Ancient History Important MCQs for UPSC CSE Prelims
Starting Point: IVC and Vedic Age.
Imperial Period: Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Dynasties.
Golden Age: Guptas (Administration, Economy, Science).
Cultural Zenith: Religion (Buddhism, Philosophy), Art (Gandhara, Temple Styles).
Regional Powers: Cholas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Post-Harsha Dynasties.
Ending Point: The transition to the Early Medieval Period (Pratiharas).
Q1.
The famous Sangam text 'Tirukkural' (or Kural) is often referred to as the "Vedas of the Tamils." It is primarily divided into three sections dealing with:
a) Rituals, Philosophy, and Governance.
b) Love, War, and Administration.
c) Virtue (Aram), Wealth (Porul), and Love (Inbam).
d) Asceticism, Devotion (Bhakti), and Cosmology.
Correct Answer: c) Virtue (Aram), Wealth (Porul), and Love (Inbam).
Explanation: The Tirukkural by Thiruvalluvar is divided into three sections known as Aram (Dharma/Virtue/Righteousness), Porul (Artha/Wealth/Polity/Governance), and Inbam (Kama/Love/Pleasure). It omits the fourth traditional aim of life, Moksha (Salvation), emphasizing a practical life.
Q2.
Which one of the following pairs of ancient Indian authors and their literary works is incorrectly matched?
a) Bhasa: Svapnavasavadattam (The Vision of Vasavadatta)
b) Vishakhadatta: Mudrarakshasa (The Signet Ring of Rakshasa)
c) Bhavabhuti: Uttararamacharita (Later Deeds of Rama)
d) Shudraka: Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd)
Correct Answer: d) Shudraka: Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd)
Explanation: (a), (b), (c) are correct matches. Bhasa, Vishakhadatta, and Bhavabhuti are correctly associated with their famous Sanskrit dramas.
(d) is incorrectly matched. Shudraka is the author of the famous Sanskrit drama Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart). The Gita Govinda is the famous lyrical poem about Krishna and Radha written by Jayadeva in the 12th century (medieval period), much later than the Gupta/Post-Gupta period of Shudraka.
Q3.
The great temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, built during the 12th century by the Khmer King Suryavarman II, was originally dedicated to which deity?
a) The Buddha
b) Shiva
c) Vishnu
d) Brahma
Correct Answer: c) Vishnu
Explanation: Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument. It was originally built as a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by the Khmer king Suryavarman II, reflecting the strong influence of Indian culture and religion (specifically Hinduism and later Buddhism) in Southeast Asia.
Q4.
With reference to the Dravida style of temple architecture, the term 'Gopuram' refers to:
a) The innermost sanctuary where the main deity is placed.
b) The towering, pyramidal roof structure built over the main deity.
c) The massive, ornamented gateway tower at the entrance of the temple complex.
d) The pillared hall located directly in front of the main shrine.
Correct Answer: c) The massive, ornamented gateway tower at the entrance of the temple complex.
Explanation: In the Dravida style (South Indian), the Gopuram is the giant, elaborately sculpted gateway that pierces the compound wall (Prakaram). As the Chola empire grew, the Gopuram size dramatically increased, often dwarfing the main Vimana (the pyramidal tower built directly over the Garbhagriha or main sanctuary).
Q5.
The famous Pratihara ruler Bhoja I is often identified by which of the following titles mentioned in inscriptions?
a) Vikramaditya
b) Mihirabhoja
c) Amoghavarsha
d) Dharmapala
Correct Answer: b) Mihirabhoja
Explanation: Bhoja I (c. 836-885 CE) was the most powerful ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, known for his control over the Kanauj region. His famous title, found on his coins and inscriptions, was Mihirabhoja or Adivaraha.
Q6.
The monolithic rock-cut temple complex dedicated to Shiva at Ellora (Cave No. 16), famous for being carved out of a single rock, was built by which Rashtrakuta ruler?
a) Dantidurga
b) Amoghavarsha
c) Krishna I
d) Dhruva
Correct Answer: c) Krishna I
Explanation: The famous Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) at Ellora, which is the largest monolithic structure in the world, was commissioned and built by the great Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (c. 756–773 CE). It is an unparalleled example of rock-cut architecture.
