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. Which among the following comprises Code of Laws?
[A] Sutras
[B] Manusmriti
[C] Vedas
[D] Up Vedas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manusmriti]
Notes:
The Manusmriti, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmasastras of Hinduism. It was one of the first Sanskrit texts to have been translated into English in 1794, by Sir William Jones.
12. In Vedic age which among the following grains was referred as vrihi?
[A] Barley
[B] Wheat
[C] Rice
[D] Maize
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rice]
Notes:
The term Vrihi was used for Rice in Vedic Era. For Wheat, the term Godhuma was used.
13. Which city in Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its significant Buddhist Stupa?
[A] Amaravati
[B] Srikakulam
[C] Rajahmundry
[D] Chittoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amaravati]
Notes:
Amaravati, also known as Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota, is famous for its Buddhist Stupa. It was once a major center of Buddhist learning and art. The Stupa is attributed to Emperor Ashoka and is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. Efforts are underway to secure a UNESCO World Heritage Site status for this important archaeological site that represents the earliest examples of sculptural art in India.
14. Which among the following was referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in Early vedic era?
[A] Earth
[B] Fire
[C] Water
[D] Moon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fire]
Notes:
Fire is referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in early vedic era. It has a great importance. There are lots of verses in vedas related to fire.
15. Who among the following succeeded Pushyamitra Shunga?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Sujyestha
[C] Vajramitra
[D] Devbhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agnimitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra succeeded his father, Pushyamitra Shunga, in 149 BC. He was the second king of the Shunga dynasty of northern India. The Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana have described 8 years as the length of his reign.
16. Which among the following Vedic Texts gives a systematic exposition of the ‘theory of rebirth’ for the first time?
[A] Chhandogya Upanishad
[B] Mundaka Upanishad
[C] Satapatha Brahmana
[D] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chhandogya Upanishad]
Notes:
The correct answer is the Chhandogya Upanishad. This text, dating back to around 800-600 BCE, is one of the oldest Upanishads and is important for its philosophical discussions, including the concept of rebirth (punarjanma). It introduces the idea of the eternal soul (Atman) and its journey through cycles of birth and death, laying foundational thoughts for later Hindu philosophies. The Chhandogya Upanishad is also known for its exploration of the relationship between the individual soul and the universal spirit (Brahman).
17. Which city was the capital of the Chola Kingdom?
[A] Tanjore
[B] Badami
[C] Vatapi
[D] Kanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tanjore]
Notes:
Vijayalaya, the founder of the Chola dynasty, conquered the kingdom of Tanjore in 850 AD, which then became the capital of the Chola Kingdom. The city of Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is an important center of South Indian art, architecture, and religion, and was at the heart of the Chola empire, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world’s history.
18. Who among the following Chola ruler assumed the title of Gangaikondachola?
[A] Kulottunga I
[B] Rajaraja I
[C] Arinjaya
[D] Rajendra I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajendra I ]
Notes:
The Chola ruler Rajendra I assumed the title of Gangaikondachola (the Chola who took the Ganges) when he defeated Mahipala (the Pala king of Bengal and Bihar) and to commemorate his victory he built a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram (the city of the Chola conqueror of the Ganga).
19. In “Kumarasambhava” , the famous work of Kalidasa, who among the following has been referred as Kumara, whose birth has been depicted in this epic poem?
[A] Chadragupta II
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Kartikeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kartikeya ]
Notes:
Kalidasa, in his epic “Kumarasambhava”, portrays the birth of “Kumara”, referring to Kartikeya. The story aligns with the narrative in the Kalikapurana. Kartikeya, also known as Subramanya or Murugan, is a Hindu god, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is popularly worshipped in South India and by Tamil communities across the world.
20. Which of the following Vedas means 'wisdom of sacrificial formulas'?
[A] Rig-Veda
[B] Samveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajurveda]
Notes:
Yajurveda means 'wisdom of sacrificial formulas'
