Ancient Indian History MCQs | Objective Questions for UPSC, SSC & Govt Exams

Ancient Indian History MCQs

Q 1.What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?
A. Bodh tree
B. Lotus
C. Horse
D. Wheel
Answer: Correct Answer:B [ Lotus ]
Notes: Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.
Q 2.Who among the following Pallava ruler built Vaikuntaperumal temple at Kanchi ?
A. Nandivarman II
B. Aparajita
C. Mahendrvarman I
D. Vikramaditta II
Answer: Correct Answer:A [ Nandivarman II ]
Notes: Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu.
Q 3.Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
A. Bhabru rock edict
B. Kalinga rock edict
C. Tarai rock edict
D. Barabar cave rock edict
Answer: Correct Answer:A [ Bhabru rock edict ]
Notes: The Bhabru rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism. The rock edict stated that he has full faith in Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma.
Q 4.Which among the following is known as the earliest example of Panchayatana style of temple?
A. Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
B. Temple at Pathari
C. Shatrughneshwara temple at Bhubaneshwar
D. Lakshmana temple at Sirpur
Answer: Correct Answer:A [ Dashavatara temple at Deogarh ]
Notes: The Dashavatara Temple or Vishnu Temple also called Gupta temple at Deogarh. It was built in the Gupta Period (320 to c. 600 AD ). Archaeologists have inferred that it is the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India. A hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
Q 5.Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
A. Sri Gupta
B. Samudragupta
C. Chandragupta I
D. Chandragupta II
Answer: Correct Answer:A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes: Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
Q 6.Who among the following succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of Gupta Dynasty ?
A. Chandragupta II
B. Chandragupta I
C. Vishnugupta
D. Mahendra
Answer: Correct Answer:A [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes: Chandragupta ll (380-412 A.D.) succeeded Samundragupta as the next ruler of Gupta dynasty. He was also known as Devgupta, Devraj and Devshree. Some titled he adopted were : Vikramank, Vikramaditya and Parambhagawat.
Q 7.In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
A. Gautam Buddha
B. Mahavira
C. Parshvanatha
D. Rishabha
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Mahavira]
Notes: Nigantha Nataputta refers to Mahavira. A Nirgrantha refers to Jains. A person who has attained kevalya can be a nirgrantha.
Q 8.Works of 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Kathak
D. Manipuri
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Odissi]
Notes: Jayadeva’s seminal works greatly influenced the Odissi dance form. He is known for his epic Gita Govinda, an important text in Odissi dance’s repertoire. It describes the unique relationship of divine Krishna and his devotee Radha, along with the gopis of Vrindavan. These spiritual themes find a visual depiction through Odissi dance, showcasing its close tie with ancient poet Jayadeva.
Q 9.Who is known as greatest law giver of ancient India?
A. Banabhatta
B. Kautilya
C. Manu
D. Chanukya
Answer: Correct Answer:C [Manu]
Notes: Manusmriti, a book on Indian law is attributed to the legendary first man and lawgiver, Manu. Manu-smriti, traditionally the most authoritative of the books of the Hindu code (Dharmashastra) in India.
Q 10.The name of the state Bihar comes from an old name which denotes which of the following?
A. A Buddhist monastery
B. A forest
C. A Temple
D. An ancient empire
Answer: Correct Answer:A [A Buddhist monastery]
Notes: The name Bihar is derived from a Pali word ‘Vihara’ which means ‘abode’ and has a Sanskrit origin. With time it changed to Bihar. Earlier, it was known as Abode or Vihara of Buddhist monks.
Q 11.During the reign of Guptas in North India , who were their contemporaries in South India ?
A. Cholas
B. Rasthrakutas
C. Satvahanas
D. Kakatiyas
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Rasthrakutas]
Notes: The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire existing from the mid-to-late 3rd century CE to 543 CE. Rashtrakutas was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent . They are the contemporaries.
Q 12.The Taxila or Takshashila was located between following two rivers ?
A. Indus & Jhelum
B. Jhelum & Chenab
C. Chenab & Ravi
D. Chenab & Beas
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Indus & Jhelum]
Notes: Taxila is located in between River Indus and Hydaspes, river Hydaspes is now known as river Jhelum it is a tributary of river Indus. It is located in Rawalpindi,Punjab.
Q 13.Famous enigmatic Trimurty Sadasiva is located at:
A. Ellora
B. Elephanta
C. Ajanta
D. Jogeshwari
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Elephanta]
Notes: The famous Trimurty Sadasiva is located at Elephanta Caves, near Mumbai. This site features rock-cut sculptures, including a massive depiction of Trimurti, representing the three aspects of God in Hinduism: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). The Elephanta Caves date back to the 5th to 8th centuries and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing intricate artistry and religious significance.
