ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

1. Which one of the following is not a (b) It was totally absent in the Madhya
Harappan Site? [2019] Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta
Empire.
(a) Chanhudaro
(c) The forced labourer as entitled to weekly
(b) Kot Diji wages.

(c) Sohagaura (d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent
as the forced labourer.
(d) Desalpur
Ans. (a)
Ans. (c)
4. With reference to Indian history, who
2. Consider the following: [2019] among the following is a future Buddha,
yet to come to save the world? [2018]
1. Deification of the Buddha
(a) Avalokiteshvara
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
(b) Lokesvara
3. Image worship and rituals Which of the
above is/ are the feature/ features of (c) Maitreya
Mahayana Buddhism?
(d) Padmapani
(a) 1 only
Ans. (c)
(b) 1and 2 only
5. With reference to the religious history
(c) 2 and 3 only of India, consider the following
statements:[2017
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects
Ans. (d) of Jainism.

3. With reference to forced labour(Vishti) 2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of

in India during the Gupta period, which phenomena were not wholly momentary, but
one of the following statements is correct? existed forever in a latent form. Which of
[2019] the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) It was considered a source of income for (a) 1 only

the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1and 2

1
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Ellora

Ans. (b) Ans. (a)

6. With reference to the difference 8. Which one of the following was a very
between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans important seaport in the Kakatiya
and Indus Valley people, which of the kingdom? [2017]
following statements is/are correct?
(a) Kakinada
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and
helmet in warfare whereas the people of (b) Motupalli
Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any
evidence of using them. (c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)

2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and (d) Nelluru

copper whereas Indus Valley people knew
only copper and iron. Ans. (b)

3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the 9. Regarding the taxation system of

horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar,
Valley people having been aware of this consider the following statements:[2016]
animal. Select the correct answer using the
code given below: 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending
on the quality of the land.
(a) 1 only
2. Private owners of workshops paid an
(b) 2 and 3 only industries tax.

(c) 1 and 3 only Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1only
Ans. (c)
(b) 2 Only
7. The painting of Bodhisattva
Padmapani is one of the most famous and (c) Both 1and 2
oft-illustrated paintings at : [2017]
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) Ajanta
Ans. (c)
(b) Badami

(c) Bagh

2
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

10. Who of the following had first 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his
deciphered the edicts of Emperor way to enlightenment.
Ashoka? [2016]
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own
(a) Georg Buhier salvation to help all sentient beings on their
path to it. Which of the statements given
(b) James Prinsep above is/are correct?

(c) Max Muller (d) William Jones (a) 1 only

Ans. (b) (b) 2 and 3 only

11. In the context of the history of India, (c) 2 only

consider the following pairs : Term
Description [2016] (d) 1, 2 and 3

1. Eripatti Land, revenue from which was set Ans. (b)

apart for the maintenance of the village tank
13. Which one of the following books of
2. Taniyurs Villages donated to a single ancient India has the love story of the son
Brahmin or a group of Brahmins of the founder of Sunga dynasty? [2016]

3. Ghatikas Colleges generally attached to (a) Swapnavasavadatta

the temples Which of the pairs given above
is/are correctly matched? (b) Malavikagnimitra

(a) 1 and 2 (c) Meghadoota

(b) 3 only (d) Ratnavali

(c) 2 and 3 Ans. (b)

(d) 1 and 3 14. With reference to the cultural history

of India, the memorizing of chronicles,
Ans. (c) dynastic histories and epic tales was the
profession of who of the following? [2016]
12. With reference to the religious history
of India, consider the following (a) Shramana
statements: [2016]
(b) Parivraajaka
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to
Hinayana sect of Buddhism. (c) Agrahaarika

3
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(d) Magadha (a) 1 and 2 only

Ans. (d) (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and

15. Which of the following Kingdoms 3 (d) None of the statements given above is
were associated with the life of the correct
Buddha? [2014]
Ans. (b)
1. Avanti
17. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang
2. Gandhara (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded
the general conditions and culture of
3. Kosala India at that time. In this context, which
of the following statements is/are correct?
4. Magadha : [2013]

Select the correct answer using the code 1. The roads and river-routes were
given below. completely immune from robbery.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 2. As regards punishment for offences,

ordeals by fire, water and poison were the
(b) 2 and 4 instruments for determining the innocence or
guilt of a person.
(c) 3 and 4 only
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries
(d) 1, 3 and 4 and barrier stations. Select the correct
answer using the codes given below.
Ans. (c)
(a) 1 only
16. Which of the following characterizes/
characterize the people of Indus (b) 2 and 3 only
Civilization? [2013]
(c) 1 and 3 only
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. They worshipped both male and female
deities. Ans. (b)

3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in 18. Which of the following statements

warfare. Select the correct is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? [2013]
statement/statements using the codes given
below. 1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is
to practice penance.

4
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

2. Every object, even the smallest particle (b) Buddha‘s calling of the earth to witness
has a soul. his purity and chastity despite the
temptations of Mara
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be
ended. Select the correct answer using the (c) Buddha‘s reminder to his followers that
codes given below. they all arise from the earth and finally
dissolve into the earth and thus this life is
(a) 1 only transitory

(b) 2 and 3 only (d) Both the statements a and b are correct in
this context
(c) 1 and 3 only
Ans. (d)
(d) 1, 2 and 3
21. The religion of early Vedic Aryans
Ans. (d) was primarily of [2012]

19. Which one of the following describes (a) Bhakti

best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
[2013] (b) image worship and Yajnas

(a) The extinction of the flame of desire (c) worship of nature and Yajnas

(b) The complete annihilation of self (d) worship of nature and Bhakti

(c) A state of bliss and rest Ans. (c)

(d) A mental stage beyond all 22. With reference to the guilds (Shrine)
comprehension of ancient India that played a very
important role in the country‘s economy,
Ans. (a) which of the following statements is/are
correct? [2012]
20. Lord Buddha‘s image is sometimes
shown with the hand gesture called 1. Every guild was registered with the
―Bhumiparsha Mudra‖. It symbolizes central authority of the state and the king
[2012] was the chief admin authority on them

(a) Buddha‘s calling of the earth to watch 2. The wages, rules of work, standards, and
over Mara and to prevent Mara from prices were fixed by the guild
disturbing his meditation
3. The guild had judicial powers over its
own members. Select the correct answer
using the codes given below:

