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. As per the ancient Indian Texts, the land between which among the following two rivers has been called “Brahamavarta”?
[A] Saraswati river and Drsadvati River
[B] Saraswati river and Saryu River
[C] Sutudri (Satluj) River and Vipas (Beas) River
[D] Ganga River and Yamuna River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saraswati river and Drsadvati River]
Notes:
The Hindu religious text Manusmriti describes Brahmavarta as the region between the rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati in India.
12. Who was the founder of Parmaras dynasty?
[A] Vakpati Munj
[B] Padmagupta
[C] Bhoja
[D] Sindhuraj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vakpati Munj]
Notes:
Vakpati Munj was the founder of Parmaras dynasty. He is said to have ruled from 993 to 995 A.D.
13. When did the Lohara dynasty was founded?
[A] 1007 AD
[B] 1003 AD
[C] 998 AD
[D] 1010 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1003 AD]
Notes:
The Lohara dynasty of Kashmir was founded by Sangam Raj (Hindu ruler) in 1003 AD who received the crown of Kashmir from his aunt Queen Didda.
14. Which among the following is / are works of Kalidasa?
[A] Raghuvamsha and kiratarjuniya
[B] Kumarasambhava and Raghuvamsha
[C] Malti madhava and Kumara Sambhav
[D] Malti madhav and Kumara Sambhav
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumarasambhava and Raghuvamsha ]
Notes:
Kumarasambhava and Raghuvamsha are the works of Kalidasa. Raghuvamsha is a Sanskrit mahakavya by the most celebrated Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Though an exact date of composition is unknown, the poet is presumed to have flourished in the 5th century CE. Kumārasambhavam is an epic poem by Kālidāsa.
15. 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.
16. Which of the following was used in the manufacture of Harappan stone sculptures?
[A] Steatite
[B] Hard sandstone
[C] Soft limestone
[D] Gypsum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Steatite]
Notes:
Harappan stone sculptures were fashioned from materials like steatite, a form of soapstone which has a soft consistency allowing easy carving. Many figurines of women, animals and men, some seemingly engaged in ritual worship, have been found carved from steatite. This indicates skilled craftsmanship specialized in delicate stonework.
17. Which of the following is concerned with Vedic sacrifices that require three or more fires?
[A] Shrautasutra
[B] Grihyasutra
[C] Dharmasutra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shrautasutra]
Notes:
‘Vedanga’ means the ‘limbs of the Vedas’. The Vedanga consist of six sutras. Shrautasutra which is a part of Kaplasutra is concerned with Vedic sacrifices that require three or more fires.
18. Which of the following explain the term ‘shreni’?
[A] A religious group
[B] A committee to advise the king
[C] Guilds or organisation of merchants
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Guilds or organisation of merchants]
Notes:
Shreni indicated the guilds or organisation of merchants. During the Later Vedic period the exchange was still via barter system. However Niskha was used as a convenient unit of value although it was not used as a typical currency.
19. Which of the following was the first disciple of Mahavira?
[A] Jamali
[B] Trishala
[C] Yasodha
[D] Prabhash
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jamali]
Notes:
Jamali who was also the son-in-law of Mahavira was the first disciple of Mahavira. Jamali met Mahavira in the Kundagrama village where Mahavira was born. Jamali took vow along with five hundred of the warrior caste.
20. According to Behistun Inscription of Achaemenid emperor Darius, who conquered the Gandhara mahajanapada?
[A] Indo-Greeks
[B] Persians
[C] Mauryans
[D] Panchala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Persians]
Notes:
According to Behistun Inscription of Achaemenid emperor Darius, Gandhara Mahajanapada was conquered by the Persians in the later part of the 6th century BCE. It subsequently became part of the Maurya Empire and then the Indo-Greek Kingdom.
