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. Who among the following discovered ruins of Kot Diji?
[A] M G Majumder
[B] R D Banerjee
[C] Ghurey
[D] Daya Ram Sahni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ghurey]
Notes:
The site of Kot Diji in Sindh, Pakistan was discovered in 1935 by renowned archaeologist Ghurey. Located on the left bank of the Indus, it has remains dating from 3300 BCE to 2600 BCE, making it a precursor to and smaller version of later Harappan cities. Kot Diji introduced key Harappan town planning and technological features like fortifications, use of burnt bricks and standard weights.
22. Which of the following is/are correct?
[A] The citadel at Harappa is in the form of a parallelogram in plan
[B] At Harappa, there are indications of gateways in the north and the south
[C] Buildings of Harappan period were built on high raised platforms
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
All the given statements about Harappan architecture and town planning are correct. Harappa’s citadel built on the western mound shows careful planning with a symmetrical layout and orientation along the cardinal directions. Fortification walls, gateways, raised platforms andgrid patterns demonstrate organized construction.
23. What is the Upveda of Samaveda called?
[A] Ayurveda
[B] Shilpaveda
[C] Gandhraveda
[D] Dhanuraveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gandhraveda ]
Notes:
Upveda refers to applied knowledge. They are traditional literatures which contain the subjects of certain technical works.
The Upveda of Samaveda is called the Gandhraveda.
24. The mention of the eastern and western seas is found in which of the following?
[A] Atreya Brahamana
[B] Satpatha Brahmana
[C] Maitrayani Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satpatha Brahmana]
Notes:
The mention of the eastern and western seas is found in the Satpatha Brahmana. The Shatapatha Brahmana is considered significant in the development of Vaishnavism.
25. The Shvetambara ascetic is allowed to have how many possessions?
[A] 10
[B] 12
[C] 14
[D] 16
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [14]
Notes:
In Jainism the Shvetambara ascetic is allowed to have fourteen possessions which includes loin-cloth, shoulder-cloth, etc. Whereas the Digambara ascetic must renounce all possessions, including clothes and is allowed only two possessions which are: Rajoharana and a Kamandalu.
26. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Ajivikas?
1. Karma is a fallacy.
2. Nirvana was only reached after living through an immense number of lives.
3. Ajivikas practiced austerities.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The following statements are correct with respect to Ajivikas:
1. They believed that karma is a fallacy.
2. They believed that nirvana can only be reached after living through an immense number of lives.
3. Ajivikas practiced austerities.
27. What was the capital of Vatsa mahajanapada?
[A] Kaushambi
[B] Indraprastha
[C] Viratanagara
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kaushambi]
Notes:
Vatsa is situated on the banks of river Yamuna. Vatsa was famous for its fine cotton textiles. The capital of Vatsa was Kaushambi which is situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, near Allahabad.
28. What was a market town called in 6th century B.C?
[A] Nagarka
[B] Mahanagara
[C] Nigama
[D] Rajdhani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nigama]
Notes:
During 600 – 300 BCE, a market town which was at an intermediate level between the Grama and Nagara was called as Nigama. These market places were often crowded with merchants.
29. Which of the following founded the new Magadh capital at Patliputra?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Udayin
[D] Shishunaga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Udayin]
Notes:
Udayabhadra or Udayin who ruled around 460 BCE – 444 BCE founded the new capital at Pataliputra, that is, the modern Patna. It is situated at the confluence of Ganga and Son rivers.
30. Alexander invaded India in which year?
[A] 324 BCE
[B] 348 BCE
[C] 326 BCE
[D] 325 BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [326 BCE]
Notes:
Alexander (356 BCE – 326 BCE) was the son of the Philip of Macedonia, Greece. Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE. It is believed that after defeating Persians led by Darius, Alexander moved towards India through Khyber pass.
