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 work was originally called as Jaya Kavya?
[A] Ramayan
[B] Mahabharata
[C] Aitreya Brahaman
[D] Manu Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabharata]
Notes:
The work originally called “Jaya Kavya” is the Mahabharata. This epic, attributed to the sage Vyasa, was initially a shorter poem celebrating the victory of the Kuru dynasty in battle. The term “Mahabharata” means “the great tale of the Bharata dynasty,” and it has evolved into one of the longest epic poems in the world, consisting of over 100,000 shlokas (verses). The Mahabharata also includes the Bhagavad Gita, a key philosophical text in Hinduism.
12. What was the relation of the protagonist of Kalidasa’s “Malvikagnimitra” to Pushyamitra Sunga?
[A] His son
[B] His grandson
[C] His father
[D] His brother
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [His son]
Notes:
In Kalidasa’s Malvikagnimitra, the titular character Agnimitra serves as the protagonist, who is depicted as the son of Pushyamitra Sunga. Pushyamitra Sunga was the founder of the Sunga Dynasty in ancient India. The play is a historical tale which highlights Agnimitra’s love story with the princess Malavika, which is enveloped within the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history.
13. In which was the following texts of Kalidasa , Sati system has been mentioned?
[A] Raghuvamsa
[B] Kumārasambhava
[C] Ṛitusaṃhāra
[D] Meghadūta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kumārasambhava]
Notes:
Kumārasaṃbhavam is a poem by Kālidāsa. It is regarded as one of Kālidāsa’s finest works. Sati system has been mentioned in this.
14. The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha ________?
[A] Shortly after Budhha’s Death
[B] Shortly before Buddha’s Death
[C] A century After Buddha’s Death
[D] A century After Buddha’s Death
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shortly after Budhha’s Death]
Notes:
The First Buddhist council convened just after Gautama Buddha’s death in c. 400 BCE at Rajgriha. It was a gathering of senior monks of the Buddhist order. It was recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravadins and Sanskrit Buddhist schools.
15. The Practice of Polyandry was common in which of the following in ancient India?
[A] Kushanas
[B] Hunas
[C] Shakas
[D] Greeks
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hunas]
Notes:
Polyandry is a form of polygamy in which a woman takes two or more husbands at the same time. It is common in Hunas. Hunas or Huna was the name given by the ancient Indians to a group of Central Asian tribes who, via the Khyber Pass, entered India at the end of the 5th or early 6th century.
16. Vindhyashakti was founder of which of the following dynasties in ancient India?
[A] Vakataka
[B] Kakatiya
[C] Kalachuri
[D] Chalukyas of Badami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vakataka ]
Notes:
The Vakataka dynasty was founded by Vindhyashakti in the mid-3rd century CE. Established in 255 AD, the Vakatakas emerged as a significant power in the Deccan after the decline of the Satavahana dynasty. The dynasty is noted for its patronage of art, architecture, particularly the Ajanta Caves, and literature. Pravarsena I, one of its most renowned rulers, performed four Ashwamedha sacrifices. The Vakatakas also played a critical role in the political and cultural landscape of ancient southern India.
17. The famous Gayatri Mantra which is addressed to solar deity, is a highly revered mantra from the _?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Shatapatha Brahmana
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rig Veda]
Notes:
The famous Gayatri Mantra addressed to solar deity, is a highly revered mantra from the Rig-Veda.
18. According to Indian Mythology, which one was considered the oldest book on political science in India?
[A] Dandaniti
[B] Bahudantaka
[C] Barhaspatya Sastra
[D] Vaisalaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dandaniti]
Notes:
Dandaniti is traditionally considered the oldest book on political science in India. Even though no actual “Dandaniti” scripture survives today, several Indian scriptures like Mahabharata and Arthashastra have referred to it, signifying its existence and importance in ancient times. It is believed to focus primarily on the art of punishment for effective ruling, denoting a significant part of ancient Indian political philosophy.
19. Which of these important inventions was created by the Gupta civilization?
[A] Leather Belts
[B] Farm Tractor
[C] Newspaper
[D] ‘Arabic’ Numeral System
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [‘Arabic’ Numeral System]
Notes:
The Gupta civilization took pride in its education system and its mathematics in the ancient world. The number system that they created – which is now known as the ‘Arabic’ numeral system, was based on the number zero. The Gupta civilization was also very advanced in herbal medicine.
20. Which of the following is the major difference between ‘Varna’ and ‘Jati’? (UPSC Prelims 1984)
[A] Jatis are limited whereas Varnas are unlimited
[B] Jatis are only four whereas Varnas are many
[C] Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many
[D] Jati is decided by birth but not Varna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many]
Notes:
Varna’s are only four in number i.e. Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. Castes or Jatis are very large in number. They also have many subdivisions known as sub-castes.
