Ancient Indian History MCQs

Notes:
The earliest evidence of existence of human in India had been found the banks of the Narmada at Madhya Pradesh’s Hathnora village. Narmada Human also known as Narmada Man belongs to the category of Homo erectus, preceding Homo sapiens, the modern human species. Geologist Arun Sonakia was the main person involved in this most tantalising fossil discovery of a human ancestor.

Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can definitely be attributed to the kings. They were the first to issue gold coins in India.

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.

Notes:
Nanda dynasty was the oldest family that ruled Magadha, in northern India, between c. 343 and 321 bce. The Nanda dynasty immediately preceded the dynasty of the Mauryas.

Notes:
Variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver was extensively used by the Harappan metal workers. Minor metals like tin, arsenic, lead, antimony etc. were used for alloying but there was no mention of iron.

Notes:
A variety of motifs were employed to decorate Harappan pottery produced during the Mature Indus period 2600-1900 BCE. These include human and animal figures like bulls, elephants, birds, fish, geometric designs, and floral motifs. Specific techniques included painted decorations in black, red ochre colors over a white background slip, incising, perforated designs, and applying relief appliques. The presence of pottery wheels also enabled precision vessel shaping.

Notes:
In Lothal almost every house had its entrance on the main street, unlike other Harappan cities where houses had side lanes for entry. This direct access indicates official regulation and a grid-like planned layout suiting its role as prominent trading center and port-town of the period.

Notes:
Complete burials inside deep oblong pits covered by bricks seems to be the prevalent funerary custom across cemeteries in Harappan sites though additional evidence shows some practiced exposure too. Grave goods like ornaments, pottery or grains buried as afterlife requirements indicate they believed in continuity post death.

Notes:
The one-horned unicorn is seen depicted on many miniature steatite Indus seals especially on the top with inscription below in line with mythical legends of other ancient cultures. Some inferences link the image with sacred concentrated forces wearing one-horned headgear.

Notes:
Ariya-sachchani refers to the Four Noble Truths, which are the basic teachings of Buddhism. The four truths are:

1. Suffering (dukkha) is the essence of the world.
2. Every suffering has a cause – Samudya.
3. Suffering could be eliminated– Nirodha.
4. It can be achieved by following the Atthanga Magga or the Eight Fold Path.

The Four Noble Truths are accepted by all schools of Buddhism. The first truth, suffering, is characteristic of existence in the realm of rebirth, called samsara. The Buddha’s doctrine is centered on dukkha (sufferings) and its extinction. The essence of Buddhism is the attainment of enlightenment or nirvana.