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 of the following plays of Kalidasa tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love?
[A] Malavikagnimitram
[B] Abhijñānaśākuntalam
[C] Vikramōrvaśīyam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vikramōrvaśīyam ]
Notes:
Vikramōrvaśīyam, a play by Kalidasa, tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love. As an immortal, she has to return to the heavens, where an unfortunate accident causes her to be sent back to the earth as a mortal with the curse that she will die (and thus return to heaven) the moment her lover lays his eyes on the child which she will bear him. After a series of mishaps, including Urvashi’s temporary transformation into a vine, the curse is lifted, and the lovers are allowed to remain together on the earth.
12. 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
13. In ancient India, the term Nishka was related to which among the following?
[A] Crop
[B] Tax
[C] Currency
[D] Tool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Currency]
Notes:
Nishka meant currency or coin as well as a Necklace (that would also be made of coins during those times).
14. Who among the following has been mentioned as Maharajadhiraja and a Lion to the Huna Deer by Banabhatta?
[A] Harshavarshana
[B] Prabhakarvardhana
[C] Yashovardhana
[D] Grahavarman.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakarvardhana]
Notes:
Prabhakaravardhana was a king of Thanesar in northern India around the time of the decline of the Gupta Empire. Banabhatta credits Prabhakaravardhana with a strong stance against the Hunas, describing him as:”A lion to the Huna deer”.
15. Which deity did the Alwars get associated with in ancient Indian mythological text?
[A] Shiva
[B] Vishnu
[C] Parvati
[D] Ganesha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishnu]
Notes:
The term “Alwars” comes from ancient Indian mythology, specifying a specific group of 12 Vaishnava saints known for their poetic expressions of devotion for Lord Vishnu in Tamil Nadu. The prominent group includes Poigai Alvar, Bhoothathalvar, Peyalvar, and others. Their spiritual work is often considered the early precursor to the Bhakti movement that promoted devotion towards a particular deity overcoming the barriers of caste and gender.
16. Which of the following clearly defines Lothal? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] A closed water system
[B] A poisonous gas
[C] A place in Gujarat where excavations have established a link with the Indus Valley civilization
[D] Legal action taken against defectors
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [A place in Gujarat where excavations have established a link with the Indus Valley civilization]
Notes:
Lothal was one of the southernmost cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization located in the modern state of Gujarat. It was first excavated in 1957 by S R Rao. The notable structures at Lothal include a dockyard and warehouse.
17. In which one of the following inscriptions is Ashoka mentioned by name? (UPSC Prelims 1990)
[A] Major Rock edict at Girnar
[B] Minor Rock inscription at Maski
[C] Bairat inscription
[D] Lamghan inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Minor Rock inscription at Maski]
Notes:
The Maski inscriptions were found in Maski village in the Raichur district of Karnataka. These inscriptions are etched on a boulder and cave walls in Brahmi script. The significance of the Maski inscriptions is that they provided definitive evidence linking Ashoka to the title “Devanampriya” (Beloved of the Gods). The text includes the name “Devanampriya Ashoka”, clearly establishing the connection. Other inscriptions like the Gujarra Rock Edict from Madhya Pradesh do mention titles like “Devanampiya Piyadasi Asokaraja”.
18. Which of the following refers to ‘perfect knowledge’ in Jainism? (UPSC Prelims 1995)
[A] Jina
[B] ratna
[C] kaivalya
[D] nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [kaivalya]
Notes:
Kaivalya also known as Kevala Jnana means omniscience in Jainism and is roughly translated as absolute knowledge or supreme knowledge. Jain scriptures speak of twelve stages through which the soul achieves this goal.
19. Teri sites of Tamil Nadu are associated with which of the following periods?
[A] Neolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Paleolithic
[D] Upper Paleolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mesolithic ]
Notes:
Teri sites are group of 11 sites n the Tinnevelly district of Tamil Nadu. They are associated with dunes of reddened sand. These teri sites are belongs to Mesolithic period.
20. The genesis of settled, village-based societies generally goes back to:
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] Chalcolithic age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Neolithic age ]
Notes:
The genesis of settled, village-based societies generally goes back to the Neolithic period.