Q 14.Who among the following erected Gangaikonda Cholapuram ?
A. Rajraja Chola
B. Rajendra Chola I
C. Mahendravarman I
D. Gonka I
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Rajendra Chola I]
Notes: Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of the Chola dynasty in c. 1025 during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. It is a Village located near to Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu.
Q 15.Which among the following river is most described in Rig-Veda?
A. Sindhu
B. Chenab
C. Saraswati
D. Ganga
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Sindhu]
Notes: The most mentioned river in Rigveda is Indus river, followed by Saraswati.
Q 16.What was the name of the silver coins issued by Guptas?
A. Karshapana
B. Rupaka
C. Dinara
D. Pana
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Rupaka]
Notes: The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called Rupaka. The silver coin was called Rupaka based on Sakas of Ujjaini weighing 32-36 grains. The Gupta gold coins are known as Dinars.
Q 17.Who among the following was called Lichchavi Dauhitra?
A. Chandragupta
B. Kumargupta
C. Samudragupta
D. None of the above
Answer: Correct Answer:C [ Samudragupta ]
Notes: Samudragupta calls himself Lichchavi- dauhitra the son of the daughter of the Lichchavis. The Licchavis were a clan amongst the Vajji Mahajanapada of ancient India.
Q 18.Which of the following is the preaching mudra associated with the Buddha’s First Sermon at Sarnath?
A. abhaya
B. dhyana
C. dharmachakra
D. bhumisparsa
Answer: Correct Answer:C [dharmachakra]
Notes: TheBuddha’s first sermonis sometimes called the “firstturning of the dharma wheel.” Or “dharmachakra”. The sermon, Buddha gave to the five monks, was his first sermon and was called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. It was given on the full-moon day of Asalha Puja. Buddha subsequently also spent his first rainy season at Sarnath at the Mulagandhakuti.
Q 19.Which of the following is a Neolithic site from North-East India?
A. Taradih
B. Chirand
C. Senuar
D. Sarutaru
Answer: Correct Answer:D [ Sarutaru ]
Notes: Sarutaru is a Neolithic site located in Kamrup district of Assam.In the given options Taradih, Chirand and Senuar are pre historic sites located in Bihar.
Q 20.Ash mounds are predominantly related to the Neolithic cultures of which region in India?
A. North
B. South
C. East
D. West
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.
Q 21.Who said that Tibet is the original home of Aryans?
A. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C. Max Muller
D. A.C. Das
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Swami Dayanand Saraswati]
Notes: Swami Dayanand Saraswati postulated that Tibet is the original home of Aryans. He said this in reference to the Vedas and other Aryan texts. This also referred to as Tibet theory.
Q 22.How many Sutras are there?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10
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).
Q 23.What was the capital of Vatsa mahajanapada?
A. Kaushambi
B. Indraprastha
C. Viratanagara
D. Mathura
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.
Q 24.What was the capital of the southern part of Avanti Mahajanapada?
A. Mahishmati
B. Mathura
C. Ujjain
D. Taxila
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Mahishmati]
Notes: The capital of the southern part of Avanti Mahajanapada was located at Mahishmati. It was located in the present-day malwa region on the banks of river Narmada. Avanti mahajanapada was significant in the rise of Buddhism.
Q 25.Which of the following was the north-western capital of the Mauryan empire?
A. Suvarnagiri
B. Tosali
C. Ujjain
D. Taxila
Answer: Correct Answer:D [Taxila]
Notes: The Magadha province of the Mauryan empire had its capital at Pataliputra. However the Mauryan Empire was further divided into four other provinces, with capitals at Taxila (north-western India), Suvarnagiri (southern India), Tosali (eastern India), and Ujjain (western India).
Q 26.The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of which of the following Indo-Greek ruler?
A. Demetrius
B. Hermaius
C. Darius
D. Milinda
Answer: Correct Answer:D [Milinda]
Notes: The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of  Menander /Milinda/Minedra. The empire of Menander extended over parts of both Bactria and northwestern India.
Q 27.Which of the following kings started the Shaka era?
A. Kadphises I
B. Kanishka
C. Vima Kadphises
D. Vasudeva II
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Kanishka]
Notes: Kanishka, who was the third ruler of the Kushana empire believed to have started the shaka era. He ascended the throne in 78 AD, and this date is used as the beginning of the Saka calendar era. It is now used by the Government of India for its calendar.
Q 28.Which of the following periods saw the emergence of Tantrism?
A. Magadha period
B. Gupta period
C. Kushana period
D. Mauryan Period
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Gupta period]
Notes: Tantrism emerged in India during the Gupta period. The tribal elements assimilated in the Brahminical society due to the assimilation of tribals in Brahminical fold. The assimilation of Brahminical religion and tribal practices resulted in the development of Tantrism.
Q 29.Which of the following is the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam?