5
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(a) 1 and 2 only was/were common to both Buddhism and

Jainism? [2012]
(b) 3 only
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and
(c) 2 and 3 only enjoyment

(d) 1, 2, and 3 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas

Ans. (d) 3. Denial of the efficacy of rituals Select the

correct answers using the codes given below
23. With reference to the scientific :
progress of ancient India which of the
statements given below are correct? (a) 1 only
[2012]
(b) 2 and 3 only
1. Different kinds of specialized surgical
instruments were in common use by (c) 1 and 3 only
1stcentury AD.
(d) 1, 2, and 3
2. Transplant of internal organs in the
human body had begun by the beginning of Ans. (b)
3rdcentury AD.
25. Regarding the Indus valley
3. The concept of the sine of an angle was civilization, consider the following
known in 5thcentury AD. statements ? [2011]

4. The concept of cyclic quadrilateral was 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization

known in 7thcentury AD. Select the correct and the religious element, though present,
answer using the codes given below did not dominate the scene. 2. During this
period, cotton was used for manufacturing
(a) 1 and 2 only textiles in India. Which of the statements
given above is/are correct?
(b) 3 and 4 only
(a) 1 only.
(c) 1,3 and 4 only
(b) 2 only.
(d) 1, 2,3, and 4
(c) Both 1and 2.
Ans. (c)
(d) Neither 1 nor 2.
24. With reference to the history of
ancient India, which of the following Ans. (c)

6
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

26. The Jain philosophy holds that the (b) Buddha

world is created and maintained by ?
[2011] (c) Mahavir

(a) Universal law (d) Nataraja

(b) Universal truth Ans. (a)

(c) Universal faith 29. Anekantavada is a core theory and

philosophy of which one of the following?
(d) Universal soul [2009]

Ans. (a) (a) Buddhism

27. The ―dharma‖ and ―Rita‖ depict a (b) Jainism

central Idea of ancient vedic civilization
of India. In this context, consider the (c) Sikhism
following statements: [2011]
(d) Vaishnavism
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations
and of the discharge of one‘s duties to Ans. (b)
oneself and to others.
30. With reference to the invaders in
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law ancient India, which one of the following
governing the functioning of the universe is the correct chronological order? [2006]
and all it contained. Which of the statements
given above is/are correct? (a) Greeks- Sakas- Kushans

(a) 1 only. (b) Greeks -Kushans-Sakas

(b) 2 only. (c) Sakas-Greeks -Kushans

(c) Both 1and 2. (d) Sakas - Kushans-Greeks

(d) Neither 1 nor 2. Ans. (a)

Ans. (c) 31. Who among the following laid the

foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire?
28. Mahamastakabhisheka, a great [2006]
religious event, is associated with and
done for whom of the following? [2009] (a) Amoghavarsha

(a) Bahubali (b) Dantidurga

7
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(c) Dhruva 1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the

fourth Great Buddhist Council held by
(d) Krishna Kanishka.

Ans. (b) 2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met

Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to
32. Consider the following statements: Buddhism.
[2006]
Which of the statements given above
1. The Ikshvaku rulers of southern India is/are correct?
were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
(a) 1 only
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were
patrons of Buddhism. (b) 2 only

Which of the statements given above (c) Both 1and 2

is/are correct?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only
Ans. (b)
(b) 2 only
35. In ancient Indian Buddhist
(c) Both 1and 2 monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana
used to be held. It was the [2002]
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) Occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka
Ans. (b) and two speakers one on Dhamma and the
other on Vinaya
33. Who among the following was not a
contemporary of the other three? [2005] (b) Confession by monks of their offences
committed during their stay in the
(a) Bimbsara monasteries during the rainy season

(b) Gautama Buddha (c) Ceremony of initiation of new person

into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head
(c) Milinda is shaved an when yellow robes are offered

(d) Prasenjit (d) Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next

day to the full moon day of Ashadha when
Ans. (c) they take up affixed abode for the next four
months or rainy season.
34. Consider the following statements:
[2004] Ans. (b)

8
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

36. Assertion (A): Harshavardhana (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a
convened the Prayag Assembly. Reason correct explanation of A
(R): He wanted to popularise only the
Mahayana form of Buddhism. [2001] (c) A is true, but R is false

(a) Both A and R are individually true, and (d) A is false, but R is true
R is the correct explanation of A
Ans. (a)
(b) Both A and R are individually true, but R
is NOT a correct explanation of A 39. Assertion (A): The origin of feudal
system in ancient India can be traced to
(c) A is true, but R is false military campaigns.

(d) A is false, but R is true Reason (R): There was considerable

expansion of the feudal system during the
Ans. (b) Gupta period. [2000]

37. Which one of the following animals (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the
was NOT represented on the seals and correct explanation of A
terracotta art of the Harappan culture?
[2002] (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(a) Cow
(c) A is true, but R is false
(b) Elephant
(d) A is false, but R is true
(c) Rhinoceros
Ans. (d)
(d) Tiger
40. Assertion (A): The emphasis of
Ans. (a) Jainism on nonviolence (ahimsa)
prevented embracing Jainism.
38. Assertion (A): The Aham and Puram
poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group Reason (R): Cultivation involved killing
formed a continuation of the Sangam of insects and pests. [2000]
composition.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the
Reason (R): They were included under correct explanation of A
the Post Sangam works as against the
Sangam works proper. [2001] (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A (c) A is true, but R is false

9
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(d) A is false, but R is true (c) Parthians

Ans. (a) (d) Mughals

41. Which one of the following dynasties Ans. (a)

was ruling over North India at the time of
Alexander's invasion? [2000] 44. The term Aryan‘ denotes [1999]

(a) Nanda (a) an ethnic group

(b) Maurya (b) a nomadic people

(c) Sunga (c) a speech group

(d) Kanva (d) a superior race

Ans. (a) Ans. (d)

42. Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed 45. From the third century AD when the
Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. Hun invasion ended the Roman Empire,
the Indian merchants relied more and
Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land more on the [1999]
and sea routes to South India. [2000]
(a) African trade
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A (b) West-European trade (

