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. Which of the following religious text is written in the form of questions and answers?
[A] Vinaya Pitaka
[B] Sutta Pitaka
[C] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[D] Prakirnas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Abhidhamma Pitaka]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a detailed scholastic analysis and summary of the Buddha’s teachings in the Suttas. Everything written in this is in the form of question and answer.
12. Who among the following historical figures assumed the titles of sakayavanpallavanidusana (destroyer of saka, yavana and pallavas) and Trisamudrapittoyvahana (one whose horses had drunk waters from 3 oceans)?
[A] Gautami Putra satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Rudra daman I
[D] Vijaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautami Putra satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of the Satavahana Empire in India, held these impressive titles. His reign marked an era of great imperial expansion, with his forces reaching three oceans and defeating several significant enemies. The titles he assumed symbolized his prowess and achievements. He systematically obliterated the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pallavas, symbolized by the title Sakayavanpallavanidusana. And Trisamudrapittoyvahana denoted the vast range of his conquests.
13. Which of the following works credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty ?
[A] Harshacharita
[B] Banskhera Inscription of Harsha
[C] Yuan-Chwang
[D] Kadambari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harshacharita]
Notes:
The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta,.The Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Pushpabhuti dynasty or Vardhana dynasty, ruled parts of northern India during 6th and 7th centuries. Harshacharita credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty.
14. Which among the ancient Indian Play has referred to the defeat of Yavanas on the bank of River Sindhu in the hands of Vasumitra?
[A] Raghuvamsa
[B] Malvikagnimitram
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Dasakumarcharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malvikagnimitram]
Notes:
The play mentions Vasumitra, the son of Agnimitra, defeating a band of Yavanas on the right bank of the river Sindhu when they tried to capture the sacrificial horse of Pushyamitra.
15. The harappans used intaglio seals, made mostly of carved and fired steatite :
[A] As an export commodity.
[B] As a medium of exchange in place of coins.
[C] As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits.
[D] For marking their goods and property.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [For marking their goods and property.]
Notes:
The seals of the ancient Harappan’s were probably used in much the same way they are today, to sign letters or for commercial transactions. The Harappan seals were used for marking goods and bales of merchandise. (Hence Option d. is correct)
16. The earliest evidence of existence of human in India was found in the _?
[A] Maikal Hills
[B] Indus Valley
[C] Narmada Valley
[D] Nallamala Hills
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narmada Valley]
Notes:
The earliest evidence of existence of human in India had been found the banks of the Narmada at Madhya Pradesh’s Hathnora village. Narmada Human also known as Narmada Man belongs to the category of Homo erectus, preceding Homo sapiens, the modern human species. Geologist Arun Sonakia was the main person involved in this most tantalising fossil discovery of a human ancestor.
17. Which of the following remains of the Gupta empire in the western Indian city of Ajanta most notable for?
[A] Cave Painting
[B] Buddhist Monastery
[C] Stone Carvings
[D] Large Temple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cave Painting]
Notes:
In the caverns of Ajanta, India, one can see the many cave paintings that were left on the walls of cave temples. The Buddhists who had their temples their painting mural of Buddhist stories and legends and also of scenes of Gupta India.
18. Which Satvahana ruler adopted the title Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana?
[A] Vashishtiputra Pulumayi
[B] Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni
[C] Simuka
[D] Yajnasri Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Sri Satakarni adopted the title Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana. Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana meant the ruler whose subjects drank the water of the three seas of the east, west and south viz. today’s Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
19. Where was India’s first civilization settled?
[A] Deccan
[B] Indus Valley
[C] Ganges Plain
[D] Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indus Valley]
Notes:
The Indus Civilization flourished between circa 2600 and 1800 B.C. along the Indus and Ghaggar-Hakra rivers and adjacent regions,laying the foundation for the civilization of the peoples of South Asia.
20. Which of the following ages in Indian History is referred to as the ‘Golden Age’?
[A] Ancient
[B] Maurya
[C] Gupta
[D] Mughal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gupta]
Notes:
The Gupta age around 1500 years ago was truly a golden age as far as achievements in literature, architecture etc. were concerned. The poet Kalidasa lived in this age, and the iron pillar which still stands in the open today as it has for hundreds of years without rusting was built then.
