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 of the following group represents right combination of Triratnas of Jainism?
[A] Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Thought
[B] Right Thought, Right Action, Right Conduct
[C] Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct]
Notes:
The triratnas are the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (“right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samyakcharitra (“right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.
12. Preservation of the genealogies of the gods, Risis and famous kings, is the duty of the Sutas or bards. Which among the following says this ?
[A] Vishnu Puran
[B] Vayu Puran
[C] Skand Puran
[D] Skand Puran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vayu Puran]
Notes:
The Vayu Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas of Hinduism.The Vayu Purana discusses its theories of cosmology, genealogy of gods and kings of solar and lunar dynasties, mythology, geography, manvantaras, the solar system and the movements of the celestial bodies. It talks about Preservation of the genealogies of the gods, Risis and famous kings, is the duty of the Sutas or bards.
13. Who among the following was behind the “epoch making” discovery of Arthashastra that altered the false perception of the European scholars that Ancient Indians learnt the art of administration from the Greeks?
[A] R. Shamasastry
[B] C. Sivarama Murti
[C] K. S. Neelakantan Unni
[D] Veturi Prabhakara Sastri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [R. Shamasastry]
Notes:
Rudrapatna Shamasastry FRAS was a Sanskrit scholar and librarian at the Oriental Research Institute Mysore. He re-discovered and published the Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. He was behind the “epoch making” discovery of Arthashastra that altered the false perception of the European scholars that Ancient Indians learnt the art of administration from the Greeks.
14. 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.
15. Copper Rhinoceros Sculpture was found at which of the following Indus Valley sites?
[A] Daimabad
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Lothal
[D] Mohenjo-daro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Daimabad]
Notes:
Sculptures found at Daimabad were: Copper Rhinoceros, Copper Elephant & Copper Chariot.
16. Who is the most prominent god of ‘Rigveda’?
[A] Agni
[B] Pashupati
[C] Vishnu
[D] Indra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indra]
Notes:
There are 1000 hymns in the Rigveda, most of them dedicated to specific deities. Indra, a heroic god, slayer of Vritra and destroyer of the Vala, liberator of the cows and the rivers; Agni the sacrificial fire and messenger of the gods; and Soma, the ritual drink dedicated to Indra, are the most prominent deities.
17. Vidhushaka, a common character in Sanskrit drama, belongs to which of the following categories? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaisya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmana]
Notes:
In classical Sanskrit drama, Vidushaka is essentially a Brahmin and is a confident / attendent of the Hero. Despite being educated in Sanskrit, he speaks in Prakrit, the vernacular language of the time. Bharata mentions him along with the principal characters in his Natyasastra.
18. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Indus Valley Civilization? (UPSC Prelims 2003)
[A] Their chief deities were Mother Goddess and Shiva
[B] They worshipped bulls
[C] They had all amenities of a developed city life
[D] They did not know of iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They had all amenities of a developed city life]
Notes:
The significant features of Indus Valley civilization are personal cleanliness, town planning, construction of burnt-brick houses, ceramics, casting, forging of metals, manufacturing of cotton and woolen textiles. Mohenjo-Daro people had finest bath facilities, drainage system, and knowledge of personal hygiene.
19. Which of the following is a collection of magic spells and charms to ward off the evil spirits and diseases?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Sama Veda
[C] Yajur Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
The Atharva Veda, which is the fourth Veda, is known as a collection of magic spells, charms, and incantations. It is distinct from the other three Vedas (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, and Yajur Veda) which are more focused on liturgy, ritual, and philosophical speculation. The Atharva Veda contains a mix of hymns, incantations, and magical charms. These include spells for healing, protection, curses, and blessings, among others. It also includes discussions on a wide range of topics such as medicine, alchemy, and black magic.
20. With which of the following wandering ascetics Buddha practiced austerities?
1. Kondanna
2. Bhaddiya
3. Vappa
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Buddha practiced austerities with five wandering ascetics – Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama, and Assaji. He practiced severe austerities until his body was almost emaciated however he abandoned them when he realised that austerities could not lead to realisation.
