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 word coromandal cost has been derived from the kingdom of which of the following?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Chalukyas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The name coromandal occurs in the forms Cholamandalam or Solamandalam on the great temple inscription of Tanjore. So Coromandel takes its name from the ancient dynasty of Tamil rulers known as the Cholas.
12. Who was the first to propose that all objects in the physical universe can be reduced to a finite number of atoms?
[A] Maharishi Kapil
[B] Maharishi Kanaad
[C] Maharishi Vyas
[D] Maharishi Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharishi Kanaad]
Notes:
Maharishi Kanaad was the first to postulate that everything in the physical universe could be reduced to a finite number of atoms. He was an ancient Indian philosopher who founded the Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy that also postulated the concept of an atom.
13. Who among the following is wrote ‘Mattavilasa’? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] Harsha
[B] Rajashekhara
[C] Somadeva
[D] Mahendravarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahendravarman I]
Notes:
Mattavilasa Prahasana is a short one-act Sanskrit play. It is one of the two great one act plays written by Pallava King Mahendravarman I in the beginning of the seventh century in Tamil Nadu.
14. 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.
15. Which of the following refers to ‘perfect knowledge’ in Jainism? (UPSC Prelims 1993)
[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.
16. Chanakya, was also known by which of the following names? (UPSC Prelims 1993)
[A] Bhattasvamin
[B] Rajasekhara
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Visakhadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vishnugupta]
Notes:
Chanakya was also known as Kautilya or Vishnu Gupta. He was an Indian teacher, philosopher, and royal adviser. He was initially a professor of economics and political science at the ancient Takshashila University in Takshashila.
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. The area formed by Harappan culture represents:
[A] triangle area
[B] circular area
[C] zigzag formation
[D] square area
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [triangle area]
Notes:
At its peak extent during the Mature Harappan phase from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE, the territorial spread of the Indus Valley civilization represented a triangular shape or region. Its apex was near the current city of Delhi, with the base spanning between southern Afghanistan and western India along Indus tributaries like Hakra Ghaggar, while the coast of the Arabian sea marked the hypotenuse. This triangulation enclosed the area hosting the densest concentration of Indus settlements. Trade networks extended influences beyond.
19. In which of the following Harappan sites, Archaeologists has discovered oldest evidence of rice in India?
[A] Koldihwa
[B] Banwali
[C] Harappa
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Koldihwa]
Notes:
Excavations at the site of Koldihwa in the Champaran district of Bihar has uncovered rice husk remains dating from 2500 BCE to 1350 BCE making this perhaps the oldest concrete evidence of rice cultivation anywhere in India. Another nearby site of Mahagara shows similar remains dated 2000 BCE affirming the Ganges plains was likely an early region where rice domestication began in the Indian subcontinent.
20. Which of the following weapons were used by the people of Indus Valley civilization?
[A] Dagger and mace
[B] Bow and arrow
[C] Spear and axe
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All the above]
Notes:
Various weapons like daggers, swords, spears, bows and arrows made of materials like copper, bronze and bone have been recovered from Harappan sites pointing to specialized combat tools and warfare knowledge. Terracotta figures also show turbaned men with daggers and spears. Fortified citadels confirm military defense.
