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. The famous Gayatri Mantra which is addressed to solar deity, is a highly revered mantra from the _?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Shatapatha Brahmana
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rig Veda]
Notes:
The famous Gayatri Mantra addressed to solar deity, is a highly revered mantra from the Rig-Veda.
12. Which Pallava ruler founded the city of Mahabalipuram and built several temples there?
[A] Simhavishnu Avanisimha
[B] Siva-Skandavaram
[C] Mahendra Vaarman I
[D] Narasimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Narasimhavarman]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman ruled from AD 630-668 and was considered the greatest of the Pallava Kings. He sent two naval expeditions to Ceylon. His greatest achievement however was the three successive triumphs over the Chalukya King Pulakesin II and annexed Vatapi to his kingdom.
13. Which of the following remains of the Gupta empire in the western Indian city of Ajanta most notable for?
[A] Cave Painting
[B] Buddhist Monastery
[C] Stone Carvings
[D] Large Temple
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Correct Answer: A [Cave Painting]
Notes:
In the caverns of Ajanta, India, one can see the many cave paintings that were left on the walls of cave temples. The Buddhists who had their temples their painting mural of Buddhist stories and legends and also of scenes of Gupta India.
14. Who among the following introduced the Saka era? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Harsha Vardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana Empire from the year 78 A.D. The year of the modern Saka Calendar is tied to the Gregorian date of 22 March every year, except in Gregorian leap years when it starts on 21 March.
15. Which of the following was not known to Indus Valley people? (UPSC Prelims 1985)
[A] Silver
[B] Copper
[C] Iron
[D] Bronze
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Correct Answer: C [Iron]
Notes:
Variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver was extensively used by the Harappan metal workers. Minor metals like tin, arsenic, lead, antimony etc. were used for alloying but there was no mention of iron.
16. Who among the following was not a writer of legal texts? (UPSC Prelims 1990)
[A] Yajnavalkya
[B] Manu
[C] Narada
[D] Bharavi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narada]
Notes:
Narada is a Vedic sage, famous in Hindu traditions as a traveling musician and storyteller, who carries news and enlightening wisdom. He appears in a number of Hindu texts, notably the Mahabharata as Vidur and the Ramayana as Vibhishan, as well as in the Puranas.
17. Which one of the following is a Vedanga? (UPSC Prelims 1995)
[A] Sruti
[B] Smriti
[C] Nirukta
[D] Samhita
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Correct Answer: C [Nirukta]
Notes:
Nirukta means “explained, interpreted” and refers to one of the six ancient Vedangas, or ancillary science connected with the Vedas – the scriptures of Hinduism.
18. Teri sites of Tamil Nadu are associated with which of the following periods?
[A] Neolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Paleolithic
[D] Upper Paleolithic
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Correct Answer: B [ Mesolithic ]
Notes:
Teri sites are group of 11 sites n the Tinnevelly district of Tamil Nadu. They are associated with dunes of reddened sand. These teri sites are belongs to Mesolithic period.
19. Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites of:
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Ladakh
[D] Maharastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites located in Union Territory of Ladakh.
20. 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.
