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 has been invaluable in fixing the time of the Indus civilization?
[A] Indus seals discovered in Indus cities
[B] Indus seals discovered in Mesopotamian cities
[C] Mesopotamian pottery discovered in Indus cities
[D] Harappan pottery discovered in Indus cities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indus seals discovered in Mesopotamian cities]
Notes:
Seals from Indus Valley sites uncovered in Mesopotamia—modern day Iraq—have been invaluable in establishing chronological benchmarks for the civilization. Specific seals naming rulers and officials that have been found in archeologically dated Mesopotamian layers provide precise 1st millennium BCE dates. They prove extensive maritime trade links.
22. In which of the following Harappan people achieved maximum amount of standardisation ?
[A] Seals
[B] Scripts
[C] Bricks
[D] pottery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bricks]
Notes:
Bricks were the building component that showed the highest extent of standardization among Harappans. With dimensions of 7 x 14 x 28 cm, ratio of 1:2:4, they reveal the use of uniform moulds and prevalent building codes. Facilitating organized mass production, such bricks helped in the creation of remarkably alike houses, drains, walls within cities.
23. Consider the following types of pottery:
- Painted Grey Ware
- Black and Red Ware
- Black-slipped Ware
- Red Ware
Which of these were the Later Vedic people acquainted with?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:The people of the Later Vedic period were acquainted with four types of pottery:
- Painted Grey Ware
- Black and Red Ware
- Black-slipped Ware
- Red Ware
24. Ariya-Sachchani refers to which of the following with respect to Buddhism?
[A] Four Noble Truths
[B] Eight-Fold Path
[C] Social Code of Conduct
[D] Nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Four Noble Truths]
Notes:Ariya-sachchani refers to the Four Noble Truths, which are the basic teachings of Buddhism. The four truths are:
- Suffering (dukkha) is the essence of the world.
- Every suffering has a cause – Samudya.
- Suffering could be eliminated– Nirodha.
- It can be achieved by following the Atthanga Magga or the Eight Fold Path.
The Four Noble Truths are accepted by all schools of Buddhism. The first truth, suffering, is characteristic of existence in the realm of rebirth, called samsara. The Buddha’s doctrine is centered on dukkha (sufferings) and its extinction. The essence of Buddhism is the attainment of enlightenment or nirvana.
25. Where was the third Buddhist council held?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Taxila
[C] Kashmir
[D] Patliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Patliputra]
Notes:
The third Buddhist council was held in 250 BCE under the patronage of the King Ashoka. It was held at patliputra and the council was presided over by the monk Mongaliputta tissa.
26. What was the capital of Kosala mahajanapada’s southern part?
[A] Kushavati
[B] Vaishali
[C] Kushinara
[D] Pava
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kushavati]
Notes:
Prasenjit was the king of Kosala mahajanapada. He was a contemporary of Buddha. The capital of Kosala’s norther part was Shravasti whereas the capital of the southern part was Kushavati.
27. Which of the following area was not surrendered to Chandragupta Maurya by Seleucus Nicator?
[A] Kabul
[B] Herat
[C] Gandhara
[D] Northern Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Northern Afghanistan]
Notes:
Chandragupta defeated Seleucus Nicator around 301 BCE. Seleucus was compelled to surrender Arachosia (Qandahar area of south-east Afghanistan), Gedrosia (south Baluchistan), and Parapomisadai (the area between Afghanistan and the Indian sub-continent, such as Kabul, Herat, Gandhara) to him in return for 500 elephants.
28. Which of the following pillar edicts talks about ‘welfare of people’?
[A] Third Pillar Edict
[B] Fourth Pillar Edict
[C] Fifth Pillar Edict
[D] Sixth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sixth Pillar Edict]
Notes:
The Sixth Pillar Edict of Asohka talks about welfare of people. The Ashokan pillars contain motifs which have a rich and varied symbolism in resonance with many prevailing Indian religious traditions.
29. Which of the following were the first to issue gold coins?
[A] Shakas
[B] Kushans
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Parthians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins. Much of the lineage of Indo-Greeks is determined on the basis of excavated coins which include coins of sliver, copper, and nickel as well.
30. Karle Chaitya in the western Deccan belongs to which of the following period?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satavahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahana phase is famous for the construction of many chaityas and viharas which were cut out of the solid rock in the north-western Deccan or Maharashtra. They were constructed with great precision and skill. The Karle Chaitya also belongs to this period.
