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. 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.
12. We have read that the writing in the Indus valley Civilization was Boustrophedon. This means that ______?
[A] It was written left to right
[B] It was written right to left
[C] It was written left to right and right to left in alternate lines
[D] It was written up to down
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It was written left to right and right to left in alternate lines]
Notes:
Boustrophedon is a type of bi-directional text, mostly seen in ancient manuscripts and other inscriptions. Every other line of writing is flipped or reversed, with reversed letters.
13. During whose reign among the following the Mahayan emerged ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka regarded Mahayana as his state religion. The state religion of Kanishka determined preaching the divinity of Gautama Buddha
14. Which among the following schools of Hindu Philosophy is anti-ascetic and anti-mysticist ?
[A] Nyaya
[B] Vaisheshika
[C] Mimansa
[D] Samkhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mimansa]
Notes:
Mimānsā is a Sanskrit word that means “reflection” or “critical investigation” and thus refers to a tradition of contemplation which reflected on the meanings of certain Vedic texts. It is anti-ascetic and anti-mysticist.
15. In “Kumarasambhava” , the famous work of Kalidasa, who among the following has been referred as Kumara, whose birth has been depicted in this epic poem?
[A] Chadragupta II
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Kartikeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kartikeya ]
Notes:
Kalidasa, in his epic “Kumarasambhava”, portrays the birth of “Kumara”, referring to Kartikeya. The story aligns with the narrative in the Kalikapurana. Kartikeya, also known as Subramanya or Murugan, is a Hindu god, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is popularly worshipped in South India and by Tamil communities across the world.
16. In the early Vedic age, Vishnu was one of the names of __?
[A] Surya
[B] Agni
[C] Dyaus
[D] Prajapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Surya]
Notes:
Vishnu was one of the names of surya in the early vedic age. Surya is sun.
17. Which among the following is / are works of Kalidasa?
[A] Raghuvamsha and kiratarjuniya
[B] Kumarasambhava and Raghuvamsha
[C] Malti madhava and Kumara Sambhav
[D] Malti madhav and Kumara Sambhav
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumarasambhava and Raghuvamsha ]
Notes:
Kumarasambhava and Raghuvamsha are the works of Kalidasa. Raghuvamsha is a Sanskrit mahakavya by the most celebrated Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Though an exact date of composition is unknown, the poet is presumed to have flourished in the 5th century CE. Kumārasambhavam is an epic poem by Kālidāsa.
18. Who among the following wrote ‘Nyaya Sutra’?
[A] Vyasa
[B] Kapila
[C] Gautama
[D] Charaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gautama]
Notes:
The Nyaya Sutras is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text composed by Aksapada Gautam and the foundational text of the Nyaya school of Hindu philosophy.. The Nyaya-sutras is attributed to Gautama, who was the principal author.
19. Which of the following refers to ‘perfect knowledge’ in Jainism? (UPSC Prelims 1995)
[A] Jina
[B] ratna
[C] kaivalya
[D] nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [kaivalya]
Notes:
Kaivalya also known as Kevala Jnana means omniscience in Jainism and is roughly translated as absolute knowledge or supreme knowledge. Jain scriptures speak of twelve stages through which the soul achieves this goal.
20. Which one of the following ports handled the north Indian trade during the Gupta period? (UPSC Prelims 1999)
[A] Tamralipti
[B] Broach
[C] Kalyan
[D] Cambray
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamralipti]
Notes:
Tamralipta or Tamralipti was the name of an ancient city on the Bay of Bengal corresponding with Tamluk in modern-day India. Tamralipta may have been one of the most important urban centres of trade and commerce of early historic India, trading along the Silk Road with China, by Uttarapatha, the northern high road, the main trade route into the Middle East and Europe; and by seafaring routes to Bali, Java and the Far East.
