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 among the following defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of river Narmada?
[A] Pulkesin I
[B] Kirtivarman I
[C] Pulkesin II
[D] Vikramaditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pulkesin II]
Notes:
Harshavardhana was defeated by Chalukya king Pulakesin-II in circa. 615 AD on the bank of river Narmada. This was the most notable military achievement of Pulakeshin and it ended influence of Harsha from south of Narmada river and established this river as boundary between Uttarpatha and Dakshnipatha.
12. Who among the following is the author of Dharmasastra?
[A] Manu
[B] Gautama
[C] Kasyapa
[D] Several authors
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Several authors]
Notes:
Dharmaśāstra is a genre of Sanskrit theological texts, and refers to the treatises of Hinduism on dharma. There are many Dharmashastras, variously estimated to be 18 to about 100. There are many authors for Dharmasastras.
13. Konark Temples are related to which of the following dynasties ?
[A] Ganga
[B] Pallavas
[C] Chandelas
[D] Cholas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ganga]
Notes:
The Sun Temple at Konarak was built in about 1250 AD by the East Ganga king Narasimhadeva in order to commemorate military successes against Muslim invaders.It is also known as the Black Pagoda.
14. The bilingual Inscriptions of Asoka involved which of the following two languages?
[A] Brahmi & Aramaic
[B] Brahmi, Greek & Aramaic
[C] Brahmi & hieroglyphics
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brahmi, Greek & Aramaic]
Notes:
Asoka used 4 scripts The scripts used for the Prakrit inscriptions were Brahmi and Kharoshthi, and for the others, Greek and Aramaic
15. At which of the following archaeological sites was a sculpture of a “Nude Male Torso” discovered?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Harappa
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harappa]
Notes:
The “Nude Male Torso” is a significant artifact unearthed at Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. The sculpture, made from red sandstone, demonstrates advanced carving skills and a high level of artistry prevalent at that time. The absence of head and lower parts suggests the unique tradition of making torsos, prevalent in Harappan art.
16. Mehrgarh in the Indus valley civilization is known for which of the following?
[A] Red sandstone
[B] Terracotta Cart
[C] Copper Rhinoceros
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Terracotta Cart]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is an archaeological site located in the Kachi plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest known settlements in the region, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 7000 BCE. The site is significant because it provides insight into the early history and development of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mehrgarh was a hub of trade and commerce, and it is believed to have been a major center of pottery production. The site was first excavated in the 1970s and continues to be studied by archaeologists today.
17. Which among the following is NOT correct ?
[A] The picture of Yogi is found in many Muhar in Harppa which who has three heads and sits in crossed legs indicating Shiva Worship
[B] The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft
[C] The dogs and cats were the favorite domesticated animals of Harppan people
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft]
Notes:
A lot of talismans made of bronze and copper have been found which indicate that People of Harappa believe in witchcrafts and dead souls
18. In Rigveda the rivers Ganga & Yamuna are mentioned as below
[A] Yamuna Once, Ganga Thrice
[B] Yamuna Thrice, Ganga Once
[C] Ganga Twice , Yamuna Once
[D] Yamuna Thrice, Ganga Twice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Yamuna Thrice, Ganga Once]
Notes:
The rivers ganga ,Yamuna and saraswati had great prominence in Vedas. Ganga and Yamuna are mentioned together for the first time in Rig Veda. Yamuna is mentioned three times and Ganga is mentioned once in Rig veda.
19. Which among the following Brahaman gave an account of agricultural operations for a season?
[A] Aitreya
[B] Satpatha
[C] kaushitaki
[D] Panchvimsh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satpatha]
Notes:
The Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda. It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas, it contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology. It has detailed account on the operation of agriculture according to the seasons.
20. In 1837, James Princep deciphered an Inscription in Brahmi script referring to a king called ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi’. The celebrated monarch known by this epithet was :
[A] Ashoka
[B] Akbar
[C] Kanishka
[D] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
James Princep had deciphered an inscription in 1837 written in Brahmi, which referred a King called Devanampiya Piyadassi. However, immediately, it could not be confirmed that it was Asoka. It was later only when Buddhist Chronicles of Ceylon and other inscriptions confirmed the name of King Asoka.
