IAS Prelims : GS Ancient History : MCQ Set 3

Ancient India is an important part of History syllabus for IAS Prelims Exam. Most of the questions related to Art and Culture have been appearing from this section in IAS Prelims Exam. Candidates are advised to go through previous year questions to fully understand the nature of questions from Ancient History section.These questions are also useful for State PCS Prelims Exams.

IAS Prelims Ancient India Multiple Choice Questions are as follows.

1.    In Sanskrit dramas, written during the Gupta period, women and Sudras spoke

a.    Sanskrit
b.    Prakrit
c.    Pali
d.   Sauraseni

Ans: b

Explanation: In Sanskrit plays, written during the Gupta period, women and Sudras spoke Prakrit whereas the males of upper three Varnas spoke Sanskrit language.

2.    Consider the following statements

1.    Vikram Era started in 78 AD.
2.    Saka Era started in 58 BC.

Which of the above statements are correct?

a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both
d.    None

Ans: d

Explanation: Vikram Era started in 58 BC whereas Saka Era started in 78 AD.

3.    The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to in his inscriptions is

a.    Chakravarti
b.    Dharmadeva
c.    Dharmakirti
d.    Priyadasi

Ans: d

Explanation: Ashoka is generally referred to as Priyadasi and Devanampriya in his inscriptions.

4.    The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by

a.    Mahayana Buddhism
b.    Hinayana Buddhism
c.    Jainism
d.    Lokayukta School

Ans: c

Explanation: The five cardinal principles of Jainism, if followed by a monk, is called Mahavrata and if observed by a lay follower, then it is called Anuvrata.

5.    Consider the following statements

1.    Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2.    Indifference to the authorities of the Vedas
3.    Denial of efficacy of rituals
4.    Non-injury to animal life

Which of the above were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?

a.    1, 2, 3 and 4
b.    2, 3 and 4
c.    1, 3 and 4
d.    1 and 2

Ans: b

Explanation: Buddhism advocated middle path that is avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment. On the other hand Jainism advocated extreme penance and asceticism.

6.    Which of the following statement regarding Ashokan stone pillars is incorrect?

a.    These are  highly polished
b.    These are monolithic
c.    The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
d.    These are part of architectural structures

Ans: d

Explanation: Ashokan stone pillars are stand-alone structures. They are not part of any architectural structures. They were built to spread message of Ashoka to the people.

7.    In ancient India the name of Varahamihira was associated with

a.    Mathematics
b.    Astronomy
c.    Drama
d.    Medicine

Ans: b

Explanation: Varahamihira was a famous astronomer.

8.    Chalukyas had their capital at

a.    Badami
b.    Panamalai
c.    Khajuraho
d.    Deogarh

Ans: a

Explanation: The Chalukya dynasty ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6^th and the 12^th centuries. Their capital was Badami.

9.    The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the

a.    Chhandogyopanishad
b.    Mundakopanished
c.    Kathopanished
d.    Kenopanishad

Ans: c

Explanation: The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the Kathopanishad.

10.    Which of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion?

a.    Nanda
b.    Maurya
c.    Sunga
d.    Kanva

Ans: a

Explanation: North India was ruled by Nanda dynasty when Alexander invaded India.

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