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 among the following emperors introduced the two laws of Vyavahar Samta and Danda Samata?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka introduced Vyavahara-Samata, so that all his subjects equal in Law. And, by his Danda-Samata he wanted ‘equality of punishment’ irrespective of caste and creed.
12. Who among the following Chola ruler built Brihadeshwar temple at Thanjavur in year 1010 AD ?
[A] Rajaraja
[B] Adhirajendra
[C] Rajendra I
[D] Vijayalaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajaraja]
Notes:
The Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I built Brihadeshwar temple (also known as Rajarajeshwar temple) at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu in year 1010 AD. It is the world’s first complete granite temple.
13. Which of the following crops was not known to Vedic people?
[A] Barley
[B] Wheat
[C] Tobacco
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tobacco]
Notes:
Wheat, rice and barley were known at the time of vedic period. These were important grains grown in this time period. The agricultural implements mentioned in the Vedic literature include the Plough.
14. Gupta architecture is represented by many brick temples and the temple of Bhitargaon is most notable for its well preserved and moulded bricks of excellent design, this temple has? (UPSC Prelims 1992)
[A] A tall Gopuram
[B] A Pyramidal roof
[C] An Apsidal plan
[D] Double basement
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Pyramidal roof]
Notes:
The Bhitargaon Temple is a terraced brick building fronted with a terracotta panel. Built in the 5th century during the Gupta period, it is the oldest remaining brick/terracotta Hindu shrine with a pyramidal roof and a high shikhara, though its upper chamber did sustain some damage in the 18th century.
15. Which of the following is the preaching mudra associated with the Buddha’s First Sermon at Sarnath? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] abhaya
[B] dhyana
[C] dharmachakra
[D] bhumisparsa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [dharmachakra]
Notes:
The Buddha’s first sermon is sometimes called the “first turning of the dharma wheel.” Or “dharmachakra”. The sermon, Buddha gave to the five monks, was his first sermon and was called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. It was given on the full-moon day of Asalha Puja. Buddha subsequently also spent his first rainy season at Sarnath at the Mulagandhakuti.
16. Which of the following were the earliest precursors of the Harappan seals?
[A] Terracotta seals found at Mehrgarh
[B] Clay tablets found at Kalibangan
[C] Copper tablets found at Kot Diji
[D] Stone seals found at Amri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Terracotta seals found at Mehrgarh]
Notes:
The earliest precursors of the Harappan seals were terracotta seals found at Mehrgarh, dated to around 7000 BCE. Mehrgarh is one of the earliest sites of the Indus Valley Civilization in modern-day Balochistan, Pakistan. The terracotta seals found here are simple square stamps, mostly geometric shapes, but already indicating the origins of the more developed Harappan seals with animal motifs that developed later. Mehrgarh provides evidence of early agriculture and settlement before the rise of Harappa.
17. The most common materials used for the Harappan stone sculptures are:
[A] Hard sandstone
[B] Grey stone
[C] White marble
[D] Steatite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [White marble]
Notes:
Soft limestone and white marble were the most abundantly used raw materials for crafting the excavated stone sculptures of Harappan civilization. Artisans shaped and engraved steatite, serpentine, and terracotta as well. The statuettes portray deities, priests, dancers, mortals, animals both real and mythical like unicorns. Grey sandstone was used for the important early seals while copper smelting produced bronze images.
18. Atharva Veda is divided into ho many kandas or books?
[A] 15
[B] 17
[C] 19
[D] 20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [20]
Notes:
The Atharva Veda which is a collection of magic spells and charms to ward off the evil spirits and diseases is the last Veda and is considered a non-Aryan work. It is divided into 20 kandas or books which contain 711 hymns.
19. Buddha delivered his first Sermon at which of the following places?
[A] Kushinagar
[B] Lumbini
[C] Gaya
[D] Sarnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sarnath]
Notes:
The Buddha delivered his first Sermon in a deer park at Sarnath. This event is known as ’DhammaChakka-Pavattana’ meaning ‘turning the wheel of dharma’.
20. Which of the following was the main expounder of materialistic philosophy?
[A] Ajivikas
[B] Charvaka
[C] Buddhism
[D] Jainism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Charvaka]
Notes:
Charvaka was the main expounder of materialistic philosophy. Charvakas rejected Vedas and any rituals. They were opposed to the idea of God or any other supernatural power. Most of its literature is lost now.
