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 of the following statements about Agastya, a revered Indian sage of Hinduism, is NOT true?
[A] He and his wife Lopamudra are the authors of hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Sanskrit text Rigveda.
[B] He is considered to be the father of Siddha medicine.
[C] He is one of the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts.
[D] He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.]
Notes:
Agastya is a revered Indian sage known for his great contributions to various fields. Agastya and his wife Lopamudra authored hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Rigveda. He is also remembered as the father of Siddha medicine. Among the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts, he holds a distinguished place. However, the Agastya Samhita is actually found in Skanda Purana, not the Rigveda Purana, differentiating it from the other statements above.
12. Shatapatha Brahmana belongs to which of the following Vedas?
[A] Krishna Yajurveda
[B] Shukla Yajurveda
[C] Rigveda
[D] Samaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shukla Yajurveda]
Notes:
Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda.It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas. It contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology.
13. Which of the following group represents right combination of Triratnas of Jainism?
[A] Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Thought
[B] Right Thought, Right Action, Right Conduct
[C] Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct]
Notes:
The triratnas are the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (“right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samyakcharitra (“right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.
14. Nigashtha, Natputra, Nirgranth & Saatputra are various names of which of the following?
[A] Mahavira
[B] Gautam Buddha
[C] Chandra gupta Vikramaditya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahavira]
Notes:
Nigashtha, Natputra, Nirgranth & Saatputra are various names of Mahavira. Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana was the 24th tirthankara of Jainism. Vīr, Ativīr, Vardhamāna, Sanmati, Nāyāputta, Kasyapa are the other names.
15. Which among the following is Incorrect regarding the early Vedic religion?
[A] They didn’t believe in Idol worship and believed in one supreme god indeed
[B] The Vedic god were classified into three categories- Terrestrial , Atmospheric and Celestial
[C] The people used to worship of spiritual reasons
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The people used to worship of spiritual reasons]
Notes:
They used to worship for welfare of praja and pashu
16. Who among the following has been mentioned as Maharajadhiraja and a Lion to the Huna Deer by Banabhatta?
[A] Harshavarshana
[B] Prabhakarvardhana
[C] Yashovardhana
[D] Grahavarman.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakarvardhana]
Notes:
Prabhakaravardhana was a king of Thanesar in northern India around the time of the decline of the Gupta Empire. Banabhatta credits Prabhakaravardhana with a strong stance against the Hunas, describing him as:”A lion to the Huna deer”.
17. Which among the following river is most described in Rig-Veda?
[A] Sindhu
[B] Chenab
[C] Saraswati
[D] Ganga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sindhu]
Notes:
The most mentioned river in Rigveda is Indus river, followed by Saraswati.
18. The “Siddhimatrika” script was one of the forms of writing Sanskrit in ancient India. This script, which made Sanskrit works known in China and Japan was developed during the times of ___:
[A] Kanishka
[B] Harsha
[C] Meander
[D] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Harsha]
Notes:
During the times of Harsha, an script called Siddhimatrika was developed which is sometimes called Harsha Script. Please note that Siddhimatrika was the form of writing in which Sanskrit works became known in China and Japan.
19. Which of the following is a correct statement about Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Both Harappa and Mohejodero are is located on the banks of Indus River
[B] Both Chanhudaro and Kalibangan were located within the boundaries of present day Rajasthan.
[C] Both Surkotada and Dholavira are located in Katch of Gujarat
[D] Lothal site was located on bank of Narmada river
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Both Surkotada and Dholavira are located in Katch of Gujarat]
Notes:
Mohenjodero was located on banks of river Indus. Harappa on Ravi. Chanhudaro is in Pakistan now. Lothal was on mouth of Gulf of Cambay.
20. Which of the following Vedas is sometimes referred as the “Veda of magical formulas”?
[A] Rig-Veda
[B] Samveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Atharvaveda ]
Notes:
Atharvaveda is sometimes referred as the “Veda of magical formulas”