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a c) South-East Asian trade
correct explanation of A
(d) Middle-Eastern trade
(c) A is true, but R is false
Ans. (c)
(d) A is false, but R is true
46. Which one of the following ports
Ans. (a) handled the north Indian trade during the
Gupta period? [1999]
43. The practice of military governorship
was first introduced in India by the [2000] (a) Tamralipti

(a) Greeks (b) Broach

(b) Shakas (c) Kalyan

10
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(d) Cambray (a) Bactria

Ans. (a) (b) Scythia

47. Which one of the following was (c) Zedrasia

initially the most powerful city-state of
India in the 6th century B.C.? [1999] (d) Aria

(a) Gandhar Ans. (a)

(b) Kamboj 50. Assertion (A): According to Asoka's

edicts social harmony among the people
(c) Kashi was more important than religious
devotion.
(d) Magadh
Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity
Ans. (d) instead of promotion of religion. [1998]

48. The following persons came to India (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the
at one time or another: [1999] correct explanation of A

1. Fa-Hien (b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT a

correct explanation of A
2. I-Tsing
(c) A is true, but R is false
3. Megasthenese
(d) A is false, but R is true
4. Hieun-Tsang The correct chronological
sequence of their visits is: [1999] Ans. (a)

(a) 3, 1, 2, 4 51. Assertion (A): The Gandhara School

of art bears the mark of Hellenistic
(b) 3, 1, 4, 2 influence.

(c) 1, 3, 2, 4 Reason (R): Hinayana form was

influenced by that art. [1998]
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the
Ans. (b) correct explanation of A

49. The Indo-Greek kingdom set up in (b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT a
northern Afghanistan at the beginning of correct explanation of A
the second century BC was [1999]

11
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(c) A is true, but R is false 54. The concept of an Eight-fold path

forms the theme of [1998]
(d) A is false, but R is true
(a) Dipavamsa
Ans. (c)
(b) Divyavadana
52. Which one of the following ancient
Indian records is the earliest royal order (c) Mahaparinibban Sutta
to preserve foodgrains to be utilized
during the crises in the country? [1998] (d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

(a) Sohagaura Copper-plate Ans. (d)

(b) Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka 55. The given map relates to [1998]

(c) Prayaga-Prasasti

(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra

Ans. (a)

53. Which of the following pairs are

correctly matched? [1998]

1. Lothal: Ancient dockyard

2. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha

(a) Kaniska at the time of his death
3. Rajgir: Lion capital of Asoka
(b) Samudragupta after the close of his
4. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist
South Indian campaign
learning Select the correct answer using
the codes given below: Codes: [1998]
(c) Asoka towards the close of his reign
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of
Harsha's accession
(b) 3 and 4
Ans. (c)
(c) 1, 2 and 4
56. The Asokan major rock edicts which
(d) 1 and 2
tell us about the Sangam Kingdom
include rock edicts [1998]
Ans. (c)

12
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(a) I and X (b) 3, 4, 2, 1

(b) I and XI (c) 4, 3, 1, 2

(c) II and XIII (d) 4, 3, 2, 1

(d) II and XIV Ans. (d)

Ans. (c) 59. Which one of the following statements

regarding Asokan stone pillars is
57. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas, and incorrect? [1997]
Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than
Hinduism because [1998] (a) These are highly polished

(a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at that (b) These are monolithic
time
(c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
(b) they had renounced the policy of war and
violence (d) These are parts of architectural structures

(c) caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract Ans. (d)

them
60. Match List I with List-II and select
(d) Buddhism provided easier access to the correct answer by using the codes
Indian society given below the lists: [1997]

Ans. (d) List I : List II

58. What is the correct chronological A. Gupta : 1. Badami

order in which the following appeared in
India? [1998] B. Chandella : 2. Panamalai

1. Gold coins C. Chalukya : 3. Khajuraho

2. Punch-marked silver coins D. Pallava: 4. Deogarh

3. Iron plough Codes: A B C D

4. Urban culture Select the correct answer (a) 4312

using the codes given below: Codes: [1998]
(b) 4231
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2
(c) 2341

13
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(d) 34 12 (d) Maski

Ans. (a) Ans. (d)

61. The following maps show four of the 63. The silver coins issued by the Guptas
sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in were called [1997]
ancient India [1997]
(a) Rupaka

(b) Karshapana

(c) Dinara

(d) Pana

Ans. (a)

64. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the

Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also
known as [1997]
The places marked A, B, C and D
respectively are (a) Vajrapani

(a) Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga (b) Manjusri

(b) Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha (c) Padmapani

(c) Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga (d) Maitreya

(d) Surasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha Ans. (c)

Ans. (c) 65. Which one of the following was a

corporation of merchants in ancient
62. Which one of the following edicts India? [1997]
mentions the personal name of
Asoka? [1997] (a) Chaturvedimangalam

(a) Kalsi (b) Parishad

(b) Rummindei (c) Ashtadikgaja

(c) Special Kalinga Edict (d) Manigrama

14
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

Ans. (d) (d) Brihatkalpasutra

66. Match List I with List-II and select Ans. (a)

the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists: [1997] 68. The river most mentioned in early
Vedic literature is [1996]
List I : List II
(a) Sindhu
A. Varahamihira : 1. Prabandha
Chintamani (b) Sutudri

B. Visakhadatta : 2. (c) Sarasvati

Mrchchhakatikam
(d) Ganga
C. Sudraka: 3. Brhat-Samhita
Ans. (a)
D. Bilhana : 4. Devi
Chandraguptam : 69. Who among the following is known
for his work on medicine during the
5. Gupta period? [1996]
Vikramankadevacharita
(a) Saumilla
Codes: A B C D
(b) Sudraka
(a) 3452
(c) Shaunaka
(b) 3425
(d) Susrutha
(c) 5341
Ans. (d)
(d) 1352
70. Which of the following were common
Ans. (b) to both Buddhism and Jainism? [1996]

67. Which one of the following is not a 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and
part of early Jaina literature? [1996] enjoyment

(a) Therigatha 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas

(b) Acarangasutra 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals

(c) Sutrakritanga 4. Non-injury to animal life Select the

correct answer using the codes given below:

15
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) Vamsa

(b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) Kosa

(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) Gotra

(d) 1 and 2 Ans. (c)

Ans. (b) 73. Which one of the following texts of

ancient India allows divorce to a wife
71. Match List I with List II and select the deserted by her husband? [1996]
correct answer by using the codes given
below the lists: [1996] (a) Kamasutra

