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 profession of Karmara in Vedic age?
[A] Blacksmith
[B] Potter
[C] Ratha (Chariot ) Makers
[D] Goldsmith
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Blacksmith]
Notes:Some of the ancient professions and their names are as follows:
- Karmara – Blacksmith
- Takshan – Carpenter
- Vapta – Barber
- Charmana – Tanner
- Hiranayakara – Goldsmith
- Tantuvaya – weaver
12. We have read that the writing in the Indus valley Civilization was Boustrophedon. This means that ______?
[A] It was written left to right
[B] It was written right to left
[C] It was written left to right and right to left in alternate lines
[D] It was written up to down
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It was written left to right and right to left in alternate lines]
Notes:
Boustrophedon is a type of bi-directional text, mostly seen in ancient manuscripts and other inscriptions. Every other line of writing is flipped or reversed, with reversed letters.
13. 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.
14. Who among the following Pallava ruler built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Aparajita
[D] Mahendravarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narsimhavarman II]
Notes:
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II.
15. In context of Chola rulers, who started the system of land survey called Kadamb ?
[A] Rajendra I
[B] Kulottunga I
[C] Rajaraja I
[D] Vikramachola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rajaraja I]
Notes:
Rajaraja Chola I started the system of land survey called Kadamb.
16. Which of the following was most probably the first metal to be used in India?
[A] Iron
[B] Copper
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Copper ]
Notes:
The earliest historic evidences of use of metal are of Chalcolithic Age or Stone-Copper Age, which covered the period from 1800 to 800 BC. This period was marked by the use of copper (the first metal to be used in India) as well as stone.
17. Which Veda is sometimes called the "Veda of magical formulas?"
[A] Atharvaveda
[B] Krishna Yajurveda
[C] Shukla Yajurveda
[D] Rig-Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Atharvaveda]
Notes:
The Atharvaveda has less connection with sacrifice and deals with normal procedures for everyday life. Atharvaveda is also known as “Veda of magical formulas”. The Atharvaveda includes samhitas, Brahmana text and three primary Upanisads, Mundaka Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishads and the Prashna Upanishads.
18. The first documented evidence of untouchability in ancient India comes from which among the following periods?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Shunga Period
[C] Gupta Era
[D] Times after reign of Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gupta Era]
Notes:
The term asprsya or untouchable was first mentioned in Katyayana dharmasastra which belonged to the Gupta period.
19. Who founded the Mauryan Empire in India?
[A] Chandragupta
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ashoka
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandragupta]
Notes:
By the end of the third century BC, most of North India was knit together in the first great Indian empire by Chandragupta Maurya. His son Bindusara extended the Mauryan empire over virtually the entire subcontinent, giving rise to an imperial vision that was to dominate successive centuries of political aspirations. The greatest Mauryan emperor was Ashoka (286-231 BC) whose successful campaigns culminated in the annexation of Kalinga.
20. Which of the following is the parent script of the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language?
[A] Indus
[B] Brahmi
[C] Kharosti
[D] Aramic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indus]
Notes:
The parent script of the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language is Indus.
