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. In which of the following places earliest evidence of man in India is found?
[A] Nilgiris
[B] Nallamala Hills
[C] Siwalik Hills
[D] Narmada Valley
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Narmada Valley]
Notes:
The earliest evidence of existence of human in India had been found the banks of the Narmada at Madhya Pradesh’s Hathnora village. Narmada Human also known as Narmada Man belongs to the category of Homo erectus, preceding Homo sapiens, the modern human species.
22. Ash mounds are predominantly related to the Neolithic cultures of which region in India?
[A] North
[B] South
[C] East
[D] West
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [South]
Notes:
Ash mounds are one of the important issues dealing with the archaeological remains related to Neolithic culture in South India. In South India, in the central part of Deccan plateau, archaeologists have discovered ash mounds of varying sizes and shapes with uneven surface either covered with soil or grass.
23. How many Sutras are there?
[A] 4
[B] 6
[C] 8
[D] 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6]
Notes:
Sutras which are mentioned in the vedangas, are very short condensed statements that are used to express varied ideas. There are six Sutras. They are: Shiksha (Phonetics), Kalpa (Ritualistic science), Jyotisha (Astronomy), Vyakaran (Grammar), Nirukta (Etymology) and Chhanda (Metrics).
24. Arrange the following realms in ascending order as per Buddhism:
- Buddha
- Pratyeka buddha
- Bodhisattva
- Human beings
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2, 3, 4
[B] 1, 4, 3, 2
[C] 2, 1, 4, 3
[D] 1, 3, 2, 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 3, 2, 4]
Notes:
The correct order of the existence of 10 realms are- Buddha, Bodhisattva, Pratyeka Buddha, Sravaka, Heavenly beings, Human beings, Asura, Beasts, Preta, Depraved men. Buddha is at the top and depraved men is at the bottom of the order.
25. Which of the following rock edict is the largest rock edict of Ashoka?
[A] Twelfth Edict
[B] Tenth Edict
[C] Thirteenth Edict
[D] Fourteenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thirteenth Edict]
Notes:
Major Rock Edict XIII is the longest of Ashoka’s major rock edicts. It describes the conquest of Kalinga, the suffering caused by it and Ashoka’s preference for conquest through dhamma.
26. Which of the following ancient Indian dynasties is associated with the titles Kshatrapa (satrap) and Mahakshatrapa (great satrap)?
[A] Indo-Greeks
[B] Shakas
[C] Cholas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shakas]
Notes:
The Shakas, especially the Western Kshatrapas, used the titles Kshatrapa and Mahakshatrapa. Kshatrapa denoted a satrap, while Mahakshatrapa meant “great satrap” and indicated a higher-ranking ruler. These titles are associated with prominent Shaka rulers in western India, including Nahapana and Rudradaman I. Their inscriptions and coins provide important evidence for the political history of the Shaka kingdoms.
27. Which of the following kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas?
[A] Gupta Kings
[B] Kushana Kings
[C] Mauryan Kings
[D] Vakataka Kings
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta Kings]
Notes:
Several Gupta rulers used the title Paramabhagavata, indicating devotion to Vishnu. Garuda, Vishnu’s mount, was a prominent royal emblem.
28. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to cloth making during the Gupta period?
1. Silk and wool products and articles made of rare skin were normally used by the rich people.
2. The art of dyeing and embroidery was highly developed along with silk, wool and cotton industry.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
During the Gupta period silk and wool products and articles which were made of rare skin were normally used by the rich people. The art of dyeing and embroidery was highly developed during that period along with silk, wool and cotton industry.
29. Which of the following statements about Gupta gold coins are correct?
1. They were used in high-value transactions, including land purchases.
2. The Chandragupta–Kumaradevi type depicts the royal couple.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Both statements are correct. Gold coins served high-value payments and other purposes such as gifts. The Chandragupta–Kumaradevi type depicts the royal couple, but its precise place in the earliest Gupta coin sequence is debated.
30. which of the following kings was the most important ruler of the Maitrakas?
[A] Dhruvasena I
[B] Dhruvasena II
[C] Advaita Varmana
[D] Ishanavarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhruvasena II]
Notes:
Dhruvasena II was the most important ruler of the Maitrakas, who was a contemporary of Harsha Vardhana and was married to his daughter. He was well versed in grammar and the science of polity.