List I : List II (b) Manavadharmashastra

A. Visakhadatta: 1. Medicine (c) Sukra Nitisara

B. Varahamihira: 2. Drama (d) Arthashastra

C. Charaka: 3. Astronomy Ans. (d)

D. Brahmagupta: 4. 74. Which one of the following was a

Mathematics Saiva sect in ancient India? [1996]

Codes: A B C D (a) Ajivika

(a) 1342 (b) Mattamayura

(b) 2134 (c) Mayamata

(c) 2314 (d) Isanasivagurudevapaddhati

(d) 34 12 Ans. (b)

Ans. (c) 75. Who among the following was a

Brahmavadini who composed some
72. In the context of ancient Indian hymns of the Vedas? [1995]
society, which one of the following terms
does not belong to the category of the (a) Lopamudra
other three? [1996]
(b) Gargi
(a) Kula

16
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(c) Leelavati A. Vikrama era: 1.

3102 B.C.
(d) Savitri
B. Saka era: 2.
Ans. (a) 320 A.D.

76. The word Hindu‘ as a reference to the C. Gupta

people of Hind (India) was first used by era: 3.78 A.D.
[1995]
D. Kali
(a) the Greeks era: 4.58
B.C. :
(b) the Romans

(c) the Chinese 5. 248 A.D

(d) the Arabs Codes: A B C D

Ans. (a) (a) 2451

77. In Sanskrit plays written during the (b) 1324

Gupta Period women and Sudras speak
[1995] (c) 4523

(a) Sanskrit (d) 4 3 2 1

(b) Prakrit Ans. (d)

(c) Pali 79. The term Yavanapriya, mentioned in

ancient Sanskrit texts, denoted [1995]
(d) Sauraseni
(a) a fine variety of Indian muslin
Ans. (b)
(b) ivory
78. Match List I with List-II and select
the correct answer by using the codes (c) damsels sent to the Greek court for dance
given below the lists. [1995] performance

List-I (d) pepper

(Eras): List-II
(Reckoned from) Ans. (d)

17
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

80. The name by which Asoka is generally Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana
referred to in his inscriptions is [1995] Buddhism? [1994]

(a) Chakravarti (a) Emphasis on ahimsa

(b) Dharmadeva (b) Casteless society

(c) Dharmakirti (c) Worship of gods and goddesses

(d) Priyadarsi (d) Worship of stupa

Ans. (d) Ans. (c)

81. According to Mimamsa system of 84. The earliest evidence of silver in India
philosophy liberation is possible by means is found in the [1994]
of [1995]
(a) Harappan culture
(a) Jnana
(b) Chalcolithic cultures of Western India
(b) Bhakti
(c) Vedic texts
(c) Yoga
(d) Silver punch-marked coins
(d) Karma
Ans. (a)
Ans. (d)
85. In ancient Indian historical
82. The concept of Anuvrata was geography, the name 'Ratnakara' denoted
advocated by [1995] [1994]

(a) Mahayana Buddhism (a) the Arabian Sea

(b) Hinayana Buddhism (b) the Bay of Bengal

(c) Jainism (c) the Indian Ocean

(d) the Lokayata school (d) the confluence of the Ganga, the
Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at
Ans. (c) Prayaga

83. Which one of the following is the most Ans. (c)

fundamental difference between

18
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

86. Which one of the following usages was 89. Toramana belonged to the ethnic
a post-Vedic development? [1994] horde of the [1994]

(a) Dharma — Artha — Kama — Moksha (a) Scythians

(b) Brahmana—Kshatriya—Vaishya— (b) Hunas

Shudra
(c) Yue-chis
(c) Brahmacharya—Grihastashrama—
Vanaprastha — Sanyasa (d) Sakas

(d) Indra — Surya — Rudra — Marut Ans. (b)

Ans. (c) 90. Which one of the following important

trade centers of ancient India was on the
87. The name of the poet Kalidasa is trade route connecting Kalyana with
mentioned in the [1994] Vengi? [1994]

(a) Allahabad pillar inscription (a) Tagara

(b) Aihole inscription (b) Sripura

(c) Alapadu grant (c) Tripuri

(d) Hanumakonda inscription (d) Tamralipti

Ans. (b) Ans. (a)

88. In the Gandhara sculptures, the 91. The last in the succession of Jaina
preaching Mudra associated with the Tirthankaras was [1993]
Buddha's First Sermon at Sarnath is
[1994] (a) Parsvanatha

(a) Abhaya (b) Rishabha

(b) dhyana (c) Mahavira

(c) dharmachakra (d) Manisubrata

(d) bhumisparsa Ans. (c)

Ans. (c)

19
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

92. The Buddhist sect Mahayana formally (a) Jina

came into existence during the reign of
[1993] (b) ratna

(a) Ajatashatru (c) kaivalya

(b) Ashoka (d) nirvana

(c) Dharmapala Ans. (c)

(d) Kanishka 96. Asokan inscriptions were first

deciphered by [1993]
Ans. (d)
(a) Buhler
93. The term nishka, which meant an
ornament in the Vedic period, was used in (b) Robert Sewell
later times to denote a/an [1993]
(c) James Prinsep
(a) weapon
(d) Codplngton
(b) agricultural implement
Ans. (c)
(c) script
97. A lot of details, regarding the village
(d) coin administration under the Cholas, is
provided by the Inscriptions at [1993]
Ans. (d)
(a) Thanjavur
94. Chanakya was also known as [1993]
(b) Uraiyur
(a) Bhattasvamin
(c) Kanchipuram
(b) Rajasekhara
(d) Uttaramerur
(c) Vishnugupta
Ans. (d)
(d) Visakhadatta
98. Who among the following is NOT
Ans. (c) associated with medicine in India? [1993]

95. In Jainism 'perfect knowledge' is (a) Dhanvantri

referred to as [1993]
(b) Bhaskaracharya

20
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(c) Charaka (a) The region between the rivers Jhelum

and Chenab
(d) Susruta
(b) The basin of the river Son
Ans. (b)
(c) The delta of the river Cauvery
99. Among the four works mentioned
below which one is encyclopedic in (d) The area of the river Mahanadi
nature? [1993]
Ans. (d)
(a) Amarakosa
102. Which one of the following does not
(b) Siddhantasiromani constitute part of the Veda? [1992]