A. Kalidas
B. Shudraka
C. Vishakhadatta
D. Dandin
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Shudraka]
Notes: Shudraka was the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam which means a little clay cart. The play deals with the love affair of a poor brahmana with the beautiful daughter of a courtesan.
Q 30.Which of the following temples from the Gupta period is entirely made up of Bricks?
A. Dasavatar Temple
B. Bhitargaon temple
C. Shiva Temple of Bhumara
D. Shiva Temple of Koh
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Bhitargaon temple]
Notes: The Gupta period is considered as a golden period for temple architecture. Nagara style and Dravida style of temple architecture began in the Gupta era. The Bhitargaon temple at Kanpur is entirely made up of bricks.
Q 31.In which of the following parts of India, the vishayas were divided into Vithis?
A. Eastern India
B. Western India
C. Southern India
D. Northern India
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Eastern India]
Notes: In eastern India, the vishayas were divided into vithis during the Gupta period. These Vithis were further divided into villages. The village headman was called Gramadhyaksha or Gramika who looked after the affairs of the village with the help of village elders.
Q 32.During which of the following period, social and economic status of the Shudras improved?
A. Maurya empire
B. Gupta Empire
C. Magadha Empire
D. Kushana Empire
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Gupta Empire]
Notes: The social and economic status of Shudras improved during the Gupta period. During the Gupta period, Shudras were allowed to listen to the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. They were also allowed to perform certain rituals.
Q 33.Which of the following kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas?
A. Gupta Kings
B. Kushana Kings
C. Mauryan Kings
D. Vakataka Kings
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Gupta Kings]
Notes: Hinduism acquired its present shape in the Gupta period. The Gupta rulers were centred around the worship of Bhagvat or Vishnu. The Gupta kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas. Garuda was the emblem of Bhagavata.
Q 34.Trade between the different parts of India during the Gupta period included which of the following articles?1. Pepper2. Sandalwood3. Coral4. SaffronSelect the correct option from the codes given below:
A. Only 1 & 2
B. Only 3 & 4
C. Only 1, 2 & 3
D. 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer: Correct Answer:D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes: During the Gupta period  local trade was mostly confined to the articles of daily use whereas trade between different parts of India was usually for valuable and luxury commodities which included pepper, sandalwood, coral, musk, saffron, yak’s tail, elephants, horses, gold, copper, iron and mica.
Q 35.Which of the following Vakataka kings was the father of Gautamiputra who married the daughter of a Naga king?
A. Vindhyashakti
B. Prithvisena
C. Pravarasena
D. Rudrasena
Answer: Correct Answer:C [Pravarasena]
Notes: During the reign of Pravarasena political alliance between the Vakataka and Nagas improved. His son Gautamiputra married the daughter of the Naga king Bhavanaga, which cemented the political alliance between the two kingdoms.
Q 36.Which of the following places was the capital of the Pushyabhutis?
A. Kannauj
B. Thanesar
C. Ujjain
D. Mathura
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Thanesar]
Notes: After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Northern India split into several kingdoms. An important ruling family to gain prominence after the fall of the Gupta was the Pushyabhutis with their capital at Thanesar.
Q 37.Which of the following kings adopted the title of Maharajadhiraja of Aryavarta?
A. Harichandra
B. Rajyapala
C. Yashpala
D. Mahendrapala
Answer: Correct Answer:D [Mahendrapala]
Notes: Mahendrapala I was the son of Mihir Bhoja I and queen Candra-Bhatta-Rika-Devi.He ruled from 885 C.E. to 910 C.E. He adopted the title Maharajadhiraja of Aryavarta which means Great King of Kings of Northern India.
Q 38.‘Kritadasas’ referred to which of the following type of slaves during the early medieval period?
A. Persons who were reduced to the status of slaves.
B. Slaves who had been purchased.
C. Persons who sold themselves as slaves.
D. Persons who were captured by the victorious rulers as prisoners of war.
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Slaves who had been purchased.]
Notes: Slavery as an institution existed during the early medieval period. Those slaves who had been purchased were referred to as Kritdasas. There seems to have been existence of trade in slaves during that period.
Q 39.Which of the following constituted imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D.?1. Incense2.Copper3. Dates4. CoralsSelect the correct option from the codes given below:
A. Only 1 & 2
B. Only 2 & 3
C. Only 1, 2 & 3
D. 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer: Correct Answer:D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes: The imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D. comprised incense, copper, load, salt, dates, ivory, emeralds, coral and horses. The best breed of horses came to India from the Western and Central Asia.
Q 40.Which of the following was the author of Rajamartanda?
A. Bhoja
B. Jayanta
C. Nathamuni
D. Yamunacharya
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Bhoja]
Notes: Bhoja was a King from Paramara dynasty. He reigned from c. 1010 to 1055 CE. He became the most celebrated king in India history due to his patronage to scholars. He wrote Rajamartanda.
