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. There is only one edict, in which Ashoka refers himself as King of Magadha (Laja Magadhe). Identify the edict from the following:
[A] Minor Rock Edict of Maski
[B] The Queen’s Edict
[C] Bhabru Edict
[D] Dhauli Pillar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhabru Edict]
Notes:
In Bhabru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. In the Queen’s Edict, Ashoka states that the Queen Karuvaki should be credited for her gifts. The Dhauli Pillar Inscription discusses about the Kalinga War. The Maski Edict confirms title “Devanampriya” with the King Asoka.
12. Evidence of a game which was very similar to chess was found at which of the following sites at Indus valley civilization?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Mohen Jo dero
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
There is a close resemblance between various types of terracotta games-men found in Lothal and modern chessmen. That led to some scholars claim that Chess had its origin in games of the Indus Valley Civilization. However, other scholars believe that Chess originated in India as Chaturanga between 400 BC to 400 AD.
13. Kena Upanishad is of which of the following Vedas?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharva veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samaveda]
Notes:
“Ken” literally means ‘by whom’. It belongs to the Talavakara Brahmana of Sama Veda and is therefore also referred to as Talavakara Upanishad.
14. In which of the following age human shifted from food gathering stage to food producing stage ?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Neolithic age]
Notes:
The Neolithic Age in India spanned from around 7,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C. was the last and third part of the Stone Age. The Neolithic Age is mainly characterized by the development of settled agriculture and the use of tools and weapons made of polished stones. It shows the shifting from food gathering stage to food producing stage.
15. The Taxila or Takshashila was located between following two rivers ?
[A] Indus & Jhelum
[B] Jhelum & Chenab
[C] Chenab & Ravi
[D] Chenab & Beas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indus & Jhelum]
Notes:
Taxila is located in between River Indus and Hydaspes, river Hydaspes is now known as river Jhelum it is a tributary of river Indus. It is located in Rawalpindi,Punjab.
16. Who among the following was the most important divinity during the early Vedic era?
[A] Agni
[B] Indra
[C] Vayu
[D] Varuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indra]
Notes:
Some major deities of the Vedic tradition include Indra, Surya, Agni, Ushas, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Mitra, Aditi, Yama, Soma, Sarasvati, Prithvi, and Rudra. Among all Indra is the most important god.
17. Who among the following are not mentioned in Asokan Inscriptions?
[A] Cholas
[B] Satyaputras
[C] Cheras
[D] Pallavas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pallavas]
Notes:
Ashoka was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. Pallavas ruled from 275CE to 897 CE. They are not contemporaries.
18. How many letters constitute the Sanskrit Alphabet?
[A] 36
[B] 48
[C] 54
[D] 60
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [54]
Notes:
The Sanskrit alphabet, known as the Devanagari script, comprises 54 letters. Each of these letters encompasses a masculine and a feminine form, referred to as Shiva and Shakti respectively. This unique aspect of the Sanskrit alphabet signifies the fundamental principles of masculine and feminine energies in Hindu philosophy, which are considered complementary and interconnected, underlying the entire life cycle and cosmology in Hindu traditions.
19. 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.
20. Which Pallava ruler founded the city of Mahabalipuram and built several temples there?
[A] Simhavishnu Avanisimha
[B] Siva-Skandavaram
[C] Mahendra Vaarman I
[D] Narasimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Narasimhavarman]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman ruled from AD 630-668 and was considered the greatest of the Pallava Kings. He sent two naval expeditions to Ceylon. His greatest achievement however was the three successive triumphs over the Chalukya King Pulakesin II and annexed Vatapi to his kingdom.
