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 works credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty ?
[A] Harshacharita
[B] Banskhera Inscription of Harsha
[C] Yuan-Chwang
[D] Kadambari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harshacharita]
Notes:
The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta,.The Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Pushpabhuti dynasty or Vardhana dynasty, ruled parts of northern India during 6th and 7th centuries. Harshacharita credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty.
12. Which among the following sites has given the evidence of an earliest recorded “Earthquake”?
[A] Kalibangan
[B] Lothal
[C] Surkotda
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kalibangan]
Notes:
According to B. B. Lal, former DG of ASI, Kalibangan site shows that an earthquake occured around 2600 BC, which brought to an end the Early Indus settlement at the site. It is perhaps the earliest archaeologically recorded earthquake.
13. “Niska ” was used as a medium of exchange, in which of the following periods?
[A] Vedic period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Gupta Period
[D] Sangam Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vedic period]
Notes:
During the Vedic age, 2 types of medium of exchange are Niska and hiranyapinda. Rigvedic niskas and hiranyapindas, in this period, stood as a link between the money and currency stages of the development of the economy.
14. “Black Pagoda” is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is known as Black Pagoda.
15. Who among the following advocated the philosophy of Vishista Advaita ?
[A] Sankaradeva
[B] Madhvacharya
[C] Nimbarka
[D] Ramanuja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ramanuja]
Notes:
The philosophy of Vishista Advaita is known as Qualified Non-dualism (or qualified monism or attributive monism.). This philosophy was advocated by Ramanuja, who belongs to the village of Perumbudur, Tamilnadu. According to him, the relationship between individual and the divine is that of a part and the whole. Both have distinct quality. They are not identical, but everytjing conscious and un-conscious exits in the Divine.
16. During whose reign did the apostle St.Thomas go to India to preach Christianity?
[A] Kujala Kadphises
[B] Antialkidas
[C] Gondophernes
[D] Wema Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gondophernes]
Notes:
Apostle St.Thomas go to India to preach Christianity in the reign of Gondophernes. Gondophernes was a Parthian ruler who invaded India.
17. Who among the following was the last in the succession of Jaina Tirthankaras? (UPSC Prelims 1993)
[A] Parsvanatha
[B] Rishabha
[C] Mahavira
[D] Manisubrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahavira]
Notes:
The 24th and last tirthankara of present half-cycle was Mahavira. History records the existence of Mahavira and his predecessor, Parshvanath, the twenty-third tirthankara.
18. The name of the poet Kalidasa is mentioned in which of the following inscriptions? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription]
Notes:
Aihole inscription mentions the name of Kalidas. The inscription is found at Aihole in Karnataka state. The Aihole inscription was written by the Ravikirti, court poet of Chalukya King, Pulakeshi II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE. The poetic verses of Ravikirti, in praise of the king, can be read in the Meguti temple, dated 634 CE.
19. 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
20. 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.
