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. 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’
13. Which of the following Indus Valley Sites in India has been dated even older than Mehrgarh of Pakistan by C-14 radio dating done in recent years?
[A] Daimabad in Maharashtra
[B] Bhirrana in Haryana
[C] Rakhigarhi in Haryana
[D] Loteshwar in Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bhirrana in Haryana ]
Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India in 2015 had debunked its early research that the Indus Valley Civilization’s Harappan phase originated in Sind, in present-day Pakistan. According to data based on C-14 radio-dating, the Bhirrana village, on the banks of the Ghaggar River, in Fatehabad district of Haryana is date back to 7570-6200 BC. The previous Pakistan-French study had put Mehrgarh site in Pakistan as the oldest site date back to 6400-7000 BC.
14. Which Satvahana ruler adopted the title Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana?
[A] Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni
[B] Vashishtiputra Pulumayi
[C] Simuka
[D] Yajnasri Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni adopted the title Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana which meant ‘the ruler whose subjects drank the water of the three seas of the east,west and south’. The Bay of Bengal,The Arabian Sea and The Indian Ocean.
15. 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
16. Most of the Indus beads were made up of:
[A] Carnelian
[B] Steatite
[C] Terracotta
[D] Jade
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Carnelian]
Notes:
Beads unearthed from multiple Harappan sites indicate the majority were made from carnelian, a reddish-orange variant of mineral quartz. Small drill holes allowed stringing into necklaces and ornaments worn by people as decorative jewellery or status symbols. Rich variety of materials used – like faience, steatite, agate, coral – also showcase specialized craft skills.
17. Who among the following discovered ruins of Kot Diji?
[A] M G Majumder
[B] R D Banerjee
[C] Ghurey
[D] Daya Ram Sahni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ghurey]
Notes:
The site of Kot Diji in Sindh, Pakistan was discovered in 1935 by renowned archaeologist Ghurey. Located on the left bank of the Indus, it has remains dating from 3300 BCE to 2600 BCE, making it a precursor to and smaller version of later Harappan cities. Kot Diji introduced key Harappan town planning and technological features like fortifications, use of burnt bricks and standard weights.
18. Events which occurred before the invention of writing come under which of the following?
[A] Prehistory
[B] Proto-history
[C] History
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prehistory]
Notes:
Event that occurred before the invention of writing are considered the domain of prehistory. It is generally represented by the three stone ages. History is usually divided into pre-history, proto-history, and history.
19. Where was the second Jain council held?
[A] Badami
[B] Patliputra
[C] Vallabhi
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vallabhi]
Notes:
The second Jain council was held in 453 or 466 CE at Vallabhi. The council led to the final compilation of 12 angas and 12 upangas. It was presided by Derridhiganj. The president of the first council was Sthulabhadra, which was held in Patliputra.
20. Which of the following are correct regarding Jatakas?
[A] They are the stories of animals
[B] They are the stories of Buddha’s family
[C] They are the stories of previous births of the Buddha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They are the stories of previous births of the Buddha]
Notes:
The Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitak is further subdivided into fifteen books. One of the most prominent among them being the Jatakas which contains stories of the previous births of the Buddha.
