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. Who among the following is seemed to have known the importance of zero?
[A] Bhaskaracharya
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Budhayana
[D] chanukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhaskaracharya]
Notes:
Aryabhatta is the first of the great mathematician and astronomer of the classical age of India. He was born in 476 AD in Ashmaka. Aryabhata gave the world the digit “0” (zero) for which he became immortal.
12. What was the most prominent reason of arrival of Indo-Aryans from central Asia , possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea?
[A] They were in search of arable land
[B] They were of Nomadic Culture
[C] They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors
[D] They were aware of prosperity of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors]
Notes:
Getting defeated by European neighbor’s is the main reason for the Indo-Aryans to move away from that area. They came to India possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea.
13. The first documented evidence of untouchability in ancient India comes from which among the following periods?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Shunga Period
[C] Gupta Era
[D] Times after reign of Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gupta Era]
Notes:
The term asprsya or untouchable was first mentioned in Katyayana dharmasastra which belonged to the Gupta period.
14. 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.
15. Which of the following Satvahan King’s name is inscribed on one of the gateways of Sanchi Stupa?
[A] Simukha
[B] Kanha
[C] Satakarni
[D] Krishna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satakarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Satakarni, also Gautamiputra Yajna Satakarni, was a ruler of the Satavahana Empire in present-day Deccan region of India. His name is inscribed on one of the gateways of Sanchi Stupa.
16. Which of the following remains of the Gupta empire in the western Indian city of Ajanta most notable for?
[A] Cave Painting
[B] Buddhist Monastery
[C] Stone Carvings
[D] Large Temple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cave Painting]
Notes:
In the caverns of Ajanta, India, one can see the many cave paintings that were left on the walls of cave temples. The Buddhists who had their temples their painting mural of Buddhist stories and legends and also of scenes of Gupta India.
17. Earliest Indian coins belonged to which period?
[A] 5th century B.C.
[B] Ashoka’s reign
[C] 1st century A.D.
[D] 3rd century A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [5th century B.C.]
Notes:
Coinage of India, issued by imperial dynasties and middle kingdoms, began anywhere between 5th century BC and consisted mainly of copper and silver coins in its initial stage.
18. In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta Period women and sudras speak which of the following languages?
[A] Sanskrit
[B] Prakrit
[C] Pali
[D] Sauraseni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prakrit]
Notes:
In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period women and sudras speak Prakrit. It is a group of languages based between Between Sanskrit and its modern derivatives.
19. Which is the latest Indus Valley Site discovered in India?
[A] Banawali
[B] Lothal
[C] Dholavira
[D] Kot Diji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dholavira ]
Notes:
Dholavira, locally known as Kotada meaning large fort, is one of the largest Harappan sites located in modern day Gujarat. Its remains were discovered most recently in 1967-68 signifying it as the latest known metropolitan center of the Indus Civilization uncovered on Indian territory so far. Dholavira features a unique planned layout with complexes for residences, burial, water harvesting, and production activities spread across three adjacent mounds within formidable stone walls.
20. Who among the following has been attempted to read the script as containing a preindo-Aryan language of the Indo-European family?
[A] Mahadevan
[B] SR Rao
[C] Kinnier-Wilson
[D] Parpola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SR Rao]
Notes:
S.R. Rao, one of India’s pioneering archaeologists, theorized that the undeciphered Indus script likely represents an Early Indo-European language, more specifically of Indo-Iranian branch, originating before the influx of Indo-Aryan speakers associated with Vedic India. This hypothesis assumes demographic continuity rather than mass displacement between Indus and subsequent Indian populations. Rao’s proposed readings remain unproven though influences between Harappan and Rigvedic cultures have been suggested based on materials, rituals, and ideology.
