Ancient History of India MCQ Quiz
- Which of the following texts is considered the earliest literary source of ancient Indian history?
- a) Arthashastra
b) Ramayana
c) Rigveda
d) Mahabharata
Answer: c) Rigveda
Explanation: The Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedic texts and provides significant insights into the early Vedic period. - Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Ashoka
c) Bindusara
d) Kanishka
Answer: a) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire in 321 BCE with the guidance of his advisor, Chanakya. - Which language was primarily used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?
- a) Sanskrit
b) Prakrit
c) Pali
d) Tamil
Answer: b) Prakrit
Explanation: Ashoka’s inscriptions were mostly written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script, making them accessible to the common people. - The Great Bath was found in which ancient Indus Valley Civilization site?
- a) Harappa
b) Mohenjo-daro
c) Lothal
d) Dholavira
Answer: b) Mohenjo-daro
Explanation: The Great Bath, a significant structure, was discovered at Mohenjo-daro, showcasing advanced water management systems. - The term “Dharma” in the context of ancient Indian texts means:
- a) Religion
b) Duty or righteousness
c) Wealth
d) Liberation
Answer: b) Duty or righteousness
Explanation: Dharma refers to ethical and moral duties prescribed in ancient Indian texts. - Who composed the epic “Mahabharata”?
- a) Valmiki
b) Kalidasa
c) Ved Vyasa
d) Tulsidas
Answer: c) Ved Vyasa
Explanation: Ved Vyasa is traditionally credited with composing the Mahabharata. - The Gupta period is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of India due to:
- a) Agricultural prosperity
b) Scientific and cultural advancements
c) Extensive trade
d) Military conquests
Answer: b) Scientific and cultural advancements
Explanation: The Gupta period witnessed remarkable progress in science, art, literature, and philosophy. - Which king is associated with the construction of the Iron Pillar in Delhi?
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Ashoka
c) Samudragupta
d) Harsha
Answer: c) Samudragupta
Explanation: The Iron Pillar is attributed to the reign of Chandragupta II (Samudragupta’s son), showcasing advanced metallurgy. - The Sangam literature belongs to which region of India?
- a) Northern India
b) Southern India
c) Western India
d) Eastern India
Answer: b) Southern India
Explanation: Sangam literature is a body of Tamil texts composed during the Sangam Age in South India. - What was the main occupation of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization?
- a) Hunting
b) Trade
c) Agriculture
d) Craftsmanship
Answer: c) Agriculture
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization had a primarily agrarian economy, supplemented by trade and craftsmanship. - Which Mauryan emperor embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War?
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Bindusara
c) Ashoka
d) Dasharatha
Answer: c) Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka adopted Buddhism and spread its teachings after witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga War. - The term “Ahimsa” means:
- a) Truth
b) Non-violence
c) Charity
d) Duty
Answer: b) Non-violence
Explanation: Ahimsa is a central tenet of Buddhism and Jainism, emphasizing non-violence in thought and action. - The Indus Valley Civilization script is:
- a) Deciphered
b) Undeciphered
c) Derived from Sanskrit
d) Derived from Prakrit
Answer: b) Undeciphered
Explanation: The script of the Indus Valley Civilization remains undeciphered, making their language unknown. - The Jataka tales are associated with which religion?
- a) Hinduism
b) Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) Zoroastrianism
Answer: b) Buddhism
Explanation: The Jataka tales narrate the previous lives of Gautama Buddha. - Which Indian ruler was known as “Devanampriya Priyadarshi”?
- a) Harsha
b) Chandragupta Maurya
c) Ashoka
d) Samudragupta
Answer: c) Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka used this title in his inscriptions, meaning “Beloved of the Gods.” - Who is considered the author of Arthashastra?
- a) Kalidasa
b) Chanakya
c) Megasthenes
d) Patanjali
Answer: b) Chanakya
Explanation: Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, wrote Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. - The university of Nalanda was established during the reign of which dynasty?
- a) Maurya
b) Gupta
c) Kushan
d) Harsha
Answer: b) Gupta
Explanation: Nalanda University was established during the Gupta period, with notable patronage from rulers like Kumaragupta I. - The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as:
- a) Aryan Civilization
b) Harappan Civilization
c) Vedic Civilization
d) Gupta Civilization
Answer: b) Harappan Civilization
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization is named after its first discovered site, Harappa. - The Tripitaka is the sacred text of which religion?
- a) Hinduism
b) Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) Zoroastrianism
Answer: b) Buddhism
Explanation: The Tripitaka, or “Three Baskets,” contains the teachings of Buddha and the Buddhist monastic code. - The famous rock-cut caves of Ajanta are primarily associated with which religion?
- a) Hinduism
b) Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) Zoroastrianism
Answer: b) Buddhism
Explanation: The Ajanta caves contain Buddhist art and inscriptions, including murals depicting the life of Buddha. - The first ruler to issue gold coins in India was:
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Samudragupta
c) Kanishka
d) Indo-Greeks
Answer: d) Indo-Greeks
Explanation: The Indo-Greeks were the first to introduce gold coins in India, reflecting their advanced economy. - The concept of the “Four Noble Truths” is central to which religion?
- a) Hinduism
b) Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Buddhism
Explanation: The Four Noble Truths outline the essence of Buddha’s teachings on suffering and its cessation. - Who is considered the founder of Jainism?
- a) Mahavira
b) Rishabhadeva
c) Buddha
d) Ashoka
Answer: b) Rishabhadeva
Explanation: Rishabhadeva is regarded as the first Tirthankara, while Mahavira is the 24th and most prominent Tirthankara of Jainism. - The term “Janapada” in ancient India refers to:
- a) A city
b) A republic or kingdom
c) A religious text
d) A temple
Answer: b) A republic or kingdom
Explanation: Janapadas were early territorial states during the Vedic period. - Which of the following is NOT a Veda?
- a) Rigveda
b) Samaveda
c) Upanishad
d) Atharvaveda
Answer: c) Upanishad
Explanation: The Upanishads are philosophical texts, whereas the Rigveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda are Vedic texts. - The ruler credited with building the Grand Trunk Road was:
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Sher Shah Suri
c) Ashoka
d) Akbar
Answer: b) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation: Sher Shah Suri renovated and extended the Grand Trunk Road during his reign. - The Saka Era, which is still used in the Indian national calendar, was started by:
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Kanishka
c) Ashoka
d) Harsha
Answer: b) Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka, a Kushan ruler, began the Saka Era in 78 CE. - The “Purushasukta” hymn in the Rigveda is significant for explaining:
- a) Creation of the universe
b) Division of society into varnas
c) Principles of governance
d) Rules of warfare
Answer: b) Division of society into varnas
Explanation: The Purushasukta hymn describes the origin of the four varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras). - The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent comes from which site?
- a) Harappa
b) Mehrgarh
c) Lothal
d) Mohenjo-daro
Answer: b) Mehrgarh
Explanation: Mehrgarh, located in present-day Pakistan, shows evidence of early agriculture dating back to 7000 BCE. - Who among the following wrote the Tamil epic “Silappatikaram”?
- a) Ilango Adigal
b) Thiruvalluvar
c) Kamban
d) Bharavi
Answer: a) Ilango Adigal
Explanation: Ilango Adigal composed Silappatikaram, one of the greatest Tamil epics, detailing the story of Kannagi.
