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. There is no evidence of cultivation of which among the following crops at any of the sites of Indus Valley Civilization?
- Barley
- Sugarcane
- Rice
- Field pea
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] Only 2
[D] Only 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Sugarcane Only.” While barley and rice were cultivated in the Indus Valley Civilization, there is no archaeological evidence of sugarcane cultivation in that region during that period. The Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2500 BCE, is known for its advanced agricultural practices, including the cultivation of barley and rice, but sugarcane was primarily cultivated in other regions, such as Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, before spreading to India later.
12. At which of the following places Aphsad inscription has been found which gives account of later Guptas?
[A] Bhagalpur
[B] Gaya
[C] Bhubneshwar
[D] Alwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gaya]
Notes:
Aphsad inscription is at gaya. It is inscription of Aditya sena. It gives account of later vedas.
13. What is the vedic name of river Satluj?
[A] Satudri
[B] Askini
[C] Arjikya
[D] Vipasha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Satudri ]
Notes:
River Satluj was called as ‘Satudri’ in Vedic period. Its sanskrit name is ‘Shatadru’
14. Who was the first chinese traveller visited Nalanda University and also study for some time ?
[A] Xuanzang
[B] Xi ping
[C] Hensen
[D] Xiaung zang
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Xuanzang]
Notes:
Xuanzang also known as Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda first in 637B.C. and then again in 642 B.C. and studied under the guidance of Shilabhadra.
15. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve foodgrains to be utilized during the crises in the country? (UPSC Prelims 1998)
[A] Sohagaura Copper-plate
[B] Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka
[C] Prayaga-Prasasti
[D] Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sohagaura Copper-plate]
Notes:
The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India.
16. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC Prelims 2004)
[A] The largest Buddhist monastery in India is in Assam.
[B] The language Konyak is spoken in Nagaland.
[C] The largest river island in the world is in Assam.
[D] Sikkim is the least-populated state of the Indian Union.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The largest Buddhist monastery in India is in Assam.]
Notes:
The largest Buddhist Monastry is in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh not in Assam.
17. Which of the following were the most standardized products of the Harappans?
[A] Pottery
[B] Terracottas
[C] Bricks
[D] Statues
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bricks]
Notes:
Bricks and weights were perhaps the most standardized products manufactured in the Harappan civilization. Standardized sizes of bricks in ratio of 1:2:4 have been documented. Uniform weights based on binary system have been found, implying established trade practices and regulated urban industries governed by administrative policies for greater economic integration across the far-flung Harappan domain.
18. Which of the following material was mainly used by the Indus people in the manufacture of seals?
[A] Limestone
[B] Terracotta
[C] Silver
[D] Steatite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Steatite]
Notes:
Steatite, a smooth fine-grained composite rock made of minerals like talc and rich in magnesium, was the most predominant material used in carving small Indus seals. Easy availability in areas surrounding Harappan sites made it an ideal choice. The soft nature of steatite also enabled easy carving of intricate designs and writing symbols by artisans.
19. At which of the following Indus sites historians discovered human skeletons huddled together, indicating their violent death?
[A] Sutkagendor
[B] Surkotada
[C] Mohenjadaro
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mohenjadaro ]
Notes:
A group of skeletons were uncovered from Mohenjo-daro in areas like in lane of house No. VII and below the stairs facing house No. XI which pointed to a sudden catastrophe where people took shelter till their last breath. At Dholavira, large-scale destruction of the island fortress including buffer area has also been observed.
20. Which of the following bird was worshiped by the People of Indus valley civilization?
[A] Eagle
[B] Pigeon
[C] Peacock
[D] Crow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pigeon]
Notes:
Numerous figurines of doves or pigeons have been found from Harappan sites including Chanhudaro and Lothal suggesting the bird was given special social value and reverence in their cultural life reflecting theme of peace. Lines from Rig-veda also indicate dove was respected as a symbolic messenger.
