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 kingdom in South India was known for an excellent Navy ?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Cholas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Chalukyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The cholas had a good navy. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and naval raids on Sri Vijaya.
12. Which of the following state is the home to Bharat Dynasty?
[A] Punjab
[B] Haryana
[C] Gujarath
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haryana]
Notes:
Haryana has history which dates back to the Vedic Age. The State was the home of the legendary Bharata dynasty, which has given the name Bharat to India.
13. Who is the author of the historical text “Rajavalipataka”?
[A] Kalhana
[B] Pandit Jonaraja
[C] Pandit Shrivara
[D] Pandit Prajabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pandit Prajabhatta]
Notes:
Pandit Prajabhatta is credited with the authorship of “Rajavalipataka”. This text is a significant historical chronicle, offering valuable insights into the cultural, socio-economic, and political aspects of the time it represents. The erudite scholars of ancient and medieval India have contributed significantly to the preservation and propagation of historical knowledge, highlighting their importance in historical research and understanding.
14. Qila Rai Pithora, built by Tomar Rajputs is located in which among the following cities?
[A] Agra
[B] New Delhi
[C] Jaipur
[D] Ajmer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
Lal Kot or Qila Rai Pithora is the original red fort in Delhi comprising the Qutub Minar Compex and other structures in areas around it. It was built during reign of Tomar King Anangpal Tomar in 11th century.
15. In stone age, microlith-based composite tools became characteristic in which of the following ages?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mesolithic]
Notes:
The Mesolithic Age is known for microliths, which are small, carefully made stone tools. These were often hafted onto wood or bone to form composite implements such as arrows, spears, and sickles. This phase marks a clear shift toward more specialized and efficient tool use compared with earlier Stone Age industries. Hence, microlith-based composite tools are most characteristically associated with the Mesolithic Age.
16. Which of the following is a famous play written by Gupta poet Kalidasa?
[A] Mohenjo-Daro
[B] Shakuntala
[C] Kshatriya
[D] Ramayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shakuntala]
Notes:
Shakuntala is the story of how a highly king married a poor orphan, whose name was Shakuntala. However, the king was put under a spell and forgot about his bride. Eventually, he recovers his memory and the two of them become one again.
17. Which caves dating back to 600 A.D. are located on Gharapuri Island in Mumbai harbour?
[A] Ajanta Caves
[B] Kanheri Caves
[C] Ellora Caves
[D] Elephanta Caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Elephanta Caves]
Notes:
The Elephanta Caves are hewn out of solid rock and filled with stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Gharapuri Island can be reached by boat from the Gateway of India. The stone elephant after which these caves have been named has been shifted to the Bhau Dali Ladd Museum located next to Jijamata Udyan.
18. Which of the following rulers welcomed Magasthenes? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1981)
[A] Ashoka
[B] Harsha
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Vikramaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya welcomed Magasthenes. A clear picture of his Maurya administration is derived from two most important sources of history, namely, Kautilya’s Arthasastra and the Indika of Megasthenes.
19. Who among the following introduced the Saka era? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Harsha Vardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana Empire from the year 78 A.D. The year of the modern Saka Calendar is tied to the Gregorian date of 22 March every year, except in Gregorian leap years when it starts on 21 March.
20. Why the Indus valley civilization is also known as the Harappa culture? (UPSC Prelims 1991)
[A] The site of Harappa is six times larger than Mohenjo-Daro site
[B] The Indus valley civilization is considered the elementary/initial stage of the Vedic culture and Harappa is believed to be the same as Harappa mentioned in the Vedas
[C] Harappa was the first site to be excavated in the Indus valley
[D] The most important/significant evidence of the achievements of this civilization have been excavated from Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The most important/significant evidence of the achievements of this civilization have been excavated from Harappa]
Notes:
The Indus Valley civilization is also known as the Harappan civilization because the first site of the archaeological remains of the Indus Valley civilization was found at the modern site of Harappa, West Punjab, Pakistan.