(c) Brihat Samhita (a) Nirukta

(d) Ashtangahrdaya (b) Upanishad

Ans. (a) (c) Brahmana

100. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are (d) Samhita

called chaityas while the others viharas.
What is the difference between the two? Ans. (a)
[1992]
103. In which one of the following the
(a) Chaityas is a place of worship while Gandhara sculptures of the Buddha are
vihara is the dwelling place of the monks typically Indian and not Greek or
Roman? [1992]
(b) Chaityas is the stupa at the far end of the
cave while vihara is the hall axial to it (a) In the treatment of the robe

(c) There is no material difference between (b) In the rendering of the physiognomy
the two
(c) In the iconography
(d) Vihara is a place of worship while
chaityas is the dwelling place of the monks (d) In the style

Ans. (a) Ans. (c)

101. In ancient India, the territorial name 104. Which one of the following was
Tosali referred to [1992] worshipped as a heavenly God by ancient
Indians? [1992]

21
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(a) Surya (b) Suvarnadvipa

(b) Angaraka (c) Yavadvipa

(Mangala) (d) Malayamandalam

(c) Sukra Ans. (a)

(d) Sani 108. It is said that of the five doctrines

taught by Jainism four were taken over
Ans. (a) by Mahavira from previous teachers and
only one was added by him. Which one of
105. Which one of the following is a the following was the doctrine added by
Vedanga? [1992] him? [1991]

(a) Sruti (a) Do not commit violence

(b) Smriti (b) Observe continence

(c) Nirukta (c) Do not acquire property

(d) Samhita (d) Do not speak a lie

Ans. (c) Ans. (b)

106. Fresco paintings in the Ajanta Caves 109. Which one of the following does not
were done, while which of the following indicate the difference between
dynasties was flourishing? [1992] Mahayanism and Hinayanism? [1991]

(a) Guptas (a) Belief in the Bodhisattvas

(b) Sungas (b) Worship of the image of Buddha

(c) Kanvas (c) Use of the Sanskrit language

(d) Mauryas (d) Admission of women into the

monasteries
Ans. (a)
Ans. (d)
107. Burma was known to ancient Indians
as [1992] 110. Indus valley civilization is also
known as the Harappan culture because
(a) Suvarnabhumi [1991]

22
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(a) The site of Harappa is six times larger Ans. (c)

than Mohenjodaro site
113. Match List I with List-II and select
(b) The Indus valley civilization is the correct answer using the codes given
considered the elementary/initial stage of the below the Lists: [1991]
Vedic culture and Harappa is believed to be
the same as Harappa mentioned in the Vedas List I: List
II
(c) Harappa was the first site to be excavated
in the Indus valley A. Chandragupta Maurya: 1. The
great council of Prayag
(d) The most important/significant evidence
of the achievements of this civilization have B. Samudragupta: 2. Jainism
been excavated from Harappa
C. Harsha Vardhan : 3.
Ans. (c) Gangaikonda Cholapuram

111. The Upanishads are collectively D. Rajendra Chola: 4.

known as [1991] Allahabad Pillar

(a) Vedangas Select the correct answer from the codes

given below: A B C D
(b) Vedanta
(a) 1423
(c) Sruti
(b) 2341
(d) Smriti
(c) 3214
Ans. (b)
(d) 24 13
112. Which one of the following
archaeologists initially discovered the Ans. (d)
Mohanjedaro site of the Indus valley
civilization? [1991] 114. The Harappans did not know the use
of [1990]
(a) Sujohu Marshall
(a) Bronze
(b) Daya Ram Sahni
(b) Gold
(c) Rakhal Das Banerji
(c) Iron
(d) Sir Mortimer Wheeler
(d) Silver

23
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

Ans. (c) 118. Which one of the following can be

classified as a ―Pratiloma Marriage‖?
115. Who among the following was not a [1990]
writer of legal texts? [1990]
(a) A Brahmin girl marrying a Sudra boy
(a) Yajnavalkya
(b) A Sudra girl marrying a Brahmin boy
(b) Manu
(c) A Brahmin girl marrying a Brahmin boy
(c) Narada
(d) None of these
(d) Bharavi
Ans. (d)
Ans. (d)
119. The Stone Age people had the first
116. In which one of the following domestic [1990]
inscriptions is Ashoka mentioned by
name? [1990] (a) Asses

(a) Major Rock edict at Girnar (b) Dogs

(b) Minor Rock inscription at Maski (c) Horses

(c) Bairatinscription (d) Sheep

(d) Lamghan inscription Ans. (d)

Ans. (b) 120. Match List I with List-II and select

the correct answer using the codes given
117. The First Buddhist Council met at below them:
[1990]
List I (Works): List-II
(a) Rajagriha (Authors) [1990]

(b) Pataliputra 1. Harsha A. Dayabhaga:

(c) Jalandhara 2. Jimutavahana B. Mitakshara

(d) Kashmir 3. Krittivasa C. Nagananda :

Ans. (a) 4. Vijnanesvara D. Ramayana:

24
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

Select the correct answer from the codes 122. Which one of the following was the
given below: A B C D contemporary Bengal king during the
time of Harsha of Kannauj? [1990]
(a) 2314
(a) Bhaskaravarman
(b) 24 13
(b) Divakaramitra
(c)4231
(c) Devagupta
(d)4 123
(d) Sasanka
Ans. (b)
Ans. (d)
121. Consider the following statements
regarding Kautilya‘s Arthshastra: [1990] 123. The original name of Mahabharata
was [1989]
1. It places morality higher than political
expediency. (a) Brihit Katha

2. It argues the case for a fully-centralized (b) Sahastra Samhita

government for the empire
(c) Jaya Samhita
3. It deals with problems of administration
as well as laws of property and crime. (d) Rajatarangini

4. It includes sections on government of the Ans. (c)

State and diplomatic relations with other
States. 124. Which of the following is not a
feature of Gandhara School of Art?
Of these statements [1989]

(a) 1, 2, and 3 are correct (a) It was patronised by Sakas and Kushanas

(b) 2 and 3 are correct (b) It has Indian and Greek influence

(c)3 and 4 are correct (c) It resulted in the origination of

Hinayanism
(d) 1,2, and 4 are correct
(d) It portrayed human figures exactly
Ans. (b)
Ans. (c)

