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. In Greek texts, who among the following has been mentioned as Amitrochates?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Bindusara
[C] Kautilya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bindusara]
Notes:
Bindusara, also called Bindusara Maurya, Greek Amitrochates, is the second Mauryan emperor, who ascended the throne about 297 bce. Greek sources refer to him as Amitrochates.
12. How many letters constitute the Sanskrit Alphabet?
[A] 36
[B] 48
[C] 54
[D] 60
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [54]
Notes:
The Sanskrit alphabet, known as the Devanagari script, comprises 54 letters. Each of these letters encompasses a masculine and a feminine form, referred to as Shiva and Shakti respectively. This unique aspect of the Sanskrit alphabet signifies the fundamental principles of masculine and feminine energies in Hindu philosophy, which are considered complementary and interconnected, underlying the entire life cycle and cosmology in Hindu traditions.
13. Which among the following schools of Hindu Philosophy is anti-ascetic and anti-mysticist ?
[A] Nyaya
[B] Vaisheshika
[C] Mimansa
[D] Samkhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mimansa]
Notes:
Mimānsā is a Sanskrit word that means “reflection” or “critical investigation” and thus refers to a tradition of contemplation which reflected on the meanings of certain Vedic texts. It is anti-ascetic and anti-mysticist.
14. In which sect, Gandhara school of art came into existence?
[A] Hinayana sect
[B] Vaishnava sect
[C] Shaiva sect
[D] Mahayana sect
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahayana sect]
Notes:
The Gandhara school of art came into existence in Mahayana sect. Mahayana sect believes in idols worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The Gandhara School of art had also developed in first century AD along with Mathura School during reign of Kushana emperor Kanishka
15. Which of the following ages in Indian History is referred to as the ‘Golden Age’?
[A] Ancient
[B] Maurya
[C] Gupta
[D] Mughal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gupta]
Notes:
The Gupta age around 1500 years ago was truly a golden age as far as achievements in literature, architecture etc. were concerned. The poet Kalidasa lived in this age, and the iron pillar which still stands in the open today as it has for hundreds of years without rusting was built then.
16. Big landlords or warrior chiefs in the seventh century were acknowledged as which of the following by the existing kings?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Samantas
[C] Chalukya
[D] Rashtrakutas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samantas]
Notes:
Samantas was a name given to big landlords or warrior chiefs in different regions of the Indian subcontinent, by the existing kings of the seventh century. They were expected to bring gifts for their kings or overlords, be present in their courts and also provide them with military support.
17. Which of the following was the extent of Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Baluchistan, Sind, Punjab and Rajasthan
[B] Sind, Punjab and Kashmir
[C] Afghanistan, Sind, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Kashmir
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Baluchistan, Sind, Punjab and Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Indus Valley Civilization was not confined to these few sites. The influence of this culture extended to the Punjab, Sindh, North West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan), Baluchistan, Rajasthan, U.P., Gujarat and even some parts of south India.
18. Which of the following was the main reason of the downfall of Mauryan Empire?
[A] Weak successors of Ashoka who could not control the empire properly
[B] Religious policy of Ashoka
[C] Ashoka maintained friendly relations with his neighbors
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Weak successors of Ashoka who could not control the empire properly]
Notes:
Some causes appear were the weak successors, vastness of the empire, independence of the provinces, foreign invasion, and internal revolt. The Maurya Empire fell because of these causes.
19. Which one of the following statements regarding Ashoka stone pillars is incorrect?
[A] These are highly polished
[B] These are monolithic
[C] The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
[D] These are parts of architectural structures
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [These are parts of architectural structures]
Notes:
Ashoka stone pillars were meant to spread his Dhamma (not the part of architectural structure.) The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during his reign from c. 268 to 232 BC. The pillars of Ashoka are among the earliest known stone sculptural remains from India.
20. Loe Banr and Kalako-deray in Swat Valley of Pakistan are known for which of the following archeological remains?
[A] Fire altars
[B] Pit-dwellings
[C] Iron implements
[D] Bone tools
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pit-dwellings ]
Notes:
Pit dwellings have been found in Gufkral in Kashmir and in Loe Banr and Kalako-deray in the Swat valley.
