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 emperors wrote the play ‘Nagananda’ in Sanskrit language?
[A] Harshavadhana
[B] Bindusara
[C] Prabhakaravardhana
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harshavadhana]
Notes:
Emperor Harshvardhana wrote three plays in the Sanskrit Language namely Nagananda, Priyadarshika and Ratnavali.
12. The major fifth-century phase of excavation and painting at Ajanta is associated with which of the following dynasties?
[A] Vakatakas
[B] Kushans
[C] Mauryas
[D] Chalukyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vakatakas]
Notes:
Ajanta’s major fifth-century phase developed under the Vakatakas, especially during Harishena’s reign. Ministers, feudatories and other donors supported individual caves.
13. According to the ancient Indian geographical concept, ‘Bharatvarsha’ was a part of which of the following dweepas? (UPSC Prelims 1995)
[A] Pushkaradweepa
[B] Jambudweepa
[C] Kraunchadweepa
[D] Kushdweepa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jambudweepa]
Notes:
The Jambudweepa and Bhartavarsha were part of same island as per Vedic cosmology. According to our Indian geography in the ancient times, the entire landmass in the northern hemisphere was encircled by ocean in all the directions. This giant land mass on earth was called Jambudvipa. In Sanskrit language dwipa means an Island. Jambudweep is the first Island among the innumerable concentric Islands of the Middle Universe.
14. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. What was it? (UPSC Prelims 2002)
[A] occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
[B] confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
[C] ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved an when yellow robes are offered
[D] gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up affixed abode for the next four months or rainy season
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season]
Notes:
Pavarana is a Buddhist holy day celebrated on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. It marks the end of the month of Vassa, sometimes called “Buddhist Lent.” This day marks the end of the rainy season in some Asian countries like Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. On this day, each monk must come before the community of monks and atone for an offense he may have committed during the Vassa.
15. Which of the following tools were used during Mesolithic age?
[A] Hand axes and cleavers
[B] Scraper and flakes
[C] Blades and burins
[D] Microliths
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Microliths]
Notes:
Tools used in various ages were:
Early Palaeolithic: Hand axes and cleavers
Middle Palaeolithic: Scraper and flakes
Upper Palaeolithic: Blades and burins
Mesolithic: Microliths
16. Who among the following named Indus valley civilization as Harappan civilization?
[A] John Marshall
[B] M E M Wheeler
[C] S R Rao
[D] G F Dales
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [John Marshall]
Notes:
John Marshall, Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928 named the newly discovered civilization after Harappa, the first site excavated. In his profile on the finds published in 1931, he coined the term ‘Indus Valley civilization’ or ‘Harappan civilization’, recognizing it as a great precursor Asian society preceding Mesopotamia and Egypt.
17. Which of the following contains the procedure for the performance of sacrifices?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Sama Veda
[C] Yajur Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajur Veda]
Notes:
The third veda which is the Yajur Veda deals with the procedure for the performance of sacrifices. It is mainly a compilation of ritual-offering formulas. These were recited by a priest while an individual performed ritual actions such as those before the yajna fire.
18. Which of the following are called forest books?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Aranyakas
[C] Upanishads
[D] Vedanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aranyakas]
Notes:
The Aranyakas are called the ‘forest books’ as they were mainly written by the hermits living in the jungles for their pupils. The Aranyakas deal with mysticism and philosophy. They oppose sacrifice.
19. With which of the following wandering ascetics did Buddha practice austerities:
- Kondanna
- Bhaddiya
- Vappa
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Buddha practiced austerities with five wandering ascetics including Kondanna, Bhaddiya, and Vappa. He underwent severe austerities until his body was nearly emaciated but abandoned them upon realizing that extreme penance does not lead to enlightenment.
20. Under whose patronage, Buddhism spread to the different parts of central Asia, West Asia, and Srilanka?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Ashoka
[C] Harshvardhana
[D] Ajatshatru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ashoka]
Notes:
Buddhism gradually became popular in Magadha. And under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka, it further spread its wings to Central Asia, West Asia, and Sri Lanka, gradually transforming into a world religion
