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. In the context of Buddhism, what does the term Vihara refer to?
[A] Residence of Monks
[B] Hall of Worship
[C] Congregation Hall
[D] Garden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Residence of Monks]
Notes:
Vihara in Buddhism refers to the residence of monks who dedicated their lives towards spiritual practices. The word ‘Vihara’ has Pali origin and initially denoted a transitory dwelling place used by wandering monks during the monsoon. Unlike Chaityas, or the assembly halls where discussions took place, Viharas did not contain stupas, which are mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics.
12. Which of the below-mentioned ancient Indian jurists established a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters after the sons?
[A] Brihaspati
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Narada
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Yajnavalkya]
Notes:
Yajnavalkya laid down doctrines that included a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters immediately after the sons. His works promoted justice and fairness in family matters, creating a direct impact on the stability of society. Yajnavalkya is known for his teachings on the concepts of Dharma and Moksha.
13. What was the name of the judges and judicial officers in Satvahana Dynasty?
[A] Amatya
[B] Rajukas
[C] Bhoja
[D] Gamika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajukas]
Notes:
In the Satvahana Dynasty, the judges and judicial officers were known as “Rajukas”. The Satvahana Empire, also known as the Andhra Empire, was an Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region. During its rule, law and order were maintained by appointing officers known as Rajukas, who performed various judicial functions including that of a judge.
14. Which among the following Vedic Texts gives a systematic exposition of the ‘theory of rebirth’ for the first time?
[A] Chhandogya Upanishad
[B] Mundaka Upanishad
[C] Satapatha Brahmana
[D] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chhandogya Upanishad]
Notes:
The correct answer is the Chhandogya Upanishad. This text, dating back to around 800-600 BCE, is one of the oldest Upanishads and is important for its philosophical discussions, including the concept of rebirth (punarjanma). It introduces the idea of the eternal soul (Atman) and its journey through cycles of birth and death, laying foundational thoughts for later Hindu philosophies. The Chhandogya Upanishad is also known for its exploration of the relationship between the individual soul and the universal spirit (Brahman).
15. 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.
16. The famous Gayatri Mantra which is addressed to solar deity, is a highly revered mantra from the _?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Shatapatha Brahmana
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rig Veda]
Notes:
The famous Gayatri Mantra addressed to solar deity, is a highly revered mantra from the Rig-Veda.
17. In which of the following stages, humans passed from the food gathering stage to the food producing stage?
[A] Neolithic Age
[B] Mesolithic Age
[C] Chalcolithic Age
[D] Paleolithic Age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Neolithic Age]
Notes:
Man passed from food gathering stage to the food producing stage during the Neolithic Age. Neolithic age began 12,000 years ago.
18. Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order?
[A] Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya
[B] Ramanuja—Shankaracharya—Chaitanya
[C] Ramanuja—Chaitanya—Shankaracharya
[D] Shankaracharya—Chaitanya—Ramanuja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya]
Notes:
The correct chronological order is Shankaracharya (9th Century CE) – Ramanuja (1017- 1137 CE) – Chaitanya (1436-1533 CE).
19. For which one of the following crops there is no evidence of cultivation from anyone of the Indus sites?
[A] Barley
[B] Sugarcane
[C] Field peas
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sugarcane]
Notes:
There is no definitive evidence so far of sugarcane cultivation from any Harappan settlements. However, remains of wheat, barley, pulses, peas, sesame, cotton, dates, melons and Indian mainland millets have been confirmed through storage jars, grains, husks, leaves and artistic depictions. This indicates the Indus people practiced diverse agriculture with major staple cereal crops, fiber plants and fruits suited to the landscape.
20. Which Harappan site gives more evidences with regard to the transition from the pre-Harappan to the mature Harappan culture?
[A] Harappa
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Chanhudaro
[D] Amri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amri]
Notes:
The archaeological site of Amri, located in present-day Sindh province of Pakistan closer to the Indus river, has revealed more cultural artifacts showing the gradual evolution and transition from the Early Harappan Phase to the beginning of the Mature Harappan period in the Indus Valley tradition between 3000 BCE to 2600 BCE. The excavated remains indicate trade networks and ceramic styles were transforming as early political consolidation was ongoing prior to the height of the Indus Urban era.