25
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

125. Jain is differed from Buddhism in B. Stupa: 2. Besnagar

which of the following aspects? [1989]
C. Pillar : 3. Karle
(a) Faith in Karma
D. Brick Temples: 4. Bhitragaon
(b) Doctrine of Ahimsa
Select the correct answer from the codes
(c) Belief in fasting given below: A B C D

(d) Rejection of Yagna (a) 1342

Ans. (a) (b) 2341

126. ―Mitakshara‖ is associated with (c)3 124

[1989]
(d) 3142
(a) Yajnawalkya
Ans. (c)
(b) Poetics
129. ‗Mattavilasa‘is written by [1989]
(c) Drama
(a) Harsha
(d) Grammar
(b) Rajashekhara
Ans. (a)
(c) Somadeva
127. The Prakrit text ―Gathasaptasati‖ is
attributed to the Satavahana king [1989] (d) Mahendravarman

(a) Vasishtiputra Pulumavi Ans. (d)

(b) Hala 130. Assertion (A): The form of

government in Rig vedic period was
(c) Gautamiputra Satkarni monarchy

(d) Amaru Reason (R): Priest enjoyed both social

and political status and influenced
Ans. (b) administration [1989]

128. Match the following: [1989] (a) Both A and R are true and R is the
correct explanation of A
A. Chaitya: 1. Amaravati

26
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the Ans. (a)
correct explanation of A
133. Near the banks of which one of the
(c) A is true but R is false following rivers, the excavation in recent
years has brought to light that Indus
(d) A is false but R is true Valley Civilization percolated to far
south? [1988]
Ans. (d)
(a) Mahanadi
131. Match the following: [1989]
(b) Cauvery
A. Charak: 1. Samkhya
(c) Krishna
B. Nagarjuna: 2. Sanskrit author
(d) Godavari
C. Kapila : 3. Ayurveda
Ans. (c)
D. Gorakhnath: 4. Rasaratnakara
134. The oldest Hindu epic is [1988]
Select the correct answer from the codes
given below: A B C D (a) Mahabhashya

(a) 1234 (b) Ramayana

(b) 2134 (c) Ashtadhyayi

(c)4213 (d) Mahabharata

(d) 34 12 Ans. (b)

Ans. (d) 135. Who among the following was not

sent to Lanka for the propagation of
132. Man passed from the food gathering Buddhism? [1988]
stage to the food producing stage in the
[1988] (a) Rashtriya

(a) Neolithic Age (b) Bhadrasaro

(b) Mesolithic Age (c) Uttriya

(c) Chalcolithic Age (d) Sona

(d) Palaeolithic Age Ans. (d)

27
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

136. Sculptures of the Mathura School of List-I: List-II

Art, which flourished in the early
centuries of the Christian Era, are made A. Amaravati: 1. Hoysalas
out of [1988]
B. Aihole : 2. Cholas
(a) Marble
C. Thanjavur : 3. Satavahanas
(b) Slatestone
D. Halebid: 4. Chalukyas:
(c) Granite
5. Pandyas
(d) Red sandstone
Select the correct answer from the codes
Ans. (d) given below : A B C D

137. The earliest evidence of a Jewish (a) 2451

community settling in India is provided
by a charter of a [1988] (b) 3 142

(a) Chola king (c) 3 4 21

(b) Pandya king (d) 4523

(c) Chera king Ans. (c)

(d) Viayanagara king 140. Match the columns :

Ans. (d) List-I: List-II

138. The Lingayat movement owes its A. Rig Veda: 1. Musical hymns
origin to [1988]
B. Yajur Veda: 2. Hymns and rituals
(a) Vidyaranya
C. Sama Veda : 3. Charms and spells
(b) Purandharadasa
D. Atharva Veda: 4. Hymns and prayers
(c) Appar
Select the correct answer from the codes
(d) Basava given below: A B C D

Ans. (d) (a) 4213

139. Match the columns: [1988] (b) 3241

28
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(c)4 123 B. Kumarahar 2. Treaty of

alliance between Bentinck and Ranjit Singh
(d) 2314
C. Aihole 3. Statue
Ans. (a) of Lord Bahubali

141. Assertion (A): In the ancient period D. Shravan Belgola 4. Sites of

of Indian history, urbanisation was Chalukyan architecture
followed by pastoral life. [1988]
Select the correct answer using the codes
Reason (R): The Harappan Culture was given below: A B C D
an urban one.
(a) 1234
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the
correct explanation of A (b) 423 1

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT a (c) 2143

correct explanation of A
(d) 2314
(c) A is true but R is false
Ans. (c)
(d) A is false but R is true
144. Lineage is [1986]
Ans. (b)
(a) A straight line joining any two points on
142. Metals known to Indus Valley the globe
Civilisation were [1987]
(b) The line of descendants of a particular
(a) Gold, copper, silver but not iron ancestor

(b) Silver, iron, bronze but not gold (c) The Paleolithic age

(c) Iron, copper, gold but not silver (d) The linking of genes

(d) Zinc, silver, iron but not gold Ans. (b)

Ans. (a) 145. Which of the following is a

characteristic feature of the Indus Valley
143. Match the columns : [1987] Civilisation?v [1986]

A. Roaper 1. Informs (a) Their chief deities were Mother Goddess

about Mauryan Empire and Shiva

29
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(b) They worshipped bulls (b) Kanishka

(c) They had all amenities of developed city (c) Chandragupta

life
(d) Bindusara
(d) They did not know of iron
Ans. (b)
Ans. (c)
149. The ancient Indian coins were
146. Which of the following was the introduced during the [1986]
principal article of food of the Indus Valley
people? [1986] (a) 3rd century AD

(a) Fish (b) 3rd century BC

(b) Palm-date (c) Kanishka‘s period

(c) Eggs (d) Ashoka‘s reign

(d) Wheat Ans. (b)

