Ancient Indian History MCQs

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Mehrgarh is a Neolithic site, which lies on the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan. The earliest evidence of settled agriculture in the subcontinent is found in Mehrgarh

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The genesis of settled, village-based societies generally goes back to the Neolithic period.

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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.

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Great Bath located in the citadel area of Mohenjo-daro is known for its finely crafted brickwork showcasing the architectural skills of the Harappans. It measures 12 meters long, 7 meters wide and was sunk more than 2 meters deep below the ground, lined with bitumen for waterproofing. The bathing pool itself was made water tight by finely fitted bricks and drainage system. The site itself has buildings made from millions of bricks which point to highly standardized production and quality control.

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Surkotada’s most striking feature is a massive semi-circular fortification wall made of undressed stones and mud bricks, dating to 2300-1700 BCE, running more than half a kilometer across the settlement. This demonstrates a defensive measure perhaps against periodic floods or enemy attacks. Terracotta female figurines and seals were also found.

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Mahavira renounced the world at the age of 30 to become an ascetic and search for truth. He practiced severe penance and meditation for 12 years. At the age of 42, he attained spiritual knowledge.
Mahavira was born in 599 BC to a royal family in Kundalpur, India. He married a woman of the Kshatriya caste and had a daughter. He left his family and royal household to become a monk. He spent the next 12 and a half years in deep silence and meditation to conquer his desires, feelings, and attachments.
Mahavira achieved enlightenment on the night of Diwali. He preached for 30 years.

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The republics in ancient India were divided into pure republics and Kshatriya aristocracies. The republics and the aristocracies were of two types which are unitary and federal. The republics having a federal character were called Janapadas or state-republics.

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According to the Buddhist text known as Anguttara Nikaya the land between Himalayas and Narmada was divided into 16 independent states called as the Mahajanapadas. Mahajanapadas were large territorial states in North India.

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The capital of the mahajanapada of Matsya was Viratanagara, that is,  modern-day Bairat in Rajasthan. The areas of  Jaipur, Alwar, and Bharatpur were included in the state of Matsya.

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Seleucus Nicator served as the Infantry general of Alexander. After his death he succeeded in gaining control over the territory which Alexander had conquered in Asia. Chandragupta defeated him around 301 BCE and was compelled to yield Arachosia, Gedrosia, and Parapomisadai to him in return for 500 elephants.