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. Works of 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
[A] Odissi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Kathak
[D] Manipuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odissi]
Notes:
Jayadeva’s seminal works greatly influenced the Odissi dance form. He is known for his epic Gita Govinda, an important text in Odissi dance’s repertoire. It describes the unique relationship of divine Krishna and his devotee Radha, along with the gopis of Vrindavan. These spiritual themes find a visual depiction through Odissi dance, showcasing its close tie with ancient poet Jayadeva.
12. Ceylon became a stronghold of which among the following branches of Buddhism?
[A] Mahayan
[B] Hinayan
[C] Mahnendra
[D] Theravada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hinayan]
Notes:
After the death of Buddha, Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Mahayana and Hinayana. Hinayana, found mostly in the South and West covering Indo-china and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).Early work written in Pali (e.g. Kamma, Dhamma).
13. At which among the following places, Harshavardhana established a large Buddhist monastery?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Vaishali
[D] Nasik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nalanda]
Notes:
Harshavardhana established a large Buddhist monastery at Nalanda. Nalanda was a famous Buddhist university and center of learning in ancient times. Harshavardhana built a brass monastery within the Mahavihara at Nalanda. The monastery was supported by the revenue from 100 villages.
Harshavardhana was an Indian emperor who adopted Buddhism. He also repaired existing monasteries and built stupas, viharas, and rest houses for Buddhist monks in Thaneswar. He organized the Buddhist Maha Sammelan at Prayag, also known as Allahabad, to bring together Buddhist scholars and monks.
14. Who among the following were also known as Tocharians?
[A] Kushanas
[B] Hunas
[C] Greeks
[D] Shakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kushanas]
Notes:
The Tocharians were an Indo-European people who inhabited the medieval oasis city-states on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin in ancient times. The Tocharian languages, a branch of the Indo-European family, are known from manuscripts from the 6th to 8th centuries AD. The Kushans were most probably one of five branches of the Yuezhi confederation, an Indo-European nomadic people of possible Tocharian origin.
15. Which of the following Indian playwright was imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhatti
[D] Vagbhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalidasa]
Notes:
Kalidasa was Indian playwright imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana.
16. How many letters constitute the Sanskrit Alphabet?
[A] 36
[B] 48
[C] 54
[D] 60
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [54]
Notes:
The Sanskrit alphabet, known as the Devanagari script, comprises 54 letters. Each of these letters encompasses a masculine and a feminine form, referred to as Shiva and Shakti respectively. This unique aspect of the Sanskrit alphabet signifies the fundamental principles of masculine and feminine energies in Hindu philosophy, which are considered complementary and interconnected, underlying the entire life cycle and cosmology in Hindu traditions.
17. 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)
18. During the times of which among the following, the first cave temples were constructed in the chaitya and vihara architectural styles?
[A] Shaka
[B] Satavahana
[C] Kushana
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satavahana]
Notes:
It was in the Satavahana domains that the first cave temples were constructed in the chaitya and vihara architectural styles, which paved theway for later architectural forms.
19. The rock cut Barabar and Nagarjuna caves were mainly used by the ascetics associated to _?
[A] Buddhism
[B] Jainism
[C] Charvaka
[D] Ajivika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ajivika]
Notes:
Makkhali Gosala is said to be the founder of Ajivika School of philosophy. He was contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama and of Mahavira. The rock cut Barabar and Nagarjuna caves were built during the Mauryan period for the Ajivika sect.
20. GI protected “Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture” was constructed under which of the following dynasties?
[A] Pallava dynasty
[B] Cheras dynasty
[C] Chalukya dynasty
[D] Rashtrakuta dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pallava dynasty]
Notes:
The Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, has recently accorded the Geographical Indications certificate to Tamil Nadu Government for “Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture”. The Pallava dynasty, which ruled the area between 6th and 9th centuries A.D., is responsible for the creation of several such wonderful edifices. Mahendravarman (AD 580-630), his son Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla (AD 630-668), Paramesvaravarman (A.D. 672-‘700) and Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha (A.D. 700-728) had contributed the most of sculptures in Mahabalipuram and developed the port town as a centre of art and architecture.
