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. Who was the priest of the Bharatas in the battle of Ten Kings ?
[A] Visvamitra
[B] Vasishtha
[C] Atri
[D] Bhrigu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Visvamitra ]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin. In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
12. Which of the following Indus Valley sites is not a present in India?
[A] Chanhudaro
[B] Farmana
[C] Khirasara
[D] Loteshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chanhudaro ]
Notes:
Chanhudaro is an archaeological site belonging to the post-urban Jhukar phase of Indus valley civilization. The site is located 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Mohenjo-daro, in Sindh, Pakistan.
13. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
14. Etti, Kavidi and Eradi are names of which among the following in sangam age?
[A] taxes
[B] Titles
[C] Places
[D] crops
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Titles]
Notes:
Etti, Kavidi and Eradi are the Titles followed in sangam age. The Sangam Age was the period of history of ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala and parts of Sri Lanka.
15. Which river was called Vipasa in Vedic India?
[A] Ganga
[B] Jhelum
[C] Beas
[D] Indus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Beas]
Notes:
Some important names of rivers in Vedic Era include Kubha (Kabul River), Krumu (Kurrum River), Srivastu/Suvastu (Swat River), Gauri (Panjkora River), Sindhu (Indus River), Sushoma (Sohan River), Arjikiya (Haro River), Vitasta (Jhelum River), Asikni (Chenab River), Parusni (Ravi River), Vipas (Beas River), Sutudri (Sutlej River) etc.
16. During end of which of the following period the urban centers of Gangetic planes declined ?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Gupta Period
[C] Mahjnapadas
[D] Magadh Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Period]
Notes:
The urban centers of Gangetic plain declined with the gupta empire. The areas surrounding Prayag, Saketa and Magadha areas have declined.
17. Which deity did the Alwars get associated with in ancient Indian mythological text?
[A] Shiva
[B] Vishnu
[C] Parvati
[D] Ganesha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishnu]
Notes:
The term “Alwars” comes from ancient Indian mythology, specifying a specific group of 12 Vaishnava saints known for their poetic expressions of devotion for Lord Vishnu in Tamil Nadu. The prominent group includes Poigai Alvar, Bhoothathalvar, Peyalvar, and others. Their spiritual work is often considered the early precursor to the Bhakti movement that promoted devotion towards a particular deity overcoming the barriers of caste and gender.
18. According to the archaeologists, which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization was probably abandoned because of an earthquake?
[A] Rakhigarhi
[B] Dholavira
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Banawali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalibangan]
Notes:
Kalibangan was abandoned, perhaps due to an earthquake, but in the Mature Harappan period a new settlement was constructed.
19. Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites of:
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Ladakh
[D] Maharastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites located in Union Territory of Ladakh.
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.