Q 41.Which of the following period is associated with rule of Devapala?
A. 800-830 A.D.
B. 810-850 A.D.
C. 815-840 A.D.
D. 820-850 A.D.
Answer: Correct Answer:B [810-850 A.D.]
Notes: The period 810 to 850 A.D. is associated with the rule of Devapala. Devapala extended his empire to include Pragyoytishpur or Kamarupa (Assam), parts of Orissa (Utkala) and modern State of Nepal.
Q 42.Which of the following was the capital of Kadambas?
A. Kanchi
B. Madurai
C. Vaijayanti
D. Kolar
Answer: Correct Answer:C [Vaijayanti]
Notes: The Kadambas had their capital at Vaijayanti or Banavasi in north Kanara district in the state of Karnataka. The Kadambas were contemporaries of the Pallavas. They claimed to be Brahmanas. The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman.
Q 43.Which type of seals were most common in Indus Valley Civilization?
A. Oval
B. Cylindrical
C. Quadrate
D. Rounded
Answer: Correct Answer:C [Quadrate]
Notes: Square or rectangular (quadrate) seals with carved motifs were the most popular type of seal used by Indus Valley communities. Made of steatite, thousands of such seals have been found during excavations of Harappan sites. They were probably used as identity markers or tokens of authority. Cylindrical seals have also been found which were probably used to make impressions on goods or containers used in trade to signify official administrative seals.
Q 44.Who were astadiggajas in the court of Krishnadevaraya?
A. Eight Poets
B. Eight Advisors
C. Eight Military generals
D. Eight Ministers
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Eight Poets]
Notes: Ashtadiggajas is the collective title given to the eight Telugu scholars and poets in the court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya who ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1509 until his death in 1529. During his reign, Telugu literature and culture reached its zenith.
Q 45.Which caves are a series of sculpted caves situated at Mumbai Harbour?
A. Ajanta
B. Ellora
C. Elephanta
D. Badami
Answer: Correct Answer:C [Elephanta]
Notes: Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally “the city of caves”) in Mumbai Harbour, near Mumbai in Maharashtra. The island consists of Hindu and Buddhist caves. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Q 46.In which state the Khajuraho Temples are located?
A. Uttar Pardesh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Uttarakhand
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes: The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style archi-tectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khaju-raho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty.
Q 47.Which dynasty took over the Mauryas?
A. Pandya
B. Satavahanas
C. Sungas
D. Yavanas
Answer: Correct Answer:C [Sungas]
Notes: The Sunga Empire was an ancient Indian dynasty from Magadha that controlled vast areas of the Indian Subcontinent from around 187 to 78 BCE. The dynasty was established by Pusyamitra Sunga, after the fall of the Maurya Empire.
Q 48.Where is the pillar located in that contains three different periods in inscriptions?
A. Prayagraj
B. Rummindei
C. Topra
D. Lauriya Nandangarh
Answer: Correct Answer:A [Prayagraj]
Notes: The Allahabad pillar is an Ashoka Stambha, one of the Pillars of Ashoka, erected by Ashoka, Emperor of the Maurya dynasty, who reigned in the 3rd century BC. While it is one of the few extant pillars that carry his edicts, it is particularly notable for containing later inscriptions attributed to the Gupta emperor Samudra- gupta (4th century CE). Also engraved on the stone are inscriptions by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, from the 17th century. At some point of time, the pillar was moved from its original location and installed within Akbar’s Allahabad Fort in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Q 49.Which Harappan site contained a couple burial?
A. Chanhudado
B. Lothal
C. Mohenjodaro
D. Harappa
Answer: Correct Answer:B [Lothal]
Notes: Lothal in Gujarat has given evidences of double burials inside brick lined grave. As many as three pairs of skeletons were discovered at Lothal; in each case two persons were buried together. Archaeologists believe that these were couple burials; while others contend that these burials give evidence of Sati system.
Q 50.In the context of Satvahana society, the term ‘gaulmika’ refers to which of the following?
A. Village headman
B. A type of coin
C. Military administrator in rural areas
D. A class of merchants
Answer: Correct Answer:C [Military administrator in rural areas]
Notes: Satvahana administration kept some of the features of the Mauryan administration e.g. district called aharas, Amatyas and Mahamatras were senior officials. But, certain new military and feudal elements can be observed in the Satvahana administration i.e. Senapati was appointed provincial governor. Also, administration in the rural areas was placed in the hands of ‘gaulmikas’, who was some sort of military authority commanding a certain number of soldiers, horses and elephants. This may be because the people in rural-tribal areas were still not used to the new type of socio-political order and needed to be controlled closely. Hence, answer is option c.

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