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. The Practice of Polyandry was common in which of the following in ancient India?
[A] Kushanas
[B] Hunas
[C] Shakas
[D] Greeks
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hunas]
Notes:
Polyandry is a form of polygamy in which a woman takes two or more husbands at the same time. It is common in Hunas. Hunas or Huna was the name given by the ancient Indians to a group of Central Asian tribes who, via the Khyber Pass, entered India at the end of the 5th or early 6th century.
12. What was the name given to Ravi river by historians of Alexander?
[A] Hydasphus
[B] Hydraster
[C] Arjikiya
[D] Vipasha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Hydraster ]
Notes:
Ravi river was called as ‘Hydraster’ and ‘Rhouadis’ by the historians of Alexander.
13. Which of the following was not one of the things Asoka did for his people during his rule?
[A] Make stone pillars across India
[B] Send missionaries to Sri Lanka
[C] Set up food banks in poor towns
[D] Plant banyan trees by the roads
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Set up food banks in poor towns]
Notes:
After making a public speech calling everyone in his kingdom his children, he set out to help them. He began by building roads, rest hourses, hospitals and by making stone pillars with virtues on them, planting mango groves, and making shelters. He also became a vegetarian and limited Hindu animal sacrifices, but encouraged a tolerance in religion.
14. Which of the following is the most important cause for the decline of Buddhism after Ashoka? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Non-patronage by the kings
[B] Condemnation of animal sacrifices
[C] Growth of licentious practices in Buddhist centres
[D] Allegiance to the middle path
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Non-patronage by the kings]
Notes:
The decline of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent refers to a gradual process of dwindling and replacement of Buddhism in India, which ended around the 12th century. The decline of Buddhism has been attributed to various factors:• Regionalisation of India after the end of the Gupta Empire which led to the loss of patronage and donations • Indian dynasties turned to the services of Hindu Brahmins• Invasions of north India by various groups such as Huns, Turco-mongols and Persians Subsequent destruction of Buddhist institutions such as Nalanda and religious persecutions
15. Chanakya, was also known by which of the following names? (UPSC Prelims 1993)
[A] Bhattasvamin
[B] Rajasekhara
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Visakhadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vishnugupta]
Notes:
Chanakya was also known as Kautilya or Vishnu Gupta. He was an Indian teacher, philosopher, and royal adviser. He was initially a professor of economics and political science at the ancient Takshashila University in Takshashila.
16. Who among the following use the word ‘Hindu’ as reference to the people of Hind? (UPSC Prelims 1995)
[A] The Greeks
[B] The Romans
[C] The Chinese
[D] The Arabs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The Greeks]
Notes:
The word Hindu or Indu was used by Greeks to denote the country and people living beyond the Indus river. Megasthenes’ ‘Indica’ epitomizes the name for India and Indians around the 4th Century B.C.E. This word was misunderstood to be coined by Arabs, by medieval and some modern Indian Historians.
17. What is the name of the process used in the manufacture of Harappan seals?
[A] Cutting
[B] Casting
[C] Pinching
[D] Moulding
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cutting]
Notes:
The process used in the manufacture of Harappan seals is cutting. The seals were made from a stone called steatite and decorated with animal motifs and undeciphered script characters. Artisans carefully cut and shaped small tablets averaging 2 x 2 square inches to produce the seal face design in intaglio, such that stamp impressions made readable reliefs. Variances in seal iconography and craftsmanship indicate localized stylistic preferences and production across Indus urban workshops rather than mass produced standardized seals.
18. Which of the following was responsible for destruction of Kot Diji?
[A] fire
[B] floods
[C] earthquake
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [fire]
Notes:
The early Harappan settlement at Kot Diji dating back to 2800 BCE was ultimately destroyed by devastating fires that ravaged parts of the site. Archaeologists have found successive layers of fiery destruction indicating the settlement was attacked and set ablaze by fire on multiple occasions between 2600 BCE and 2400 BCE before being abandoned.
19. What is the meaning of ‘vis’?
[A] Clan
[B] Race
[C] Religion
[D] Ethnicity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Clan]
Notes:
During the Rig Vedic Age the family was part of a larger grouping which was called vis or clan. One or more than one clans made jana or tribe. The largest social unit was known as jana.
20. During the Later Vedic age collection of taxes and tributes was done by which of the following?
[A] Sangrihitri
[B] Senani
[C] Kulapati
[D] Grahpati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sangrihitri]
Notes:
During the Later Vedic age the collection of taxes and tributes was made compulsory and were done by the officer known as Sangrihitri. The Vaishyas appear to be the only tribute payers in Later Vedic times.
