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. Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of which of the following?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Mahavira
[D] Gautam Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahavira]
Notes:
Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of Mahavira. Kayotsarga is a yogic posture which is an important part of Jain meditataion. seated cross-legged on a lion throne in the posture of meditation, dhyanamudra.
12. Hemis festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Gur Rimpoche) venerated as the representative reincarnate of Buddha. In which part of India it is held every year?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Ladakh
[D] Orissa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
The Hemis festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Gur Rimpoche) venerated as the representative reincarnate of Buddha. He is believed to have been born on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monkey year as predicted by the Shakia Muni Buddha
13. The word coromandal cost has been derived from the kingdom of which of the following?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Chalukyas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The name coromandal occurs in the forms Cholamandalam or Solamandalam on the great temple inscription of Tanjore. So Coromandel takes its name from the ancient dynasty of Tamil rulers known as the Cholas.
14. At which of the following places Aphsad inscription has been found which gives account of later Guptas?
[A] Bhagalpur
[B] Gaya
[C] Bhubneshwar
[D] Alwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gaya]
Notes:
Aphsad inscription is at gaya. It is inscription of Aditya sena. It gives account of later vedas.
15. Who was the first to propose that all objects in the physical universe can be reduced to a finite number of atoms?
[A] Maharishi Kapil
[B] Maharishi Kanaad
[C] Maharishi Vyas
[D] Maharishi Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharishi Kanaad]
Notes:
Maharishi Kanaad was the first to postulate that everything in the physical universe could be reduced to a finite number of atoms. He was an ancient Indian philosopher who founded the Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy that also postulated the concept of an atom.
16. Which river is mentioned as ‘Charmanyavati’ in Mahabharata?
[A] Chambal
[B] Shipra
[C] Narmada
[D] Tapti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chambal ]
Notes:
Chambal is known as Charmanyavati in Mahabharata,which means originating from blood of thousand animals sacrificed.
17. 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.
18. Inamgaon Chalcolithic site of Maharashtra has shown evidence of which of the following?
[A] Horse burials
[B] Rampart along with a ditch
[C] irrigation canal and an embankment
[D] Megalith
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ irrigation canal and an embankment ]
Notes:
Inamgaon is a Chalcolithic site of Maharashtra has shown evidence of an irrigation canal and an embankment.
19. What the ‘Mrichchhakatika’ an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka deals with? (UPSC Prelims 2003)
[A] The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan
[B] The victory of Chandragupta II over the Shaka Kshat-rapas of western India
[C] The military expeditions and exploits of Samudragupta
[D] The love affair between a Gupta King and a princess of Kamarupa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan]
Notes:
Mrichchhakatika (The Clay Court) is a Sanskrit play written by Shudraka in 2nd C BC. It is about a young man named Charudatta, and his love for Vasantasena, a rich courtesan.
20. Which Harappan site has shown the evidence of a violent death met by some people?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Lothal
[C] Harappa
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mohenjodaro]
Notes:
Skeletons found at Mohenjo-daro provide evidence of a violent end met by some of its inhabitants. A number of human skeletons were uncovered from various parts of the site showing signs of an abrupt death. Many bodies were found lying in the streets, some holding hands and some with physical injuries. All evidence indicates they died suddenly in what appears to be an armed attack that overwhelmed the city defenses leading to its decline around 1500 BCE, likely due to flooding or invasion.
