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. At which of the following harappan sites, an Inkpot has been discovered?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Chanhudaro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chanhudaro]
Notes:
Chanhudaro is the only city from indus valley civilization found that didn’t have a citadel. A small pot was discovered on site and is assumed to be an ink pot.
12. Which among the following correctly explains Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhist monks under whose supervision Buddhist nuns were to live
[B] Special places which were used by Buddhist nuns for worship
[C] Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns
[D] Special book which narrates Jataka story of Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns]
Notes:
The Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha is a specific code of conduct for female Buddhist monks, or nuns, outlining rules and ethical guidelines they must follow. It is part of the larger Pātimokkha, which governs both monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. This code emphasizes discipline, moral conduct, and community harmony. The Bhikkhunī order was established during the Buddha’s lifetime, allowing women to attain enlightenment and participate fully in the monastic community.
13. Which among the following is correct about Bhaddasala?
[A] He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] He was the general of the Nanda Army
[C] He was an ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] He was a playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He was the general of the Nanda Army]
Notes:
Bhaddasala was a general of the Nanda Army. The Nanda dynasty, preceding the Maurya Empire, was known for its wealth and military strength. Chandragupta Maurya later overthrew the Nandas to establish the Maurya Empire, which became one of the largest empires in ancient India. The Nandas were important for their administrative innovations and for laying the groundwork for Mauryan rule.
14. What was “Halivakara” in the Gupta Era?
[A] A kind of Tax
[B] A kind of Play
[C] A kind of Instrument
[D] A kind of Tribe
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A kind of Tax]
Notes:
Halivakara is a kind of tax in the Gupta era. Halivakara was a plow tax, paid by every cultivator owning a plow.Some of its taxes include Bali, Bhoga, etc.
15. Which language was used by Rashtrakutas as their mother tongue ?
[A] Kannada
[B] Tamil
[C] Oddisi
[D] Telgu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kannada]
Notes:
The Rashtrakutas were of Kannada origin and Kannada language was their mother tongue.
16. Who among the following rulers of Karkota dynasty built the Martand Surya temple?
[A] Lalitaditya Muktapida
[B] Durlabh Vardhan
[C] Durlabahaka
[D] Avanativarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lalitaditya Muktapida]
Notes:
The Martand Sun Temple was built by an emperor of the Kashmiri Karkoṭa dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century. The temple was destroyed by Islamic ruler Sikandar Butshikan in the early 15th century.
17. Which ancient Indian philosopher did not make a significant contribution to the Yogācāra philosophical tradition?
[A] Vasubandhu
[B] Dinnaga
[C] Dharmakirti
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagarjuna]
Notes:
The Yogācāra is a Buddhist school’s philosophical tradition that stressed on metaphysical idealism. Nagarjuna, unlike the other philosophers Vasubandhu, Dinnaga, and Dharmakirti, was not a significant contributor to this tradition. Nagarjuna is renowned for his doctrine of “śūnyatā” (emptiness), a cornerstone of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition, rather than the Yogācāra tradition.
18. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was built during the ruling period of which dynasty?
[A] Kushan Dynasty
[B] Maurya Dynasty
[C] Satvahanas Dynasty
[D] Gupta Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta Dynasty]
Notes:
This Iron pillar at Mehrauli was an evidence of developed knowledge of the people in the field of Chemistry, especially metallurgy.It did not rust even after fifteen centuries. It was built during the ruling period of Gupta Dynasty.
19. Which of the following is the major difference between ‘Varna’ and ‘Jati’? (UPSC Prelims 1984)
[A] Jatis are limited whereas Varnas are unlimited
[B] Jatis are only four whereas Varnas are many
[C] Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many
[D] Jati is decided by birth but not Varna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many]
Notes:
Varna’s are only four in number i.e. Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. Castes or Jatis are very large in number. They also have many subdivisions known as sub-castes.
20. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Indus Valley Civilization? (UPSC Prelims 1986)
[A] Their chief deities were Mother Goddess and Shiva
[B] They worshipped bulls
[C] They had all amenities of a developed city life
[D] They did not know of iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They had all amenities of a developed city life]
Notes:
The significant features of Indus Valley civilization are personal cleanliness, town planning, construction of burnt-brick houses, ceramics, casting, forging of metals, manufacturing of cotton and woolen textiles. Mohenjo-Daro people had finest bath facilities, drainage system, and knowledge of personal hygiene.
