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. Who among the following belonged to Sakya clan of Kshatriyas?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavir jain
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Rishabhnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Gautama Buddha belongs to Sakya clan of Kshatriyas. They lived in the area near Magadha. His mother is Maya devi and father is Suddhodana.
12. In ancient India, the 8 smaller clans / kingdoms called “Athakula” belonged to which among the following Mahajanapadas?
[A] Magadha
[B] Kosala
[C] Vriji
[D] Chedi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vriji]
Notes:
Vajji or Vriji was located on the north of River Ganga in Bihar. The seat of 8 smaller clans / kingdoms called “Athakula” out of which Lichhavais, Janatriks, Videhas were very important. It was separated from Kosala from river Gandak.
13. In which sect, Gandhara school of art came into existence?
[A] Hinayana sect
[B] Vaishnava sect
[C] Shaiva sect
[D] Mahayana sect
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahayana sect]
Notes:
The Gandhara school of art came into existence in Mahayana sect. Mahayana sect believes in idols worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The Gandhara School of art had also developed in first century AD along with Mathura School during reign of Kushana emperor Kanishka
14. Which of the following is the most important cause for the decline of Buddhism after Ashoka? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Non-patronage by the kings
[B] Condemnation of animal sacrifices
[C] Growth of licentious practices in Buddhist centres
[D] Allegiance to the middle path
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Non-patronage by the kings]
Notes:
The decline of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent refers to a gradual process of dwindling and replacement of Buddhism in India, which ended around the 12th century. The decline of Buddhism has been attributed to various factors:• Regionalisation of India after the end of the Gupta Empire which led to the loss of patronage and donations • Indian dynasties turned to the services of Hindu Brahmins• Invasions of north India by various groups such as Huns, Turco-mongols and Persians Subsequent destruction of Buddhist institutions such as Nalanda and religious persecutions
15. For which one of the following crops there is no evidence of cultivation from anyone of the Indus sites?
[A] Barley
[B] Sugarcane
[C] Field peas
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sugarcane]
Notes:
There is no definitive evidence so far of sugarcane cultivation from any Harappan settlements. However, remains of wheat, barley, pulses, peas, sesame, cotton, dates, melons and Indian mainland millets have been confirmed through storage jars, grains, husks, leaves and artistic depictions. This indicates the Indus people practiced diverse agriculture with major staple cereal crops, fiber plants and fruits suited to the landscape.
16. Which of the following is the only Indus city without a citadel?
[A] Harappa
[B] Chanhudaro
[C] Mohenjodaro
[D] Rangpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chanhudaro]
Notes:
Chanhudaro located in lower Sindh province of Pakistan stands out as the solitary example of a major Harappan urban settlement without a citadel – interpreting that it was governed from another city Mohenjo-daro or was peacefully integrated requiring no centralized fortified authority.
17. Women were allowed to attend which of the following during the Rig Vedic Age?
[A] Samiti
[B] Gana
[C] Vidatha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vidatha]
Notes:
Women during the Rig Vedic Age were allowed to attend both the samiti and vidatha. They were not allowed to attend sabha and gana. These assemblies performed deliberative, military and religious functions.
18. Which of the following was known as Gomat?
[A] One who owned many cattle
[B] One who owned many fields
[C] One who owned many horses
[D] One who owned many houses
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [One who owned many cattle]
Notes:
The chief measure of wealth during the Rig Vedic period was cattle. A wealthy man was known as Gomat which means one who owned many cattle. A large number of words are derived from the word ‘gau’, meaning cow.
19. Which mandal of the Rig Veda contains compilation of soma hymns?
[A] Mandal VII
[B] Mandal VIII
[C] Mandal IX
[D] Mandal X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mandal IX]
Notes:
The ninth mandal of the Rig Veda contains compilation of soma hymns. The IX mandala of the Rig Veda is completely devoted to the vedic God soma. It is a collections of hymns taken from the Rig Veda and set to tunes for the purpose of singing.
20. Ayas referred to which of the following during the Rig Vedic period?
[A] Either copper or bronze
[B] Either iron or steel
[C] Either tin or iron
[D] Either gold or silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Either copper or bronze]
Notes:
The beginning of the use of iron is attributed to the Later Vedic period. According to Krishna Ayas/Shyama Ayas iron was introduced around 1000 BCE. The Rig Vedic people knew of a metal, known as ayas, which was either copper or bronze.