Q7.
The famous educational institution of Vikramashila Mahavihara, which rose to prominence as a center for Vajrayana Buddhism, was established by which Pala ruler?
a) Gopala
b) Devapala
c) Dharmapala
d) Mahipala
Correct Answer: c) Dharmapala
Explanation: The Vikramashila Mahavihara was one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning (along with Nalanda) in Eastern India during the Early Medieval Period. It was founded by the great Pala king Dharmapala (c. 783–820 CE). It was a major center for Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism and played a crucial role in the propagation of Buddhism to Tibet.
Q8.
The Buddhist concept of Nirvana is best described as:
a) The complete attainment of material wealth and worldly desires.
b) The realization of the eternal, unchanging self (Atman).
c) The ultimate state of self-mortification and withdrawal from society.
d) The extinction of desire, suffering, and the cycle of rebirth (Samsara).
Correct Answer: d) The extinction of desire, suffering, and the cycle of rebirth (Samsara).
Explanation: Nirvana (Pali: Nibbana) literally means "blowing out" or "extinction." In Buddhism, it is the ultimate spiritual goal, representing the complete cessation of craving and attachment, which are the roots of suffering (dukkha). Achieving Nirvana breaks the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara).
Q9.
The core doctrine of Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold reality) is a fundamental tenet of which Indian philosophy?
a) Sankhya
b) Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) Vaisheshika
Correct Answer: c) Jainism
Explanation: Anekantavada is one of the foundational and central principles of Jainism. It asserts that reality is multifaceted and that all objects have infinite modes of existence and qualities. Truth or reality can only be perceived fully from all possible perspectives, a concept often illustrated by the parable of the blind men and the elephant.
Q10.
The famous Jain text Kalpasutra, which contains the biographies of the Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha and Mahavira, was authored by:
a) Bhadrabahu
b) Umasvati
c) Hemachandra
d) Sthulabhadra
Correct Answer: a) Bhadrabahu
Explanation: The Kalpasutra is a Jain sacred text believed to have been composed by Bhadrabahu (c. 4th century BCE), a prominent ascetic and the last Shrutakevali (one who memorized the entire original Jain canon). The text contains detailed biographies (charita) of the 24 Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira, and is traditionally recited during the festival of Paryushana.
Q11.
The massive monolithic statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali), a crucial pilgrimage site for Jains, is located at:
a) Mount Abu (Dilwara Temples)
b) Ellora Caves
c) Khajuraho
d) Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
Correct Answer: d) Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
Explanation: The Gomateshwara statue, representing the Jain saint Bahubali (the son of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha), is located atop the Vindhyagiri Hill at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. It is one of the world's largest free-standing monolithic statues, commissioned around 981 CE by Chamundaraya, a minister of the Ganga dynasty. The site is a major center for the Digambara sect of Jainism.
Q12.
With reference to the architecture of an ancient Buddhist Stupa, the term 'Harmika' refers to:
a) The decorative gateway at the entrance to the enclosure.
b) The path around the base of the dome for circumambulation.
c) The protective railing placed atop the dome, symbolizing the residence of the Gods.
d) The umbrella structure placed above the reliquary chamber.
Correct Answer: c) The protective railing placed atop the dome, symbolizing the residence of the Gods.
Explanation: The Harmika is the square, fence-like railing platform situated at the very apex of the semi-spherical dome (Anda) of the Stupa. It is meant to represent the heavenly palace or enclosure (devaloka) where the Gods reside. The mast (Yashti) and ceremonial umbrellas (Chatras) emerge from the center of the Harmika.
Q13.
Which famous foreign traveller is credited with describing the system of communication (relay system for news and postal delivery) and the practice of Sati in detail in India?
a) Fa-Hien
b) Ibn Battuta
c) Megasthenes
d) Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang)
Correct Answer: b) Ibn Battuta
Explanation: Ibn Battuta (14th century CE, Moroccan traveler) served in the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His travelogue, the Rihla, is an invaluable source detailing:
The efficient postal system (dawa—horse post, and dawa-ul-ulagh—foot post) used for communication and travel across the Sultanate.
The tragic practice of Sati (widow self-immolation), which he described based on his personal observations.