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. Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of __________?
[A] Revenue collection
[B] administration
[C] Enjoyment
[D] Taxation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Enjoyment]
Notes:
Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of Enjoyment.
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. Who is the founder of the four Mattas located at the four corners of India?
[A] Adi Shankara
[B] Bhaskaracharya
[C] Ramanujacharya
[D] Madhavacharya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adi Shankara]
Notes:
The four Mattas, positioned in four directions of India i.e north, south, east, and west, were founded by Adi Shankara, the Indian philosopher in the early 8th century AD. These four Mattas are located in Sringeri in Karnataka, Puri in Orissa, Dwarka in Gujarat, and Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand respectively. This was part of his strategy to bring unity in a spiritually divided India during that time.
14. In which of the following Buddhist councils, the Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravada and second Mahasamghikas?
[A] First Budhdist Council
[B] Second Budhdist Council
[C] Third Budhdist Council
[D] Fouth Budhdist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second Budhdist Council]
Notes:
The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaisali (or Vaishali), an ancient city in what is now the state of Bihar under the patronage of King Kalasoka while it was presided by Sabakami. Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravada and second Mahasamghikas.
15. According to the Jaina traditions, who among the following Tirthankaras was from the same Yadava clan as Krishna?
[A] Neminatha
[B] Mallinatha
[C] Parsvanatha
[D] Adinatha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Neminatha]
Notes:
Neminatha is said to be from Vrishni clan of Yadavas like Krishna.
16. Which among the following Upanishads has been called the “Secret of Death”?
[A] Kathopnishad
[B] Mundakopnishad
[C] Mandukya
[D] Mundaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kathopnishad]
Notes:
Kathopnishad was translated by Max Müller in 1879. It was rendered in verse by Edwin Arnold as “The Secret of Death”. The central story is immortality and covers the story of encounter of Nachiketa, son of sage Vajasravasa, with Yama, God of death.
17. 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.
18. Which of the following years marks the beginning of the Saka era?
[A] 78 AD
[B] 120 AD
[C] 1000 AD
[D] 1953 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [78 AD]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana empire from the year 78 A.D. The national calendar of India is based on the Saka Calendar which has been adopted as the official civil calendar besides the Gregorian calendar. The Saka Calender is based on luni-solar reckoning of time. The calendar consists of 365 days and 12 months like the normal Gregorian calendar. Chaitra is the first month of the year beginning on March 22 which is the day after the Spring Equinox. During leap years, the starting day of Chaitra corresponds with March 21.
19. Which of the following refers to ‘perfect knowledge’ in Jainism?
[A] Jina
[B] ratna
[C] kaivalya
[D] nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [kaivalya]
Notes:
Kaivalya also known as Kevala Jnana means omniscience in Jainism and is roughly translated as absolute knowledge or supreme knowledge. Jain scriptures speak of twelve stages through which the soul achieves this goal.
20. Toramana belongs to which of the following ethnic horde?
[A] Scythians
[B] Hunas
[C] Yue-chis
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hunas]
Notes:
King of the Huns Toramana was a ruler of the Hephthalite Empire who ruled its Indian region in the late 5th and the early 6th century. Toramana consolidated the Hephthalite power in Punjab and conquered northern and central India including Eran in Madhya Pradesh. His territory also included Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kashmir.
