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. Why most of the Greeks, Kushanas & Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism when they established their rules in India?
[A] Buddhism has risen and it eclipsed Hinduism
[B] A policy of war and violence was to be renounced before embracing Buddhism
[C] Hinduism was caste ridden and was not able to attract them
[D] It was easy to access to Indian society by embracing Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [It was easy to access to Indian society by embracing Buddhism]
Notes:
Greeks, Kushanas & Shakas had entered India through the North West side. Accepting the local religion would provide them the easiest way to achieve legitimacy of their rule. Since Buddhism was prevalent in the area at that time and it was provided easiest entry (Hinduism had st5rict caste based structure) so, they embraces Buddhism.
12. Who among the following was called Lichchavi Dauhitra?
[A] Chandragupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta calls himself Lichchavi- dauhitra the son of the daughter of the Lichchavis. The Licchavis were a clan amongst the Vajji Mahajanapada of ancient India.
13. Which of the following is a famous play written by Gupta poet Kalidasa?
[A] Mohenjo-Daro
[B] Shakuntala
[C] Kshatriya
[D] Ramayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shakuntala]
Notes:
Shakuntala is the story of how a highly king married a poor orphan, whose name was Shakuntala. However, the king was put under a spell and forgot about his bride. Eventually, he recovers his memory and the two of them become one again.
14. Which of the following was not known to Indus Valley people?
[A] Silver
[B] Copper
[C] Iron
[D] Bronze
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Iron]
Notes:
Variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver was extensively used by the Harappan metal workers. Minor metals like tin, arsenic, lead, antimony etc. were used for alloying but there was no mention of iron.
15. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because?
[A] Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time
[B] they had renounced the policy of war and violence
[C] caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them
[D] Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them]
Notes:
They embraced Buddhism because caste ridden Hinduism did not attract them.
16. Which of the following is found at Eran which is an example of Malwa Culture site?
[A] Horse burials
[B] Rampart along with a ditch
[C] Megaliths
[D] Microlith tools
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rampart along with a ditch ]
Notes:
Major sites of Malwa Culture include Daimabad, Inamgaon, Kayatha, Nagda, Vidisha, Eran, Mandsaur, and Navdatoli (near Maheshwar). A massive fortification wall and a moat have been discovered at Eran
17. In which of the following sites Potter’s wheel, a major technological innovation, was introduced?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Banwali
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
The potter’s wheel, a major technological innovation enabling more efficient shaping of earthen vessels, was first introduced around 4700 BCE at the site of Mehrgarh, located near the Bolan Pass in Balochistan, Pakistan. This early farming settlement predates the mature Harappan civilization. Mehrgarh displays the earliest evidence of ceramics in South Asia.
18. Who among the following archaeologists wrote “Indra is accused of causing the decline of Indus civilization”?
[A] Sir John Marshall
[B] Sir M E M Wheeler
[C] Dr S R Rao
[D] Dr Sankhalia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sir M E M Wheeler]
Notes:
It was the renowned British archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler who stated “Indra stands accused” in 1968. He lent support to the theory that Indra, the storm god of the Rig Veda, was used as a weapon by invading Aryans who ostensibly caused the collapse of cities like Mohenjo-Daro. This FIT (foreign invader theory) is no longer accepted with most scholars citing climate factors for the decline.
19. Which of the following has been included by the UNESCO in the list of literature signifying World Human Heritage?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Sama Veda
[C] Yajur Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rig Veda]
Notes:
The Rig Veda was recently included by the UNESCO in the list of literature signifying World Human Heritage. The Rig Vedic hymns are dedicated to various deities like Indra, Agni, Soma etc.
20. Which of the following Brahmana recommends ‘one hundred sacred paths’?
[A] Satpatha Brahmana
[B] Gopatha Brahmana
[C] Kathaka Brahmana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Satpatha Brahmana]
Notes:
The most important Brahmana which is the attechted to the Yajur Veda called the Satpatha Brahmana is the most exhaustive. It recommends ‘one hundred sacred paths’. Each of the Vedas has several Brahmanas attached to it.