Ans. (d) 150. Arrange the following in proper

sequence : [1986]
147. Which of the following was the main
reason of the downfall of Mauryan 1. Vinayapitaka 1st book of tripiyika rules for governing
empire? [1986]
12ce by jayadeva , krishna radha in
2. Gita Govinda brindhavana
(a) Weak successors of Ashoka who could
not control the empire properly 3. Raghuvamsha
written by kalidasa explains raghu
dynasty rama ,dasharatha
(b) Religious policy of Ashoka 4. Atharvaveda
magic formulas includes
mundaka ,madhyaka ,prashna
(c) Ashoka maintained friendly relations The correct sequence is upanishadh
with his neighbors
(a) 3 2 14
(d) None of the above
(b) 43 21
Ans. (a)
(c) 4132
148. Gandhara School of Art was
developed during the reign of [1986] (d) 2431

(a) Ashoka Ans. (c)

30
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

151. Arrange the following Buddhist (b) Samudragupta is known as Indian

councils in chronological order [1986] Napolean

1. Vaishali 383 dissagreement between monastic (c) Skandagupta defeated Huns

rules

2. Rajagraha makasyap ;p (d) Kumaragupta restored the embankment

of Sundarsana Lake it was rejuvanated with skanda
3. Patliputra by ashoka resulted in abhidhama guptha
pitakka Ans. (d)
4. Sreenagar 4th in kashmir by kanishka in 72 ad
compilation of tripitika 154. Which of the following can be
The correct order is regarded as the chief contribution of
Buddhism to India? [1985]
(a) 1, 4, 3, 2
(a) Art and literature
(b) 3, 2, 1,4
(b) Architecture
(c) 4, 1, 2, 3
(c) Ahimsa and self-purification
(d) 2, 1, 3,
(d) Rituals
Ans. (d)
Ans. (c)
152. Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at
[1985] 155. Match the columns: [1985]

(a) Bodh Gaya A. Upanishads: 1. World‘s oldest scriptures

(b) Sarnath B. Samaveda: 2. Magical chants

(c) Kushi Nagar C. Rigveda : 3. Mysterious doctrine

(d) Lumbini D. Atharvaveda: 4. Ritual

Ans. (a) Select the correct answer from the codes

given below :
153. Which of the following statements is
incorrect? [1985] ABCD

(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya killed the (a) 4 3 2 1

Saka
(b) 34 12

31
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(c) 1234 158. The major difference between

‗Varna‘ and ‗Jati‘, is that [1984]
(d) 4213
(a) Jatis are limited whereas Varnas are
Ans. (b) unlimited

156. Which of the following was not (b) Jatis are only four whereas Varnas are
known to Indus Valley people? [1985] many

(a) Silver (c) Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are
many
(b) Copper
(d) Jati is decided by birth but not Varna
(c) Iron
Ans. (c)
(d) Bronze
159. Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas,
Ans. (c) chiefly contains [1984]

157. Match the columns: (a) Collection of hymns to gods

A. Amarnath: 1. Buddhist caves (b) Methods of Vedic yagnas

B. Rock cut temples: 2. Jain saint (c) Early Aryan culture

C. Ajanta : 3. Hindu shrine (d) Origin and works of Hindu gods

D. Bahubali: 4. Mahabalipuram Ans. (a)

Select the correct answer from the codes 167. Which of the following presents the
given below : most significant features of Indus Valley
Civilisation? [1984]
ABCD
(a) Buildings with perfect arches
(a) 342 1
(b) Use of burnt mud bricks
(b) 43 12
(c) Use of sun-dried mud bricks
(c) 3412
(d) None of these
(d) 43 21
Ans. (b)
Ans. (c)

32
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

160. Ajanta paintings depict [1984] (a) Right faith and conduct

(a) Ramayana (b) Love of God

(b) Mahabharata (c) Practice of rituals

(c) Jatakas (d) Idol worship

(d) Panchatantra Ans. (a)

Ans. (c) 164. Which of the following statements is

not correct about Nalanda University?
161. Indus Valley Civilisation was spread [1983]
over [1984]
(a) It was an ancient Buddhist learning
(a) Baluchistan, Sind, Punjab and Rajasthan center

(b) Sind, Punjab, and Kashmir (b) A Chinese Hiuen Tsang studied here

(c) Afghanistan, Sind, Punjab, Rajasthan, (c) We came to know about it only through
Gujarat and Kashmir the writings of Chinese pilgrims

(d) None of these (d) It was mainly responsible for spreading

Buddhism to China, Japan, and South East
Ans. (d) Asia

162. What was the main feature of Ans. (c)

Maurya dynasty in India? [1984]
165. The philosophical systems of the
(a) Education was widespread Hindus were propounded and properly
codified in the [1983]
(b) Terrorists were driven out of Sind and
Punjab (a) Vedic age codiefied book is known as darshana

(c) Removal of land tax for the first time (b) Maurya age

(d) Decentralization of administration (c) Kanishka age

Chandragupta Maurya in 322
BCE, the Maurya Empire was a (d) Gupta age
Ans. (d) powerful Iron Age state centered
in Magadha (modern-day Bihar
163. Main preachings of Buddha were in Ans. (a)
regard to [1984]

33
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

166. The following were famous scholars (c) A place in Gujarat where excavations
in ancient India [1983] have established a link with the Indus Valley
civilisation
1. Ashvaghosh ashvagosha buddist dramatist
1st sanskrit poet (d) Legal action taken against defectors
buddhacharita
2. Nagarjuna saundarananda
najarjuna trived in 2nd ce founder of Ans. (c)
3. Vasumitra middle way
mulamadhyamika , doctrine of 169. Out of the following, the oldest
empiteness
4. Buddhaghosa Which of them was/were dynasty is [1982]
contemporary of Kanishka? [1983]
(a) Mauryas Pallavas initially served as indigenous
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 subordinates of the Satavahana
Empire in the Deccan.Pallavas
Buddhist Monk and Scholar: (b) Nandas
Vasumitra, a Buddhist monk, thrived
(b) 13 and 4 during the 2nd century CE.
He hailed from Gandhara (c) Pallavas The Nandas built upon the successes
(c) 1 and 2 only (present-day Afghanistan and of their Haryanka and Shaishunaga
Pakistan). predecessors
Vasumitra presided over the 4th (d) Guptas
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Buddhist council in Kashmir, which
was administered by the Kushan Ans. (b)
ruler Kanishka I.
Ans. (d)
170. Saka era was introduced by [1982]
167. Ancient Indian art and architecture
reached its zenith during the period of (a) Ashoka aka era, also known as the Shaka era, is
a historical Hindu calendar system based
[1983] on lunar months. It is believed to have
(b) Kanishka been founded by the Scythians, who
(a) Rajputs migrated to India during the 2nd centur
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Mauryas
(d) Harsha Vardhana
(c) Guptas
Ans. (b)
(d) None of these
171. The script of Indus Valley
Ans. (c) civilization was [1982]

