsimhavarmana -I]
Notes:
Varaha Cave Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu was built during the reign of Narasimhavarman I Mahamalla (630–668 AD). The temple was commissioned by King Narsimhavarman II in the mid 7th century. The temple is one of the oldest stone temples in South India and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple is a rock-cut Hindu temple and is known for its four carvings of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Gajalakshmi, and Lord Trivikama. The temple’s architecture is a transitional style that evolved during the rule of the Pallava kings. The temple’s columns are mounted on seated lions and the walls are carved with frescoes.
15. Which among the following Buddhist Text is considered to have been recorded by Buddha himself?
[A] Dhammaghosa
[B] Buddhaghosa
[C] Dhammapada
[D] Abhidhamma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dhammapada]
Notes:
The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures. It is recorded by Buddha himself.
16. In Buddhism, Patimonkha deals with which among the following?
[A] Education
[B] Propaganda
[C] Discipline
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Discipline]
Notes:
In Theravada Buddhism, the Patimokkha is the basic code of monastic discipline,. It consists of 227 rules for fully ordained monks (bhikkhus) and 311 for nuns (bhikkhunis). It is contained in the Suttavibhanga, a division of the Vinaya Pitaka.
17. The Elephanta caves have been mostly ascribed to which among the following dynasty?
[A] Chalukyas
[B] Cholas
[C] Rasthrakutas
[D] Pallavas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rasthrakutas]
Notes:
Rashtrakuta dynasty is credited with building the Elephanta caves. The caves were constructed by cutting the walls of high basalt rock walls. The caves are located on an island in the Sea of Oman, close to Bombay. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contain a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva.
The caves were completed in the second quarter of the 6th century. Contemporary scholars attribute the caves to king Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri dynasty. The caves were commissioned by the warrior king Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas of the Badami dynasty.
The island was known as Gharapuri, or “place of caves”, in ancient times. The name Elephanta was given by 16th-century Portuguese explorers after seeing a monolithic basalt sculpture of an elephant near the entrance.
18. Who among the following advocated the philosophy of Vishista Advaita ?
[A] Sankaradeva
[B] Madhvacharya
[C] Nimbarka
[D] Ramanuja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ramanuja]
Notes:
The philosophy of Vishista Advaita is known as Qualified Non-dualism (or qualified monism or attributive monism.). This philosophy was advocated by Ramanuja, who belongs to the village of Perumbudur, Tamilnadu. According to him, the relationship between individual and the divine is that of a part and the whole. Both have distinct quality. They are not identical, but everytjing conscious and un-conscious exits in the Divine.
19. Who was the last ruler of Chola dynasty?
[A] Adhirajendra
[B] Virarajendra
[C] Kulottunga II
[D] Parantaka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adhirajendra]
Notes:
Adhirajendra was the last ruler of Chola dynasty, who was killed in a public revolt.
20. In stone age, the composite tools started appearing in which of the following ages?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mesolithic ]
Notes:
One of the key aspects of the Mesolithic Age was the reduction in size of well-established tool types. The characteristic tools of this age were microliths (miniature stone tools usually made of crypto-crystalline silica, chalcedony, or chert, both of geometrical and non-geometrical shapes). They were not only used as tools in themselves but also to make composite tools, spearheads, arrowheads, and sickles after hafting them on wooden or bone handles.
