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 is not Correctly matched?
[A] Milinda Panho – Buddhism
[B] Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism
[C] Mahapurana – Jainism
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism]
Notes:
Tatwarthadhigam is of Jainism composed by Uma Swami
12. 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.
13. Establishment of Svetambara as a separate sect within Jainism was resulted at ____?
[A] Rajgriha
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Ujjaini
[D] Sanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
It was the outcome of Jain monks council meeting held in the year of 453 or 466 CE
14. 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.
15. Which of the following terms is not associated with a tool tradition of ancient India / World?
[A] Mousterian
[B] Acheulean
[C] Oldowan
[D] Grotian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Grotian ]
Notes:
The Mousterian refers to a techno-complex (archaeological industry) of flint lithic tools associated primarily with Neanderthals. Acheulean refers to the ancient industry of stone tool manufacture characterized by distinctive oval and pear-shaped “hand-axes” associated with Homo erectus and related species. Oldowan is the oldest-known stone tool industry and dates back as far as 2.5 million years ago. The term Grotian is related to international law and does not related to ancient stone tool industries.
16. 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.
17. The Prakrit text “Gathasaptasati” is attributed to whom among the following Satavahana kings?
[A] Vasishtiputra Pulumavi
[B] Hala
[C] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[D] Amaru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hala]
Notes:
Shadowy Satavahana king Hala, who ruled in the Deccan in the 1st century AD contributed a book titled as Gatha Saptashati in the Prakrit or Paishachi language.
18. Which of the following was not known to Indus Valley people?
[A] Silver
[B] Copper
[C] Iron
[D] Bronze
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Iron]
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 but there was no mention of iron.
19. At which of the following Harappan sites Bone tools, which are not indigenous to India, were found?
[A] Chirand
[B] Gufkral
[C] Burzahom
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All the above]
Notes:
Bone tools have been unearthed at the Harappan sites of Chirand, Gufkral and Burzahom, which were likely imported from outside. Evidence shows links between Harappans and Neolithic people farther west in Afghanistan and Central Asia where bone tool technology was common, but not prevalent in early farming cultures of North India. The presence of non-local raw materials like lapis lazuli also indicate the Harappans were well connected to other cultures and established extensive trade networks.
20. The burnt bricks of the harappan people are known for their:
[A] standardisation
[B] technical excellence
[C] utilitarian value
[D] aesthetic sense
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [standardisation]
Notes:
Bricks used extensively in various kinds of structures by Harappans were kiln-baked and noted for their standardized dimensions and ratio of width and thickness. Bricks surrounding drains were even customized to slopes. Standardization indicates centralized authority over brick manufacturing. Stucco coated bricks present a smooth finish, while lime and gypsum mortar was used as an effective binding agent pointing to specialized knowledge. Burnt bricks prove better resistance to damage and show sophistication.
