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 Vedic age which among the following grains was referred as vrihi?
[A] Barley
[B] Wheat
[C] Rice
[D] Maize
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rice]
Notes:
The term Vrihi was used for Rice in Vedic Era. For Wheat, the term Godhuma was used.
12. Who was Queen Trishala?
[A] Mother of Mahavira
[B] Mother of Gautam Buddha
[C] Mother of Kanishka
[D] Mother of Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mother of Mahavira]
Notes:
Queen Trishala, also known as Trishala Devi, was the mother of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism. As per Jain texts, Trishala carried Mahavira in her womb for over a year and had a number of auspicious dreams indicating the divine nature of the unborn child. Trishala’s husband was King Siddhartha of Kundalpur in the Kingdom of the Videhas.
13. 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.
14. Who among the following historical figures assumed the titles of sakayavanpallavanidusana (destroyer of saka, yavana and pallavas) and Trisamudrapittoyvahana (one whose horses had drunk waters from 3 oceans)?
[A] Gautami Putra satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Rudra daman I
[D] Vijaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautami Putra satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of the Satavahana Empire in India, held these impressive titles. His reign marked an era of great imperial expansion, with his forces reaching three oceans and defeating several significant enemies. The titles he assumed symbolized his prowess and achievements. He systematically obliterated the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pallavas, symbolized by the title Sakayavanpallavanidusana. And Trisamudrapittoyvahana denoted the vast range of his conquests.
15. Which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization is located on the banks of River Indus in Larkana District of Pakistan?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohen Jo Dero
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Suktagendor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mohen Jo Dero]
Notes:
The archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro is located on the banks of the River Indus in the Larkana District of Pakistan. Mohenjo-Daro is one of the most prominent and well-preserved sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2600-1900 BCE. This ancient city is known for its sophisticated urban planning, advanced drainage system, and evidence of a highly organized society. It is a crucial site for understanding the history and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization.
16. Who is the founder of Advaita philosophy?
[A] Adi Shankaracharya
[B] Swami Vivekananda
[C] Basaveshwara
[D] Sri Ramanujacharya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adi Shankaracharya]
Notes:
Advaita Vedanta is a school in Hinduism. People who believe in Advaita believe that their soul is not different from Brahman. The most famous Hindu philosopher who taught about Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankara who lived in India more than a thousand years ago.
17. Who among the following wrote ‘Nyaya Sutra’?
[A] Vyasa
[B] Kapila
[C] Gautama
[D] Charaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gautama]
Notes:
The Nyaya Sutras is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text composed by Aksapada Gautam and the foundational text of the Nyaya school of Hindu philosophy.. The Nyaya-sutras is attributed to Gautama, who was the principal author.
18. The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. Which of the following year will be similar in Vikram Samvat? (UPSC Prelims 1997)
[A] 601
[B] 300
[C] 330
[D] 407
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [601]
Notes:
The Saka era started in 78 AD, while Vikram era started from 58 BC. So if we want to convert Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I to Vikram era, it will be 465 + 78 + 58 = 601 Vikram Samvat.
19. Which of the following culture is known for Grey pottery?
[A] Malwa culture
[B] Eastern Neollithic culture
[C] Burzahom culture
[D] Jorwe culture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Burzahom culture ]
Notes:Burzahom culture is known for Grey pottery.
- Malwa culture: Black-on-Red pottery
- Eastern Neolithic culture: Brownish-red pottery
- Jorwe culture: Red pottery
- Southern Neolithic culture: Burnished-grey pottery
20. Which of the following is found at Eran which is an example of Malwa Culture site?
[A] Horse burials
[B] Rampart along with a ditch
[C] Megaliths
[D] Microlith tools
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rampart along with a ditch ]
Notes:
Major sites of Malwa Culture include Daimabad, Inamgaon, Kayatha, Nagda, Vidisha, Eran, Mandsaur, and Navdatoli (near Maheshwar). A massive fortification wall and a moat have been discovered at Eran
