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. The name of the state Bihar comes from an old name which denotes which of the following?
[A] A Buddhist monastery
[B] A forest
[C] A Temple
[D] An ancient empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A Buddhist monastery]
Notes:
The name Bihar is derived from a Pali word ‘Vihara’ which means ‘abode’ and has a Sanskrit origin. With time it changed to Bihar. Earlier, it was known as Abode or Vihara of Buddhist monks.
12. As per the ancient Indian Texts, the land between which among the following two rivers has been called “Brahamavarta”?
[A] Saraswati river and Drsadvati River
[B] Saraswati river and Saryu River
[C] Sutudri (Satluj) River and Vipas (Beas) River
[D] Ganga River and Yamuna River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saraswati river and Drsadvati River]
Notes:
The Hindu religious text Manusmriti describes Brahmavarta as the region between the rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati in India.
13. Who were Manu, Yajnavalkya , Narada and Brihaspati ?
[A] Law givers of ancient India
[B] Gods of Vedic religion
[C] Buddhist scholars and logicians
[D] Celebrated mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Law givers of ancient India]
Notes:
Manu, Yajnavalkya, Narada, and Brihaspati were law givers of ancient India. Manu is traditionally regarded as the author of the Manusmriti, a foundational text on Hindu law. Yajnavalkya is known for the Yajnavalkya Smriti, which also addresses legal and social issues. Narada is a sage often associated with legal and ethical discussions in texts like the Narada Smriti. Brihaspati, while primarily known as a deity of wisdom, is also linked to legal principles in ancient texts. These figures played crucial roles in shaping the legal framework of ancient Indian society.
14. 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’
15. Who is given the credit of the discovery of the first Palaeolith in India?
[A] De Terra and Paterson
[B] Burkitt
[C] H D Sankalia
[D] Robert Bruce Foote
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Robert Bruce Foote]
Notes:
Robert Bruce Foote was a British geologist and archaeologist who conducted geological surveys of prehistoric locations in India for the Geological Survey of India.
16. Who were the first rulers in India to issue gold coins attributed to the Kings?
[A] Sungas
[B] Kanvas
[C] Indo Greeks
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can definitely be attributed to the kings. They were the first to issue gold coins in India.
17. Which of the following was not one of the things Asoka did for his people during his rule?
[A] Make stone pillars across India
[B] Send missionaries to Sri Lanka
[C] Set up food banks in poor towns
[D] Plant banyan trees by the roads
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Set up food banks in poor towns]
Notes:
After making a public speech calling everyone in his kingdom his children, he set out to help them. He began by building roads, rest hourses, hospitals and by making stone pillars with virtues on them, planting mango groves, and making shelters. He also became a vegetarian and limited Hindu animal sacrifices, but encouraged a tolerance in religion.
18. Earliest Indian coins belonged to which period?
[A] 5th century B.C.
[B] Ashoka’s reign
[C] 1st century A.D.
[D] 3rd century A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [5th century B.C.]
Notes:
Coinage of India, issued by imperial dynasties and middle kingdoms, began anywhere between 5th century BC and consisted mainly of copper and silver coins in its initial stage.
19. Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India?
[A] Chaturvedimangalam
[B] Parishad
[C] Ashtadikgaja
[D] Manigrama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manigrama]
Notes:
A manigramam was a large, influential guild of South Indian merchants during the period of Western Chalukyan rulers in 10th – 12th Century CE.
20. Which of the following was the main feature of the Harappan houses?
[A] Rectangular houses
[B] Brick-dried bathrooms and wells
[C] Outside stair cases
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All the above]
Notes:
The most standard identifiable features of houses and residences excavated at major Harappan urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira and Harappa itself include their brick and mortar construction often following grid patterns, rectangular design around a central courtyard, entrance passages, dedicated bathing areas, brick lined wells and covered drainage channels. Flat timber roofs supported on wooden beams were also typical across Harappan settlements. These reflect advanced architectural planning suiting the climate.
