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 bilingual Inscriptions of Asoka involved which of the following two languages?
[A] Brahmi & Aramaic
[B] Brahmi, Greek & Aramaic
[C] Brahmi & hieroglyphics
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brahmi, Greek & Aramaic]
Notes:
Asoka used 4 scripts The scripts used for the Prakrit inscriptions were Brahmi and Kharoshthi, and for the others, Greek and Aramaic
12. 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.
13. Who was the founder of Pallava dynasty ?
[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Simhavishnu
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Narsimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Simhavishnu]
Notes:
Pallava Dynasty was founded by Simhavishnu in 560 A.D.Their capital was at Kanchipuram.
14. Which of the following rivers is not included in the list of Seven Rivers that graced and nourished the first Aryan settlement?
[A] Sutudri
[B] Parusni
[C] Asikni
[D] Charmanvati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Charmanvati]
Notes:
Charmanvati is the ancient name of Chambal. There is a verse in Nadistuti sukta of Rig-Veda, hymn of praise of rivers which mentions the following 10 rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikiya, and Susoma. The Shutudri was Sutlej, Parushni was Ravi, Asikni was Chenab and Vitasta was Jhelum. The 5 rivers Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Vitasta, and Vipas all were tributaries of Sindhu River. Together with Sarasawti and Sindhu, these 5 rivers constituted the Sapta Sindhu
15. Gupta architecture is represented by many brick temples and the temple of Bhitargaon is most notable for its well preserved and moulded bricks of excellent design, this temple has? (UPSC Prelims 1992)
[A] A tall Gopuram
[B] A Pyramidal roof
[C] An Apsidal plan
[D] Double basement
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Pyramidal roof]
Notes:
The Bhitargaon Temple is a terraced brick building fronted with a terracotta panel. Built in the 5th century during the Gupta period, it is the oldest remaining brick/terracotta Hindu shrine with a pyramidal roof and a high shikhara, though its upper chamber did sustain some damage in the 18th century.
16. Utnur is an important Neolithic site located in which state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Telangana ]
Notes:
Utnur is an important Neolithic site located in Adilabad district of Telangana. Ash-mounds, which mystified archeologists, have been discovered at UtnurNote that Ash mounds are also found in Pallavoy (Andhra Pradesh), Kupgal (Karnataka) and Kodekal (Karnataka)
17. Which of the following were the earliest precursors of the Harappan seals?
[A] Terracotta seals found at Mehrgarh
[B] Clay tablets found at Kalibangan
[C] Copper tablets found at Kot Diji
[D] Stone seals found at Amri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Terracotta seals found at Mehrgarh]
Notes:
The earliest precursors of the Harappan seals were terracotta seals found at Mehrgarh, dated to around 7000 BCE. Mehrgarh is one of the earliest sites of the Indus Valley Civilization in modern-day Balochistan, Pakistan. The terracotta seals found here are simple square stamps, mostly geometric shapes, but already indicating the origins of the more developed Harappan seals with animal motifs that developed later. Mehrgarh provides evidence of early agriculture and settlement before the rise of Harappa.
18. At which IVC site Bones of camel are discovered?
[A] Banwali
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Lothal
[D] Amri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalibangan]
Notes:
Bones and remains of camels have been found at the Harappan Civilization site of Kalibangan located along the dried river bed of the Ghaggar-Harka in Hanumangarh district of northern Rajasthan, India. This suggests the single-humped dromedary camel was present or traded during the Mature Harappan period in the third millennium BCE, much earlier than previously assumed. Camel figurines and motifs are also known from IVC artifacts.
19. Brahuis tribe are mostly found in:
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pakistan]
Notes:
The Brahuis are an ethnic tribe community currently found residing in Balochistan region located in western Pakistan. Genetic evidence and oral history suggests they are possibly descendants of or have intermingled ancestry with the original Harappan people after their civilization declined.
20. In which Indus site we can find flooring paved with tiles and bearing typical intersecting design of circles?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Banwali
[C] Lothal
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kalibangan]
Notes:
Excavations at Kalibangan settlement in Rajasthan revealed unique flooring in several houses made of thick baked bricks arranged in geometric patterns showing intersecting circles and squares. These designs proved the Harappan mastery over brick technology and aesthetics for home decoration.