168. Lothal is [1982] (a) Persian

(a) A closed water system (b) Dravidian

(b) A poisonous gas (c) Sanskrit

(d) Undeciphered

34
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

Ans. (d) (a) Megasthanese

172. Earliest Indian coins belonged to (b) Panini

which period? [1981]
(c) Manu
(a) 5th century B.C.
(d) Kautilya
(b) Ashoka‘s reign
Ans. (c)
(c) 1st century A.D.
176. Idol worship was started in [1980]
(d) 3rd century A.D.
(a) Gupta period
Ans. (c)
(b) Vedic period
173. Megasthenes visited the court of
[1981] (c) Epic period

(a) Ashoka (d) Maurya period

(b) Harsha Ans. (c)

(c) Chandragupta Maurya 177. Neolithic period of age is not

characterized by [1980]
(d) Vikramaditya
(a) Agriculture
Ans. (c)
(b) Use of copper
174. At which place Gautama Buddha
delivered his first sermon? [1980] (c) Domestication of animals

(a) Sarnath (d) Fishing

(b) Lumbini Ans. (b)

(c) Bodh Gaya 178. We can know about early Vedic

period from [1980]
(d) Vaishali
(a) Archaeological excavations
Ans. (a)
(b) Contemporary cultures
175. Who is regarded as the greatest law
giver of ancient India? [1980] (c) Rigveda

35
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

(d) Jatak Katha 182. Lothal is connected as excavation site

of the civilisation of [1980]
Ans. (c)
(a) Indus Valley Civilisation
179. Name the God who lost his
importance in the beginning of Christian (b) Sumerians
era? [1980]
(c) Mesopotamians
(a) Indra
(d) Vedic Aryan
(b) Brahma
Ans. (a)
(c) Vishnu
183. In which way Sarnath is associated
(d) Mahesh with Lord Buddha? [1980]

Ans. (a) (a) He resided there

180. The Indus Valley people had contacts (b) He was born there
with [1980]
(c) He ruled there
(a) Egyptians
(d) He preached his first Sermon there
(b) Sumerians
Ans. (d)
(c) Chinese
184. Which of the following is the most
(d) Mesopotamians important cause for the decline of
Buddhism after Ashoka? [1980]
Ans. (d)
(a) Non-patronage by the kings
181. Upanishads are [1980]
(b) Condemnation of animal sacrifices
(a) Religious books of Hindus
(c) Growth of licentious practices in
(b) Books dealing with ancient Hindu laws Buddhist centers

(c) Books on social behaviour of man (d) Allegiance to the middle path

(d) Prayers to God Ans. (a)

Ans. (a) 185. Which of the following is not related

upanishads are teachings of guru to students to the Gandhara School of Art? [1980]

36
 he Kushan Empire, also known as the
Kushana dynasty, existed from
approximately the 1st century CE to the
3rd century CE.
ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019) The Kushans were a Central Asian
nomadic people who established a
the Karla Caves were powerful empire in the region that
(a) Ellora associated with the (c) Kalva caves encompasses parts of present-day India,
Mahsghika sect of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Buddhis Key Aspects of the Kushan Period:
(b) Ajanta It consists of (d) Elephanta caves Art and Culture: The Kushan period
five Hindu witnessed a flourishing of art, especially
caves, two in the form of Gandhara art. This art style
(c) Khajuraho Buddhist caves Ans. (d) combined Hellenistic, Persian, and Indian
with water influences and is famous for its depiction
tanks, and a of Buddha and other deities.
(d) Elephanta few Buddhist 189. The worship of idols started in India
Trade and Commerce: The Kushans
stupa mounds in [1979] played a crucial role in facilitating trade
dating back to
Ans. (c) the 2nd century
along the Silk Road, connecting the East
BC (a) Pre-Aryan period (China) with the West (Mediterranean).
Their empire served as a vital link for
186. Which of the following was the most cultural exchange and commerce.
important characteristic of Kanishka‘s (b) Gupta period Religion: The Kushans were patrons of
various religions. While they initially
rule? [1980] followed Zoroastrianism, they later
(c) Mauryan period embraced Buddhism and Hinduism. The
(a) Expansion of Buddhism outside India famous Mathura school of art emerged
during this period, depicting Hindu deities.
(d) Kushan period Kanishka the Great: One of the most
(b) Re-emergence of Jainism renowned Kushan rulers was Emperor
Kanishka. His reign marked a golden age
Ans. (d) for the empire. He convened the
(c) Fourth Buddhist Council at Srinagar
190. Which of the following throws light
(d) Gandhara School of Art on Harappan Culture? [1979]

Ans. (c) (a) Archaeological excavations

187. Saka era commenced from [1980] (b) The script on copper sheets

(a)78 AD (c) Rock edicts

(b) 120 AD (d) All of the above

(c) 1000 AD Ans. (a)

(d) 1953 AD 191. The name Pahlavi Dynasty in Iran is

derived from the [1979]
Ans. (a)
(a) Language
188. The sculpture with the three faces of
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh known as (b) King The Pahlavi dynasty was an Iranian royal
dynasty that ruled for almost 54 years
―Trimurti‖ appears in [1979] between 1925 and 1979. Let me provide
(c) Religion you with some details about this historical
(a) Ajanta caves ajantha caves are build in dynasty:
aurangabadh maharastra
1ooce and 300ce (d) River
(b) Ellora caves Founding and Origins:
ave 16 stands out. It features the The Pahlavi dynasty was founded by
Kailash temple, the largest single Reza Shah Pahlavi, a non-aristocratic
monolithic rock excavation in the Mazanderani soldier. Reza Shah adopted
world.ave 16 stands out. It
features the Kailash temple, the
37 the name “Pahlavi” from the ancient
Pahlavi language spoken in the
largest single monolithic rock
excavation in the world.ave 16
pre-Islamic Sasanian Empire
stands out. It features the
 ANCIENT HISTORY QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979-2019)

Ans. (b)

38