Multiple Choice Quiz Questions (MCQs) on Ancient Indian History GK for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. To perform which among the following functions, Rajukas were appointed by Ashoka?
A) Revenue Functions
B) Judicial Functions
C) Religious Functions
D) Military Functions
Answer: B) Judicial Functions
Notes:
Rajukas were officials appointed by Emperor Ashoka to oversee judicial duties. They were responsible for ensuring justice was delivered impartially and aligned with the ethical and moral teachings of Dharma. This highlights Ashoka’s emphasis on governance based on fairness and compassion.
2. Who were Manu, Yajnavalkya, Narada, and Brihaspati?
A) Law givers of ancient India
B) Gods of Vedic religion
C) Buddhist scholars and logicians
D) Celebrated mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India
Answer: A) Law givers of ancient India
Notes:
Manu, Yajnavalkya, Narada, and Brihaspati were ancient lawgivers who authored key texts on ethics, governance, and legal codes. Their works, like Manusmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti, shaped the social and legal frameworks in ancient India, influencing life for centuries.
3. Select the statement which is NOT correct regarding Kalidasa:
A) Kalidasa was a renowned Sanskrit poet and dramatist of the Gupta period.
B) He was one of the nine gems in the court of Chandragupta I.
C) Kumarasambhavam and Ritusamhara are his two epic works.
D) His plays and poetry are primarily based on Hindu Puranas and philosophy.
Answer: B) He was one of the nine gems in the court of Chandragupta I.
Notes:
Kalidasa was a legendary poet and dramatist of ancient India during the Gupta period, known for works like Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghadutam. However, he was associated with Chandragupta II, not Chandragupta I. His works beautifully blend nature, love, and philosophy.
4. In 1837, James Prinsep deciphered an inscription in Brahmi script referring to a king called ‘Devanamapiya Piyadassi.’ The celebrated monarch known by this epithet was:
A) Ashoka
B) Akbar
C) Kanishka
D) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Answer: A) Ashoka
Notes:
The title Devanamapiya Piyadassi, meaning “Beloved of the Gods and Gracious,” referred to Emperor Ashoka. James Prinsep’s decipherment of this inscription unveiled the identity of Ashoka and his significant contributions to Buddhism and governance.
5. Which of the following statements about the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta is NOT correct?
A) The Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta was composed by his court poet Harisena and engraved on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.
B) Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to exercise direct administrative control over western and southern India.
C) Samudragupta carved out an extensive empire and performed an Ashvamedha sacrifice.
D) None of the above.
Answer: B) Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to exercise direct administrative control over western and southern India.
Notes:
Samudragupta was a brilliant military strategist, expanding his empire significantly. However, he did not directly administer western and southern India but established influence through alliances and conquests. His Prayaga Prashasti remains a testament to his achievements.
6. The Harappans used intaglio seals, made mostly of carved and fired steatite:
A) As an export commodity.
B) As a medium of exchange in place of coins.
C) As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits.
D) For marking their goods and property.
Answer: D) For marking their goods and property.
Notes:
Harappan seals, often made of steatite, were used to mark goods and indicate ownership. These seals typically featured inscriptions and animal motifs, reflecting the sophisticated trade systems and cultural symbols of the Indus Valley Civilization.
7. Establishment of Svetambara as a separate sect within Jainism resulted at:
A) Rajgriha
B) Vallabhi
C) Ujjaini
D) Sanchi
Answer: B) Vallabhi
Notes:
The Svetambara sect emerged during a Jain council held at Vallabhi, distinguishing themselves by wearing white garments. This division from Digambaras, who practice nudity, signifies varying interpretations of ascetic practices in Jainism.
8. The first astronomical observatory of Harappan Civilization has been found at which among the following ancient Indian sites?
A) Chanhudaro
B) Ropar
C) Daimabad
D) Dholavira
Answer: D) Dholavira
Notes:
Dholavira, a prominent Harappan site in Gujarat, revealed structures believed to be linked with astronomical observations. This discovery underlines the advanced understanding of astronomy in the Indus Valley Civilization.
