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. What was the most prominent reason of arrival of Indo-Aryans from central Asia , possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea?
[A] They were in search of arable land
[B] They were of Nomadic Culture
[C] They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors
[D] They were aware of prosperity of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors]
Notes:
Getting defeated by European neighbor’s is the main reason for the Indo-Aryans to move away from that area. They came to India possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea.
12. The name of the state Bihar comes from an old name which denotes which of the following?
[A] A Buddhist monastery
[B] A forest
[C] A Temple
[D] An ancient empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A Buddhist monastery]
Notes:
The name Bihar is derived from a Pali word ‘Vihara’ which means ‘abode’ and has a Sanskrit origin. With time it changed to Bihar. Earlier, it was known as Abode or Vihara of Buddhist monks.
13. In Greek texts, who among the following has been mentioned as Amitrochates?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Bindusara
[C] Kautilya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bindusara]
Notes:
Bindusara, also called Bindusara Maurya, Greek Amitrochates, is the second Mauryan emperor, who ascended the throne about 297 bce. Greek sources refer to him as Amitrochates.
14. Which of the following is a famous play written by Gupta poet Kalidasa?
[A] Mohenjo-Daro
[B] Shakuntala
[C] Kshatriya
[D] Ramayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shakuntala]
Notes:
Shakuntala is the story of how a highly king married a poor orphan, whose name was Shakuntala. However, the king was put under a spell and forgot about his bride. Eventually, he recovers his memory and the two of them become one again.
15. Which of the following years marks the beginning of the Saka era?
[A] 78 AD
[B] 120 AD
[C] 1000 AD
[D] 1953 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [78 AD]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana empire from the year 78 A.D. The national calendar of India is based on the Saka Calendar which has been adopted as the official civil calendar besides the Gregorian calendar. The Saka Calender is based on luni-solar reckoning of time. The calendar consists of 365 days and 12 months like the normal Gregorian calendar. Chaitra is the first month of the year beginning on March 22 which is the day after the Spring Equinox. During leap years, the starting day of Chaitra corresponds with March 21.
16. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve foodgrains to be utilized during the crises in the country?
[A] Sohagaura Copper-plate
[B] Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka
[C] Prayaga-Prasasti
[D] Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sohagaura Copper-plate]
Notes:
The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India.
17. Consider the following archaeological sites in India:
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
- Hunsgi
- Attirampakkam
- Paisra
- Sanghao Cave
Which of the following is the correct order of the above sites from north to south?
[A] 5 4 1 2 3
[B] 4 5 1 3 2
[C] 4 5 1 2 3
[D] 5 4 1 3 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [5 4 1 2 3]
Notes:
The correct order of the archaeological sites from north to south is as follows: 1. Sanghao Cave (located in North India) 2. Paisra (located in Bihar) 3. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (located in Madhya Pradesh) 4. Hunsgi (located in Karnataka) 5. Attirampakkam (located in Tamil Nadu) This sequence respects the geographical positions of the sites, ranging from northernmost to southernmost. Therefore, option [A] is the correct answer.
18. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Their chief deities were Mother Goddess and Shiva
[B] They worshipped bulls
[C] They had all amenities of a developed city life
[D] They did not know of iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They had all amenities of a developed city life]
Notes:
The significant features of Indus Valley civilization are personal cleanliness, town planning, construction of burnt-brick houses, ceramics, casting, forging of metals, manufacturing of cotton and woolen textiles. Mohenjo-Daro people had finest bath facilities, drainage system, and knowledge of personal hygiene.
19. At which of the following Harappan sites Bone tools, which are not indigenous to India, were found?
[A] Chirand
[B] Gufkral
[C] Burzahom
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All the above]
Notes:
Bone tools have been unearthed at the Harappan sites of Chirand, Gufkral and Burzahom, which were likely imported from outside. Evidence shows links between Harappans and Neolithic people farther west in Afghanistan and Central Asia where bone tool technology was common, but not prevalent in early farming cultures of North India. The presence of non-local raw materials like lapis lazuli also indicate the Harappans were well connected to other cultures and established extensive trade networks.
20. Which of the following bird was worshiped by the People of Indus valley civilization?
[A] Eagle
[B] Pigeon
[C] Peacock
[D] Crow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pigeon]
Notes:
Numerous figurines of doves or pigeons have been found from Harappan sites including Chanhudaro and Lothal suggesting the bird was given special social value and reverence in their cultural life reflecting theme of peace. Lines from Rig-veda also indicate dove was respected as a symbolic messenger.
