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. Mundaka Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and the Prashna Upanishad are associated with which of the following Vedas?
[A] Atharva-Veda
[B] Rig-Veda
[C] Sama-Veda
[D] Yajur-Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Atharva-Veda ]
Notes:
Atharvaveda text includes three primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy. These include the Mundaka Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and the Prashna Upanishad.
12. The following Chalukya king performed an ashwamedha yajna?
[A] Pulkesin I
[B] Pulkesin II
[C] Pulkesin III
[D] Vikramaditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulkesin I]
Notes:
Pulakesin I, the chalukya king, performed Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ceremony) to access power. Pulakesin I was the first ruler of chalukya dunasty.
13. What was the job of Rupadarshaka in Mauryan Era as per Arthashashtra of Kautilya?
[A] Royal examiner of minted coins
[B] Royal Superintendent of Courtesans
[C] Manager of the Stage
[D] Police
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Royal examiner of minted coins]
Notes:
According to Arthashastra of Kautilya, in the Mauryan Administration the official designated as Rupadarshaka was the Royal examiner of Coins.
14. What was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada?
[A] Mathura
[B] Bairath
[C] Kausambi
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kausambi]
Notes:
Kausambi was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada, an important political and cultural center during the sixth and fifth centuries BC. Vatsa or Vamsa was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (large states) situated in Northern Ancient India, which was recognized for its significant contributions to the development of Buddhism and Jainism. This region attracted scholars and spiritual practitioners from far and wide, contributing immensely to the rich cultural tapestry of ancient India.
15. Which of the following rivers is not included in the list of Seven Rivers that graced and nourished the first Aryan settlement?
[A] Sutudri
[B] Parusni
[C] Asikni
[D] Charmanvati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Charmanvati]
Notes:
Charmanvati is the ancient name of Chambal. There is a verse in Nadistuti sukta of Rig-Veda, hymn of praise of rivers which mentions the following 10 rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikiya, and Susoma. The Shutudri was Sutlej, Parushni was Ravi, Asikni was Chenab and Vitasta was Jhelum. The 5 rivers Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Vitasta, and Vipas all were tributaries of Sindhu River. Together with Sarasawti and Sindhu, these 5 rivers constituted the Sapta Sindhu
16. The image of Buddha with a circular head halo and flying Gandharvas on either side with garlands in hands appeared for the first time during the:
[A] Gandhara School of Arts
[B] Mathura School of Arts
[C] Gupta School of Arts
[D] Amaravati School of Art
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gandhara School of Arts]
Notes:
The image of Buddha with a circular head halo and flying Gandharvas on either side with garlands in hands appeared for the first time during the Gandhara School of Arts.
17. Which of the following is associated with Palaeolithic Period?
[A] Fertile Crescent
[B] Polished Hand Axe
[C] Painted pottery
[D] Nomadism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nomadism ]
Notes:
Fertile Crescent was a land which was fertile and suited to agriculture. Neolithic people lived in Fertile Crescent. Painted pottery and polished hand axes came during Neolithic period.
18. Megasthenes was an ambassador for which of the following empires?
[A] Greek
[B] Egyptian
[C] Roman
[D] Ottoman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greek]
Notes:
Megasthenes described what he called “the great capital of Pataliputra” as the most largest and prosperous city in the world. He wrote about its palaces, school, temples, parks, and said that the wall around the city “was crowned with 570 towers and had 64 gates”.
19. At which of the following places the First Buddhist Council took place?
[A] Rajagriha
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Jalandhara
[D] Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajagriha]
Notes:
According to the scriptures of all Buddhist schools, the first Buddhist Council was held soon after the death of the Buddha.It was dated by the majority of recent scholars around 400 BCE. It took place under the patronage of the king Ajatashatru with the monk Mahakasyapa presiding, at Sattapanni caves, Rajgriha.
20. Which one of the following shows the earliest evidence of silver in India?
[A] Harappan culture
[B] Chalcolithic cultures of Western India
[C] Vedic texts
[D] Silver punch-marked coins
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harappan culture]
Notes:
Variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver was extensively used by the Harappan metal workers. Minor metals like tin, arsenic, lead, antimony etc. were used for alloying. They had also perfected the intricate cireperdue or lost wax technique of metal casting as early as the third millennium BCE.