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. Which among the following was referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in Early vedic era?
[A] Earth
[B] Fire
[C] Water
[D] Moon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fire]
Notes:
Fire is referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in early vedic era. It has a great importance. There are lots of verses in vedas related to fire.
12. The varaha Temple at mamallapuram was built by:
[A] Singh Vishnu
[B] Mahendra varmana I
[C] Narsimhavarmana -I
[D] Aditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narsimhavarmana -I]
Notes:
Varaha Cave Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu was built during the reign of Narasimhavarman I Mahamalla (630–668 AD). The temple was commissioned by King Narsimhavarman II in the mid 7th century. The temple is one of the oldest stone temples in South India and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple is a rock-cut Hindu temple and is known for its four carvings of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Gajalakshmi, and Lord Trivikama. The temple’s architecture is a transitional style that evolved during the rule of the Pallava kings. The temple’s columns are mounted on seated lions and the walls are carved with frescoes.
13. Which among the following Vedic Texts gives a systematic exposition of the ‘theory of rebirth’ for the first time?
[A] Chhandogya Upanishad
[B] Mundaka Upanishad
[C] Satapatha Brahmana
[D] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chhandogya Upanishad]
Notes:
The correct answer is the Chhandogya Upanishad. This text, dating back to around 800-600 BCE, is one of the oldest Upanishads and is important for its philosophical discussions, including the concept of rebirth (punarjanma). It introduces the idea of the eternal soul (Atman) and its journey through cycles of birth and death, laying foundational thoughts for later Hindu philosophies. The Chhandogya Upanishad is also known for its exploration of the relationship between the individual soul and the universal spirit (Brahman).
14. Which of the following rulers were closely associated with Yuehzhi nomadic people?
[A] Shaka
[B] Kushana
[C] Pahalva
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kushana ]
Notes:
The term Yuehzhi refers to nomadic people originally living in northwest China who moved to Central Asia in circa second century BC. The Kushana were a branch of these people, who reached the subcontinent in circa first century BCE.
15. The first documented evidence of untouchability in ancient India comes from which among the following periods?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Shunga Period
[C] Gupta Era
[D] Times after reign of Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gupta Era]
Notes:
The term asprsya or untouchable was first mentioned in Katyayana dharmasastra which belonged to the Gupta period.
16. Which king adopted titles such as Param Bhagaveta and Maharajadhiraja Sri Bhattaraka?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
Chandragupta II also adopted an important title, Vikramaditya. Maharajadhiraja meant king of kings.All these titles are symbol of his strength and courage.
17. Who among the following emperors wrote the play ‘Nagananda’ in Sanskrit language?
[A] Harshavadhana
[B] Bindusara
[C] Prabhakaravardhana
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harshavadhana]
Notes:
Emperor Harshvardhana wrote three plays in the Sanskrit Language namely Nagananda, Priyadarshika and Ratnavali.
18. Who among the following use the word ‘Hindu’ as reference to the people of Hind?
[A] The Greeks
[B] The Romans
[C] The Chinese
[D] The Arabs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The Greeks]
Notes:
The word Hindu or Indu was used by Greeks to denote the country and people living beyond the Indus river. Megasthenes’ ‘Indica’ epitomizes the name for India and Indians around the 4th Century B.C.E. This word was misunderstood to be coined by Arabs, by medieval and some modern Indian Historians.
19. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve foodgrains to be utilized during the crises in the country?
[A] Sohagaura Copper-plate
[B] Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka
[C] Prayaga-Prasasti
[D] Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sohagaura Copper-plate]
Notes:
The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India.
20. Which Indus site is located in the state of Rajasthan?
[A] Kalibangan
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Surkotada
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kalibangan]
Notes:
Kalibangan located on the left bank of river Ghaggar in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan stands out as an important proto-Harappan and Early Harappan site eventually blossoming into a major provincial capital under mature Harappan phase. Its strategic location enabled the Ghaggar route.
