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. 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.
12. Which of the following rivers is not included in the list of Seven Rivers that graced and nourished the first Aryan settlement?
[A] Sutudri
[B] Parusni
[C] Asikni
[D] Charmanvati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Charmanvati]
Notes:
Charmanvati is the ancient name of Chambal. There is a verse in Nadistuti sukta of Rig-Veda, hymn of praise of rivers which mentions the following 10 rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikiya, and Susoma. The Shutudri was Sutlej, Parushni was Ravi, Asikni was Chenab and Vitasta was Jhelum. The 5 rivers Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Vitasta, and Vipas all were tributaries of Sindhu River. Together with Sarasawti and Sindhu, these 5 rivers constituted the Sapta Sindhu
13. Flint, which has been used by the prehistoric man to make tools is a __?
[A] Igneous rock
[B] Sedimentary rock
[C] Metamorphic rock
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sedimentary rock]
Notes:
Flint is a sedimentary rock that was used by prehistoric humans to make tools. It is a type of microcrystalline quartz that is strong and durable, but can be easily shaped and carved. Flint is a silica material that breaks to create very sharp edges. Early humans learned to make these sharp edged tools intentionally and how to keep them sharp. They used flint to butcher animals, hunt, and cut other materials more efficiently.
Flint is one of the oldest and most used stone types used for making various early human tools. The process of shaping flint into stone is called flintknapping. Flake tools are created through flintknapping.
14. Which king adopted titles such as Param Bhagaveta and Maharajadhiraja Sri Bhattaraka?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
Chandragupta II also adopted an important title, Vikramaditya. Maharajadhiraja meant king of kings.All these titles are symbol of his strength and courage.
15. At which of the following places Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Sarnath
[B] Lumbini
[C] Bodh Gaya
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarnath]
Notes:
The sermon, Buddha gave to the five monks, was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. It was given on the full-moon day of Asalha Puja. It was given at a place called Sarnath, near Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The real name of the place is Saranganath.
16. Which of the following years marks the beginning of the Saka era? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] 78 AD
[B] 120 AD
[C] 1000 AD
[D] 1953 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [78 AD]
Notes:
The Shaka era begins in 78 CE. India’s national calendar is a solar calendar based on this era. Chaitra begins on 22 March in ordinary years and 21 March in leap years.
17. Which of the following is denoted by the term ‘Aryan’? (UPSC Prelims 1999)
[A] An ethnic group
[B] a nomadic people
[C] a speech group
[D] a superior race
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [a speech group]
Notes:
The term Aryan denotes a linguistic group and not a race. Their language Vedic Sanskrit has definite relationship with major languages of Europe and Asia. Scholars call this group of languages as Indo-European and the people speaking these languages as Indo-Europeans or Indo-Aryans.
18. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. What was it? (UPSC Prelims 2002)
[A] occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
[B] confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
[C] ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved an when yellow robes are offered
[D] gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up affixed abode for the next four months or rainy season
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season]
Notes:
Pavarana is a Buddhist holy day celebrated on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. It marks the end of the month of Vassa, sometimes called “Buddhist Lent.” This day marks the end of the rainy season in some Asian countries like Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. On this day, each monk must come before the community of monks and atone for an offense he may have committed during the Vassa.
19. The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt has which of the following subjects? (UPSC Prelims 2002)
[A] a conflict between Gods and Demons of ancient Hindu lore
[B] a romantic story of an Aryan prince and a tribal woman
[C] the story of the power struggle between two Aryan tribes
[D] the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit political drama by Vishakhadatta. It depicts court intrigues involving Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya and Rakshasa after the fall of the Nandas. The date of its composition is uncertain.
20. In which Harappan site Archaeologists discovered a third small mound which is distinct from the citadel and the lower town?
[A] Mehargarh
[B] Banwali
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalibangan]
Notes:
At Kalibangan located along the dried up Ghaggar river bed in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, archaeologists discovered a third small mound distinct from the main citadel mound and lower town. This unique third mound contained fire altars and sacrificial pits but no houses, suggesting it served as a specialized ritual area for the inhabitants of Kalibangan city. Further excavations uncovered ploughed field sections indicating early agricultural activity.
