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. Yavanpriya in ancient Hindu Texts refers to which among the following?
[A] Peppar
[B] Clove
[C] Silk
[D] Muslin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Peppar]
Notes:
Black Pepper was one of the most thing thing imported by Greek traders from Ancient India . In ancient times the people in Central Asia are called as Yavanas in India. They liked the pepper and imports large amount of pepper from India so the pepper is named as Yavana-the people of foreign countries. Priya-they like pepper so it was called as Yavanapriya.
12. For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for which among the following periods?
[A] Gupta Period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Shunga Period
[D] Satavahana period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya Period]
Notes:
For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for Mauryan period in the Arthashashtra of Kautilya. The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with the imperial capital at Pataliputra.
13. Konark Temples are related to which of the following dynasties ?
[A] Ganga
[B] Pallavas
[C] Chandelas
[D] Cholas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ganga]
Notes:
The Sun Temple at Konarak was built in about 1250 AD by the East Ganga king Narasimhadeva in order to commemorate military successes against Muslim invaders.It is also known as the Black Pagoda.
14. At which of the following archaeological sites was a sculpture of a “Nude Male Torso” discovered?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Harappa
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harappa]
Notes:
The “Nude Male Torso” is a significant artifact unearthed at Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. The sculpture, made from red sandstone, demonstrates advanced carving skills and a high level of artistry prevalent at that time. The absence of head and lower parts suggests the unique tradition of making torsos, prevalent in Harappan art.
15. Which among the following is considered to be the official law book of the Guptas?
[A] Manusmriti
[B] Parashara Smriti
[C] Yajnavalkya Smriti
[D] Vyasa Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajnavalkya Smriti]
Notes:
The Yajnavalkya Smriti is one of the Dharma-related texts of Hinduism composed in Sanskrit. It is dated to between the 3rd to 5th-century CE, and belongs to the Dharmasastras tradition. It was the official law book of the Guptas.
16. Which among the ancient Indian Play has referred to the defeat of Yavanas on the bank of River Sindhu in the hands of Vasumitra?
[A] Raghuvamsa
[B] Malvikagnimitram
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Dasakumarcharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malvikagnimitram]
Notes:
The play mentions Vasumitra, the son of Agnimitra, defeating a band of Yavanas on the right bank of the river Sindhu when they tried to capture the sacrificial horse of Pushyamitra.
17. As per the ancient Indian Texts, the land between which among the following two rivers has been called “Brahamavarta”?
[A] Saraswati river and Drsadvati River
[B] Saraswati river and Saryu River
[C] Sutudri (Satluj) River and Vipas (Beas) River
[D] Ganga River and Yamuna River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saraswati river and Drsadvati River]
Notes:
The Hindu religious text Manusmriti describes Brahmavarta as the region between the rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati in India.
18. Who was the founder of Pallava dynasty ?
[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Simhavishnu
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Narsimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Simhavishnu]
Notes:
Pallava Dynasty was founded by Simhavishnu in 560 A.D.Their capital was at Kanchipuram.
19. 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.
20. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called chaityas while the others viharas. What is the difference between the two? (UPSC Prelims 1992)
[A] Chaitya is a place of worship while vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
[B] Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave while vihara is the hall axial to it
[C] There is no material difference between the two
[D] Vihara is a place of worship while chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chaitya is a place of worship while vihara is the dwelling place of the monks]
Notes:
The Buddhist architecture is mainly consisting of Chaityas, Viahras, Stupa and Stambhas. There are mainly two types of distinct architecture related to the caves, i.e. Chaitya and Viharas. Chaityas were the place of worship in Buddhism, whereas Viharas were dwelling place of monks