9. “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” – “Lead us from Darkness to Light” comes from which among the following Upanishads?
A) Chandogya
B) Mandukya
C) Mundaka
D) Brihadaranyaka
Answer: D) Brihadaranyaka
Notes:
The phrase “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya,” found in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, reflects the spiritual pursuit of enlightenment and truth, symbolizing the transition from ignorance to knowledge.
10. There is only one Rock Edict in which Ashoka talks about taxation. Which among the following is that edict?
A) Bhabru Inscription
B) Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription
C) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
D) Barabar Cave Inscription
Answer: C) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
Notes:
Ashoka’s Rummindei Pillar Inscription mentions taxation policies, showcasing his administration’s focus on fair revenue practices while ensuring welfare for his subjects.
11. Which among the following is NOT a correct statement in context with the Gupta Era?
A) Gupta era is known for extensive achievements in science, technology, engineering, art, literature, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and philosophy.
B) Gupta era crystallized the common elements of Hindu culture.
C) Maximum number of gold coins were issued in the Gupta Era.
D) The gold content of Gupta Era coins was maximum in comparison to previous major dynasties.
Answer: D) The gold content of Gupta Era coins was maximum in comparison to previous major dynasties.
Notes:
The Gupta Empire is renowned for its golden age of cultural and scientific achievements. While they issued numerous gold coins, the content was not always superior to previous dynasties, like the Kushans.
12. Dhravya Guna Shastra, which deals with several species of medicinal plants, is a part of which among the following?
A) Sushruta Samhita
B) Charak Samhita
C) Ayurveda
D) Ashtanga Hridaya
Answer: C) Ayurveda
Notes:
Dhravya Guna Shastra is a branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the properties and therapeutic uses of medicinal plants and herbs. It serves as an ancient guide for natural remedies, showcasing the holistic medical practices of ancient India.
13. The temple of Konark was built by Narasimha of the:
A) Maratha Dynasty
B) Chola Dynasty
C) Ganga Dynasty
D) Vijayanagar Empire
Answer: C) Ganga Dynasty
Notes:
The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha, was built in the 13th century by King Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga Dynasty. Designed as a giant chariot of the Sun God, it reflects India’s architectural brilliance and devotion.
14. Rigveda Samhita dedicates one-fourth of its hymns to:
A) Rudra
B) Marut
C) Agni
D) Indra
Answer: D) Indra
Notes:
Indra, the Vedic god of rain and thunder, is the most celebrated deity in the Rigveda, with one-fourth of its hymns dedicated to him. These hymns reflect his role as a protector and provider in Vedic mythology.
15. Which among the following was used to create sculptures in the Mathura school of art that flourished around the 1st century AD?
A) Marble
B) State stone
C) Granite
D) Red sandstone
Answer: D) Red sandstone
Notes:
The Mathura school of art, known for its unique blend of indigenous and Greco-Buddhist styles, used red sandstone to create lifelike sculptures of deities, Buddhas, and Yakshas, reflecting artistic finesse of the period.
16. Which of the following is also known as the father of Ayurveda?
Charaka was one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda, a system of medicine that developed in India. He is also known as the father of Ayurveda. He wrote a book on medicine called Charaksamhita which is a Sanskrit text on Ayurveda and also wrote the Sasruta.
17. Which of the following is a poem describing the cycle of seasons?
[A] Ritusamhara [B] Raghuvamsha [C] Kumarasambhavam [D] None of the above
Answer: A [Ritusamhara]
Notes:
Ritusamhara is a poem written by Kalidasa describing the cycle of seasons whereas Kumarasambhavam is a story about the birth of Shiva and Parvati’s son and also Raghuvamsha depicts Vishnu as the origin and the end of the universe.
18. Which of the following were the tributary chiefs of the Guptas?
The Maitrakas were the tributary chiefs of the Guptas. They established an independent kingdom in western India ruling over the Saurashtra region in Gujarat. They continued to rule until the middle of the 8th century.
