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.
21. Which of the following is denoted by the term ‘Aryan’?
[A] An ethnic group
[B] a nomadic people
[C] a speech group
[D] a superior race
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [a speech group]
Notes:
The term Aryan denotes a linguistic group and not a race. Their language Vedic Sanskrit has definite relationship with major languages of Europe and Asia. Scholars call this group of languages as Indo-European and the people speaking these languages as Indo-Europeans or Indo-Aryans.
22. Which of the following prehistoric site is an example of Neolithic age?
[A] Didwana
[B] Riwat
[C] Langhnaj
[D] Sanganakallu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sanganakallu ]
Notes:
The last phase of prehistory is termed as Neolithic. Sanganakallu is an ancient village settlement from the Neolithic period located in Karnataka.In the given options Didwana (Rajasthan), Riwat (Pakistani Punjab) are examples of Paleolithic sites while Langhnaj in Gujarat is a mesolithic site.
23. Navdatoli in Western Madhya Pradesh is an important site of:
[A] Banas culture
[B] Kayatha culture
[C] Malwa Culture
[D] Jorwe culture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Malwa Culture ]
Notes: The important non-Harappan chalcolithic cultures are
- Banas culture (2600BC–1900 BC) in south-east Rajasthan, with Ahar near Udaipur and Gilund as its key-sites
- Kayatha culture (2100BC–2000 BC) with Kayatha in Chambal as its chief site in Madhya Pradesh;
- Malwa Culture (1700BC–1400BC) with Navdatoli in Western Madhya Pradesh as an important site
- Jorwe culture (1400BC– 700BC) with Inamgaon and Chandoli near Pune in Maharashtra as its chief centres
24. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct?
[A] Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu.
[B] The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the Council held at Pataliputra.
[C] Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC.
[D] In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jainas worshipped images unlike Buddhists.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC.]
Notes:
Jainism spread in South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu (not Sthalabahu). The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Digambaras (not Shvetambaras) after the first council held at Pataliputra (modern Patna) by Sthulbahu.
25. Which of the following Indus site is not located in modern Gujarat?
[A] Lothal
[B] Rangpur
[C] Bhagatrav
[D] Ropar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ropar]
Notes:
Ropar situated near Chandigarh in Punjab, located on river Sutlej is the easternmost limit of the Harappan territory. Ropar shows both Harappan and Painted Grey Ware cultural traces around 1300 BCE – the period marking start of Iron Age India with changes in economy, politics and demography.
26. Which of the following contains the procedure for the performance of sacrifices?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Sama Veda
[C] Yajur Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajur Veda]
Notes:
The third veda which is the Yajur Veda deals with the procedure for the performance of sacrifices. It is mainly a compilation of ritual-offering formulas. These were recited by a priest while an individual performed ritual actions such as those before the yajna fire.
27. Buddha attained parinibbana at which age?
[A] 70
[B] 75
[C] 80
[D] 85
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [80]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath. At the age of 80, he finally attained at Kusinara (lying in Mallas). It is believed that his last words were, “All composite things decay, strive diligently”.
28. The famous place Bodhgaya where buddha got enlightenment is situated on the banks of which river?
[A] Kosi
[B] Ganga
[C] Niranjana
[D] Venganga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Niranjana]
Notes:
Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya under a peepal tree. This sacred place of Buddhism is situated on the banks of river Niranjana which is known as Lilajan in Pali.
29. What was the capital of Anga mahajanapada?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Kushavati
[C] Champa
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Champa]
Notes:
Anga is situated in the modern districts of Monghyr and Bhagalpur in Bihar. The capital of Anga was Champa. It is located
at the confluence of Ganga and Champa rivers. Champa was an important commercial centre.
30. What was the capital of the southern part of Panchala?
[A] Kushinara
[B] Shuktimati
[C] Kampilya
[D] Ahichchhatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kampilya]
Notes:
The capital of the southern part of the mahajanapada of Panchala was Kampilya, that is, modern-day Farukkhabad in western Uttar Pradesh. The famous city of Kannauj was situated in Panchala mahajanapada.
