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 was called Lichchavi Dauhitra?
[A] Chandragupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta calls himself Lichchavi- dauhitra the son of the daughter of the Lichchavis. The Licchavis were a clan amongst the Vajji Mahajanapada of ancient India.
12. Which of the following was the principal article of food of the Indus Valley people?
[A] Fish
[B] Palm-date
[C] Eggs
[D] Wheat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Wheat]
Notes:
The Indus Valley civilization grew wheat and barley as their staple food. Besides this, they also grew peas, sesamum, lentils and other pulses. In some places, particularly Gujarat, they also grew millets. It has not been proved if they consumed rice or not.
13. Who among the following is known as father of Indian archaeology?
[A] Colonel Mackenzie
[B] Alexander Cunningham
[C] Robert Seawell
[D] John Marshal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Alexander Cunningham ]
Notes:
Alexander Cunningham is the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He is often called as the father of Indian archaeology.
14. Which of the following is a Neolithic site from North-East India?
[A] Taradih
[B] Chirand
[C] Senuar
[D] Sarutaru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sarutaru ]
Notes:
Sarutaru is a Neolithic site located in Kamrup district of Assam.In the given options Taradih, Chirand and Senuar are pre historic sites located in Bihar.
15. Which of the following age is also known as copper age?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] Chalcolithic age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chalcolithic age ]
Notes:
Neolithic age is followed by the Chalcolithic or stone – copper age, which generally occurred from 1800 – 1000 BC
16. Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order?
[A] Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya
[B] Ramanuja—Shankaracharya—Chaitanya
[C] Ramanuja—Chaitanya—Shankaracharya
[D] Shankaracharya—Chaitanya—Ramanuja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya]
Notes:
The correct chronological order is Shankaracharya (9th Century CE) – Ramanuja (1017- 1137 CE) – Chaitanya (1436-1533 CE).
17. Which of the following harappan trading site is famous for procuring lapis lazuli?
[A] Kalibangan
[B] Lothal
[C] Dholavira
[D] Shortughai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shortughai]
Notes:
The Harappan trading site of Shortughai located in northeast Afghanistan served as an outpost for procuring lapis lazuli that was highly prized for its deep blue color. Lapis mining sites were located nearby in the Badakhshan region. From here, lapis was likely traded along routes further south to major cities like Mohenjo-daro where lapis beads, pendants, and vases have been discovered. High value commodities like lapis helped motivate long distance trade networks.
18. Most of the Indus terracotta figurines were:
[A] hand-modelled
[B] sculptured with a chisel
[C] made in single moulds
[D] cut with a saw
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [hand-modelled]
Notes:
Most terracotta figurines recovered from Indus Civilization urban sites were hand modeled rather than molded, suggesting artisans were skilled at independently sculpting and crafting small statues in clay reflecting localized stylistic conventions. Depictions include zebu bulls, toys with movable limbs, cows feeding calves, females adorned with bangles and headdresses interpreted possibly as mother goddesses. The cow and bull imagery resonates with subsequent Indian traditions exemplifying continuing cultural elements.
19. Who said that Tibet is the original home of Aryans?
[A] Swami Dayanand Saraswati
[B] Bal Gangadhar Tilak
[C] Max Muller
[D] A.C. Das
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Swami Dayanand Saraswati]
Notes:
Swami Dayanand Saraswati postulated that Tibet is the original home of Aryans. He said this in reference to the Vedas and other Aryan texts. This also referred to as Tibet theory.
20. In which of the following the only mention of the four varnas was found?
[A] Fifth mandal
[B] Tenth mandal
[C] Seventh mandal
[D] First mandal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tenth mandal]
Notes:
The tenth mandal of the Rig Veda contains the only mention of the four varnas. It was found in the Purusashukta of the tenth mandal of the Rig Veda. The varna system was probably introduced towards the end of the Rig Vedic age.