19. Which of the following kings was the last Hindu ruler of Kashmir before it came under the rule of Muslims?
King Jayasimha who ruled from 1127 to 1155 AD was the patron of Kalhana. Kalhana was the famous historian and poet of Kashmir. In the 14th century, Kashmir passed under the rule of the Muslims.
20. Where was the earliest capital of the Gangas situated?
[A] Banavasi [B] Kolar [C] Madurai [D] Kanchi
Answer: B [Kolar]
Notes:
The earliest capital of the Gangas was located near Kolar. The Kolar supplied a lot of gold to the kingdom of Gangas. They made most of the land grants to the Jainas. They were earlier feudatories of the Pallavas.
From 650 A.D. to 1000 A.D, there was the decay of pure Hinayanism and Mahayanism. The glorious days of Buddhist logic and philosophy were ended With Chandrakirti and Santideva and then came the days of stotras and stavas begun by Sarvajnamitra of Kashmir in the 8th century AD.
22. Which of the following kings led the restoration works of the sand-buried temple Sri Traikutaka?
Devapala was the third ruler of the Pala dynasty which was founded by King Gopala. He was also a zealous advocate of Buddhism. During the reign of this king restoration of the sand-buried temple, Sri Traikutaka and its enlargement happened.
23. Which of the following kings have built a temple at Kambay and consecrated a golden image of Mahavira?
[A] Lakshmanaraja [B] Vatsaraja [C] Raja Bhoja [D] Upendra
Answer: B [Vatsaraja]
Notes:
The Pratiharas figured prominently in Jain literature. Vatsaraja or Vatsraja was grand-nephew of Nagabhata I. He is said to have built many Jain temples at Kanauj, Mathura, Anahilvada, Modhera, etc. Vatsraja also built a temple at Kambay and consecrated a golden image of Mahavira.
24. Which of the following were known as wandering spies who wandered from place to place for collecting secret information in the Mauryan empire?
[A] Sanstha [B] Sanchara [C] Pulisani [D] Nikayas
Answer: B [Sanchara]
Notes:
The Arthashastra of Kautilya or Chanakya mentions about wandering spies also known as sanchara who wandered from place to place for collecting secret information in the Mauryan empire.
25. Which of the following introduced new features of Hellenistic art and literature such as Gandhara art in the north-west frontier of Indi?
The Indo-Greeks introduced new features of Hellenistic art and literature such as Gandhara art in the north-west frontier of India. It was not purely Greek. It was the outcome of the intermingling and influence of both Indian and central Asian contacts.
26. According to Chinese texts which of the following were also called as Guishuang?
According to Chinese sources, the Kushanas were also called Guishuang. The Kushanas were one of five branches of the Yuezhi tribe that lived in Central Asia or along the Chinese border. The Kushanas eventually became more powerful than the other Yuezhi tribes. In the 1st century CE, Kujula Kadphises brought the five tribes together and founded the Kushan Empire. The Kushanas moved east towards India, defeating the Parthians and the Sakas. The Kushanas were also known as Tocharians.
27. Which of the following kings was the last ruler of the Kushana empire?
[A] Kadphises I [B] Ashvagosha [C] Vasudeva II [D] Vima Kadphises
Answer: C [Vasudeva II]
Notes:
Kushan dynasty was founded by Kujula Kadphises or Kadphises I in the first century CE. Kanishka was the most famous of the Kushan kings and Vasudeva II was the last Kushan emperor who ruled from 275 CE–300 CE.
28. Which of the following Gupta kings issued gold coins called dinara?
[A] Srigupta [B] Chandragupta I [C] Samdudragupta [D] Chandragupta II
Answer: D [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
Chandragupta II was the first ruler to have issue silver coins. He also issued copper coins. He is referred to as Chandra on his coins. He also issued gold coins which were known as dinara.
29. “Gapata Sarah” refers to which of the following?
