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. Third Buddhist Council was held at which of the following places?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Lumbini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
According to Theravada tradition, the Third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under Ashoka’s patronage, around 250 BCE. Moggaliputta Tissa presided over it.
12. At which of the following archaeological sites was a sculpture of a “Nude Male Torso” discovered?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Harappa
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harappa]
Notes:
The “Nude Male Torso” is a significant artifact unearthed at Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. The sculpture, made from red sandstone, demonstrates advanced carving skills and a high level of artistry prevalent at that time. The absence of head and lower parts suggests the unique tradition of making torsos, prevalent in Harappan art.
13. According to Buddhist tradition, Menander, an Indo-Greek king, accepted which of the following religions?
[A] Zoroastrianism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Jainism
[D] Islam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
Buddhist tradition associates Menander with Buddhism. The Milindapanha records dialogues between King Milinda, generally identified with Menander I, and the monk Nagasena.
14. Which of the following Kushan emperors is traditionally associated with Buddhist patronage during the period of Mahayana’s expansion?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka is remembered as an important Buddhist patron. Mahayana developed gradually through multiple communities and texts; it was not founded by a royal decree or by Asanga alone.
15. In context with Vedic culture, in which of the following categories will be kept Gopath?
[A] Upveda
[B] Brahman
[C] Aranyaka
[D] Upnishada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brahman]
Notes:
Vedic culture, Gopath is kept in the Brahman category. The Vedic texts are the primary sources for understanding the Vedic age. The Vedic period was in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age of India’s history. The Vedas are liturgical texts that form the basis of the Brahmanical ideology. The Vedic texts contain details of life during this period.
16. What was the primary use of Harappan intaglio seals made from carved steatite?
[A] As an export commodity
[B] For marking their goods and property
[C] As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits
[D] As a medium of exchange instead of coins
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [For marking their goods and property]
Notes:
Harappan seals, mainly made of carved and fired steatite, were used to mark goods and merchandise for identification or trade purposes. These seals served as a signature or identification mark in commercial transactions during the Indus Valley Civilization. They were not used as currency or amulets, nor primarily as export commodities. The use of seals for marking goods has been established by archaeological findings from Harappan sites.
17. In “Kumarasambhava” , the famous work of Kalidasa, who among the following has been referred as Kumara, whose birth has been depicted in this epic poem?
[A] Chadragupta II
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Kartikeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kartikeya ]
Notes:
Kalidasa, in his epic “Kumarasambhava”, portrays the birth of “Kumara”, referring to Kartikeya. The story aligns with the narrative in the Kalikapurana. Kartikeya, also known as Subramanya or Murugan, is a Hindu god, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is popularly worshipped in South India and by Tamil communities across the world.
18. Which of the following Indus Valley Sites in India has been dated even older than Mehrgarh of Pakistan by C-14 radio dating done in recent years?
[A] Daimabad in Maharashtra
[B] Bhirrana in Haryana
[C] Rakhigarhi in Haryana
[D] Loteshwar in Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bhirrana in Haryana ]
Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India in 2015 had debunked its early research that the Indus Valley Civilization’s Harappan phase originated in Sind, in present-day Pakistan. According to data based on C-14 radio-dating, the Bhirrana village, on the banks of the Ghaggar River, in Fatehabad district of Haryana is date back to 7570-6200 BC. The previous Pakistan-French study had put Mehrgarh site in Pakistan as the oldest site date back to 6400-7000 BC.
19. The earliest evidence of existence of human in India was found in the _?
[A] Maikal Hills
[B] Indus Valley
[C] Narmada Valley
[D] Nallamala Hills
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narmada Valley]
Notes:
The earliest fossil hominin evidence in India is associated with the Hathnora site in the Narmada Valley, Madhya Pradesh. This discovery is widely cited in Indian prehistory for the presence of an early human ancestor in the subcontinent. The Narmada hominin is important, but its exact taxonomic classification remains debated among scholars. For exam purposes, the Narmada Valley is identified as the correct location of this early fossil evidence.
20. Where was the Copper Rhinoceros sculpture found among these Indus Valley sites?
[A] Daimabad
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Lothal
[D] Mohenjo-daro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Daimabad]
Notes:
The Copper Rhinoceros sculpture was found at Daimabad, an archaeological site associated with the Late Harappan culture. Daimabad also yielded other copper artifacts like the Copper Elephant and Copper Chariot. These artifacts distinguish Daimabad as a unique site within the Indus Valley civilization context, known for its metal sculptures.
