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. Which among the following scripts of modern India have descended from the Sarda Script?
- Gurmukhi
- Dogri
- Sindhi
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Sarada is a script of the Brahmic family of scripts, developed around the 8th century. It was used for writing Sanskrit and Kashmiri. The Gurmukhi script was developed from Sarada by Guru Angad. Originally more widespread, its use became later restricted to Kashmir, and it is now rarely used except by the Kashmiri Pandit community for ceremonial purposes. There are several variants of Sarada Scripts such as Takkari or Tankari which is the parent of the Dogri script, Kului script (Kullu in Himachal Pradesh), Chameali Script (in Chamba Himachal Pradesh), Sindhi, Bania of Punjab etc.
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. The image of Buddha with a circular head halo and flying Gandharvas on either side with garlands in hands appeared for the first time during the:
[A] Gandhara School of Arts
[B] Mathura School of Arts
[C] Gupta School of Arts
[D] Amaravati School of Art
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gandhara School of Arts]
Notes:
The image of Buddha with a circular head halo and flying Gandharvas on either side with garlands in hands appeared for the first time during the Gandhara School of Arts.
15. Which Indus city had houses with entrances on the main street?
[A] Lothal
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Dholavira
[D] Dholavira
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lothal]
Notes:
In Lothal almost every house had its entrance on the main street, unlike other Harappan cities where houses had side lanes for entry. This direct access indicates official regulation and a grid-like planned layout suiting its role as prominent trading center and port-town of the period.
16. From which of the following places People of Indus valley civilization obtained Copper?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Bihar
[C] Central Asia
[D] Persia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Indus Valley people obtained copper from the Khetri mines located in the northeastern part of Rajasthan. Archaeological evidence suggests the mines were in operation during the Mature Harappan phase between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE. Ore was brought to the valley civilization sites and melted in furnaces to produce both tools and decorative items. Copper was a prized metal used extensively in urban Harappan centers.
17. Who among the following given the statement ‘The enemy of the Harappans was nature. Indra and the barbarian hordes are exonerated’?
[A] Sir Cunningham
[B] K M Srivastava
[C] G F Dales
[D] A Ghosh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [G F Dales]
Notes:
American archaeologist George F. Dales first gave the statement exonerating mythical Indra or hypothetical barbarian hordes for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. He stated that natural factors like floods and earthquakes were more likely causes based on evidence from Mohenjodaro. This view departed from the prevailing Aryan invasion hypothesis for the civilization’s demise.
18. Which Indus site shows the evidence of double burial?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Dholavira
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
Evidence of double burials, a very rare occurrence, has been found at the Harappan site of Lothal in Gujarat. Two adult male skeletons along with grave offerings like ornaments were discovered from a single burial mound. Double burials imply strong emotional bonds, pointing to mature relationships in Harappan society beyond mere kinship ties.
19. 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.
20. What was the name of Siddhartha’s charioteer?
[A] Channa
[B] Kanthaka
[C] Kondanna
[D] Vappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Channa]
Notes:
Siddhartha decided to become a wanderer and left his palace at the age of 29 with Channa his charioteer, and his favourite horse called Kanthaka, in search of truth (Mahabhinishkramana/Great Renunciation).
