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 was the author of the epic poem “Ravanavadha” ?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Bhartrihari
[C] Bhatti
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhatti]
Notes:
The Ravanavadha or “Ravana’s Killing” epic poem was authored by Bhatti, a notable Indian poet who lived around the 7th century. He was legend for his unique style that blended romance and epic themes. His work, Bhatti’s Poem: The Death of Rávana (“Bhaṭṭikāvya”), is considered an important work of Sanskrit literature and was a homage to both the capability of language and to the dramatic climax of Valmiki’s Ramayana. It also showcases the war scenario and political atmosphere of that time.
12. Which of the following state is the home to Bharat Dynasty?
[A] Punjab
[B] Haryana
[C] Gujarath
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haryana]
Notes:
Haryana has history which dates back to the Vedic Age. The State was the home of the legendary Bharata dynasty, which has given the name Bharat to India.
13. The word “Hindu” with reference to the People of India was first used by which among the following?
[A] Greeks
[B] Romans
[C] Afghans
[D] Arabs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arabs]
Notes:
Arabs were the first to use the word HINDU. Megasthenes’ ‘Indica’ said the name for India and Indians around the 4th Century B.C.E. This word was misunderstood by Arabs. They used the word Hindu.
14. Which among the following emperors introduced the two laws of Vyavahar Samta and Danda Samata?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka introduced Vyavahara-Samata, so that all his subjects equal in Law. And, by his Danda-Samata he wanted ‘equality of punishment’ irrespective of caste and creed.
15. Which among the following scripts of modern India have descended from the Sarda Script?
- Gurmukhi
- Dogri
- Sindhi
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Sarada is a script of the Brahmic family of scripts, developed around the 8th century. It was used for writing Sanskrit and Kashmiri. The Gurmukhi script was developed from Sarada by Guru Angad. Originally more widespread, its use became later restricted to Kashmir, and it is now rarely used except by the Kashmiri Pandit community for ceremonial purposes. There are several variants of Sarada Scripts such as Takkari or Tankari which is the parent of the Dogri script, Kului script (Kullu in Himachal Pradesh), Chameali Script (in Chamba Himachal Pradesh), Sindhi, Bania of Punjab etc.
16. Mahanataka Sushanidhi was composed by which Sangam dynasty ruler?
[A] Harihara I
[B] Bukka
[C] Krishna Deva Raya
[D] Devaraya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Devaraya II]
Notes:
Mahanataka Sushanidhi and a commentary on the Brahma Sutras of Badarayana was composed by Sangam dynasty emperor Devaraya II. His both the works are in Sanskrit language.
17. In the early Vedic age, Vishnu was one of the names of __?
[A] Surya
[B] Agni
[C] Dyaus
[D] Prajapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Surya]
Notes:
Vishnu was one of the names of surya in the early vedic age. Surya is sun.
18. During the early Vedic period, which of the following priests served as presiding priest during ritual sacrifices?
[A] Hotr
[B] adhvaryu
[C] Udgatr
[D] Brahmin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hotr]
Notes:
hotr was the presiding priest, with perhaps only the adhvaryu as his assistant in the earliest time.
19. Which of the following remains of the Gupta empire in the western Indian city of Ajanta most notable for?
[A] Cave Painting
[B] Buddhist Monastery
[C] Stone Carvings
[D] Large Temple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cave Painting]
Notes:
In the caverns of Ajanta, India, one can see the many cave paintings that were left on the walls of cave temples. The Buddhists who had their temples their painting mural of Buddhist stories and legends and also of scenes of Gupta India.
20. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was built during the ruling period of which dynasty?
[A] Kushan Dynasty
[B] Maurya Dynasty
[C] Satvahanas Dynasty
[D] Gupta Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta Dynasty]
Notes:
This Iron pillar at Mehrauli was an evidence of developed knowledge of the people in the field of Chemistry, especially metallurgy.It did not rust even after fifteen centuries. It was built during the ruling period of Gupta Dynasty.