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. In which period, “Arthshastra” was written?
[A] Gupta
[B] Maurya
[C] Shaka
[D] Kushan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya]
Notes:
Arthshastra was written by Kautilya or Vishnugupta or Chanakya, who was a professor at Taxila University and later the prime minister of the Maurya Empire. The manuscript was discovered by Arya Sharma Shashtri in 1904. Arthshastra has been divided in 15 Adhikarans and 180 Prakarans. It is related to money and politics and contains 6000 shlokas
12. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
13. 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
14. Which of the following rivers is not included in the list of Seven Rivers that graced and nourished the first Aryan settlement?
[A] Sutudri
[B] Parusni
[C] Asikni
[D] Charmanvati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Charmanvati]
Notes:
Charmanvati is the ancient name of Chambal. There is a verse in Nadistuti sukta of Rig-Veda, hymn of praise of rivers which mentions the following 10 rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikiya, and Susoma. The Shutudri was Sutlej, Parushni was Ravi, Asikni was Chenab and Vitasta was Jhelum. The 5 rivers Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Vitasta, and Vipas all were tributaries of Sindhu River. Together with Sarasawti and Sindhu, these 5 rivers constituted the Sapta Sindhu
15. The rock cut Barabar and Nagarjuna caves were mainly used by the ascetics associated to _?
[A] Buddhism
[B] Jainism
[C] Charvaka
[D] Ajivika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ajivika]
Notes:
Makkhali Gosala is said to be the founder of Ajivika School of philosophy. He was contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama and of Mahavira. The rock cut Barabar and Nagarjuna caves were built during the Mauryan period for the Ajivika sect.
16. 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.
17. Most of the Indus terracotta figurines were:
[A] hand-modelled
[B] sculptured with a chisel
[C] made in single moulds
[D] cut with a saw
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [hand-modelled]
Notes:
Most terracotta figurines recovered from Indus Civilization urban sites were hand modeled rather than molded, suggesting artisans were skilled at independently sculpting and crafting small statues in clay reflecting localized stylistic conventions. Depictions include zebu bulls, toys with movable limbs, cows feeding calves, females adorned with bangles and headdresses interpreted possibly as mother goddesses. The cow and bull imagery resonates with subsequent Indian traditions exemplifying continuing cultural elements.
18. Which of the following was the main feature of the Harappan houses?
[A] Rectangular houses
[B] Brick-dried bathrooms and wells
[C] Outside stair cases
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All the above]
Notes:
The most standard identifiable features of houses and residences excavated at major Harappan urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira and Harappa itself include their brick and mortar construction often following grid patterns, rectangular design around a central courtyard, entrance passages, dedicated bathing areas, brick lined wells and covered drainage channels. Flat timber roofs supported on wooden beams were also typical across Harappan settlements. These reflect advanced architectural planning suiting the climate.
19. In which of the following Harappan sites, Archaeologists has discovered oldest evidence of rice in India?
[A] Koldihwa
[B] Banwali
[C] Harappa
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Koldihwa]
Notes:
Excavations at the site of Koldihwa in the Champaran district of Bihar has uncovered rice husk remains dating from 2500 BCE to 1350 BCE making this perhaps the oldest concrete evidence of rice cultivation anywhere in India. Another nearby site of Mahagara shows similar remains dated 2000 BCE affirming the Ganges plains was likely an early region where rice domestication began in the Indian subcontinent.
20. 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.