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. Mehrgarh in the Indus valley civilization is known for which of the following?
[A] Red sandstone
[B] Terracotta Cart
[C] Copper Rhinoceros
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Terracotta Cart]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is an archaeological site located in the Kachi plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest known settlements in the region, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 7000 BCE. The site is significant because it provides insight into the early history and development of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mehrgarh was a hub of trade and commerce, and it is believed to have been a major center of pottery production. The site was first excavated in the 1970s and continues to be studied by archaeologists today.
12. In which of the following marriages in Vedic era, a girl was given by her father to a sage?
[A] Brahma marriage
[B] Daiva Marriage
[C] Gandharva Marriage
[D] Arsha Marriage
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arsha Marriage]
Notes:
In Arsha marriage, the girl is given in marriage to a sage. One example of Arsh Marriage is that of Agastya with Lopamudra.
13. Which among the following is Not Correctly matched?
[A] Maurya Empire – Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Shunga Dynasty – Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Satvahana Dynasty – Gautamiputra satkarni
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satvahana Dynasty – Gautamiputra satkarni]
Notes:
The founder of Satvahana Dynasty was Simuk and not Gautamaiputra Satakarni
14. Which among the following is related to history of Kashmir?
[A] Rajatarangini
[B] Ashokavadana
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Arthashastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajatarangini]
Notes:
Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE, is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. It provides a historical narrative of Kashmir from earliest times to the 12th century CE.
15. Allahabad Pillar Inscription gives a detailed account of the reign of which of the following?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Samudra gupta
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudra gupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta court poet and minister Harisena composed the Allahabad pillar Inscription or Prayag Prasasti. The Pillar was an Asokan Pillar erected by Asoka six century before him.
This Inscription is a eulogy of Samudragupta and mentions about the conquests of Samudragupta and boundaries of the Gupta Empire. As per this inscription, Samudragupta defeated 9 kings in North, 12 Kings in South, reduced all the Atavika states to vassalage.
16. The word coromandal cost has been derived from the kingdom of which of the following?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Chalukyas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The name coromandal occurs in the forms Cholamandalam or Solamandalam on the great temple inscription of Tanjore. So Coromandel takes its name from the ancient dynasty of Tamil rulers known as the Cholas.
17. The word “Hindu” with reference to the People of India was first used by which among the following?
[A] Greeks
[B] Romans
[C] Afghans
[D] Arabs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arabs]
Notes:
Arabs were the first to use the word HINDU. Megasthenes’ ‘Indica’ said the name for India and Indians around the 4th Century B.C.E. This word was misunderstood by Arabs. They used the word Hindu.
18. Which among the following is considered to be the official law book of the Guptas?
[A] Manusmriti
[B] Parashara Smriti
[C] Yajnavalkya Smriti
[D] Vyasa Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajnavalkya Smriti]
Notes:
Yajnavalkyasmriti, which is almost regarded as the official law book of Guptas, was composed also in Gupta era.
19. Which among the following is/ are considered to be the first tangible evidence of expansion of Buddhism?
[A] Statues of Buddha
[B] Edicts of Ashoka
[C] Mahavibhasa
[D] Jataka Tales
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Edicts of Ashoka]
Notes:
Edicts of Ashoka are considered to be the first tangible evidence of expansion of Buddhism. The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of more than thirty inscriptions on the pillars, as well as boulders and cave walls.
20. Who among the following is considered to be the earliest divine power for Aryans?
[A] Brahma
[B] Prajapati
[C] Dyaus
[D] Shiva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dyaus]
Notes:
Dyu or Dyaus is the name of the sky that shines, and is the most ancient name for the divine power among the Aryans. It is the same word as the Zeus of the Greeks and the Jupiter of the Latins, the Tiu of the Saxons and the Zio of the Germans, and the name of the Deity among modern nations. Dyaus was referred as Dyaus Pitr, which later became Ju-piter. It was coupled with prithvi and the two Dyaus- Prithvi are the universal parents.