[A] Waste land [B] Jungle or forest land [C] Habitable land [D] Pasture land
Answer: D [Pasture land]
Notes:
The land during the Gupta period can be classified into the following groups: Kshetra: Cultivable land Khila: Waste land Aprahata: Jungle or forest land Vasti: Habitable land Gapata Sarah: Pasture land
30. Which of the following period marks the beginning of Indian temple architecture?
[A] Kushana period [B] Gupta period [C] Mauryan period [D] Vedic period
Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
The Gupta period marks the beginning of temple architecture in India. For the first time, Temples in the form of concrete structures were constructed in northern India during this period.
31. Which of the following rulers ruled the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch after the death of Rudrasena II?
[A] Prabhavatigupta [B] Pravarasena II [C] Damodarasena [D] Divakarasena
Answer: A [Prabhavatigupta]
Notes:
Rudrasena II who was the son of Prithvisena I ruled only for a period of five years and died. He left behind three minor sons Divakarasena, Damodarasena, and Pravarasena. His wife Prabhavatigupta ruled as the regent until 410 CE.
32. Which of the following Kings assumed the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’ according to Asirgarh copper plate inscription?
Ishanavarmana who is considered as the founder of Maukhari rule in India ruled around the mid 6th century in the Ganges River valley. According to the Asirgarh copper plate inscription, he assumed the title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’.
33. Which of the following authors wrote Alarnkarasarasamgraha?
The medieval period is considered as the golden age for Sanskrit poets. The mightest champion and representative of the Alarnkara school was Udbhat. He flourished in the second half of the eighth century AD. He was the author of Alarnkarasarasamgraha.
34. Viratnagar, capital of Matsya mahajanpada located in which region?
[A] Malwa [B] Peshawar [C] Jaipur [D] Bundelkhand
Answer: C [Jaipur ]
Notes:
The capital of the Matsya Mahajanapada was Viratnagar, which is located in the northern part of the Jaipur district in Rajasthan. Today, Bairat is a small town in Rajasthan, and its ancient ruins are a popular tourist attraction.
35. In which year, Ashoka invaded Kalinga?
[A] 261 BC [B] 235 BC [C] 285 BC [D] 275 BC
Answer: A [ 261 BC ]
Notes:
The Mauryan emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in 261 BC and after a fierce battle Kalinga was conquered. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka elaborates the Kalinga war.
36. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI [B] Major Rock Edict XII [C] Major Rock Edict X [D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
37. Which of the following ancient Tamil Kingdoms came to be known from Sangam Literature?
[A] Chola [B] Chera [C] Pandya [D] All of the above
Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The history of ancient Tamil kingdoms i.e. Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas came to be known from Sangam Literature.
38. Uraiyur was an ancient Chola city famous for__?
[A] Pearls [B] Ship Building [C] Houses [D] Grammar
Answer: A [ Pearls ]
Notes:
Uraiyur was an ancient Chola city that was famous for its pearls and muslin cloths. The city was the capital of the early Chola dynasty and was located near present-day Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu. Uraiyur was an important center of trade and commerce during the Sangam period. The city was known for its pearls, which were obtained from the nearby pearl banks in the Bay of Bengal. Uraiyur’s muslin cloths were valued as perhaps the finest in the world and were the preferred fabric for the upper class. Uraiyur was also a vibrant center of Tamil literature and learning. The Sangam poets, who composed the famous Tamil literary works, were associated with this region.
39. Who overthrew Saka rulers from India?
[A] Gautami putra Satakarni [B] Kanishka [C] Rudraraman [D] Demetrius
Answer: A [ Gautami putra Satakarni ]
Notes:
The sakas were finally overthrown by Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of Satavahana dynasty. He killed Saka ruler Nahapana and his governor Rishavadatta and restored his territories.
40. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta [B] Ramagupta [C] Bhanugupta [D] Vishnugupta
Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
41. Rummindei Pillar Inscription which talks about taxation in Maurya era has been found at which of the following places?
[A] Junagarh in Gujarat [B] Ranchi in Jharkhand [C] Bhabru in Rajasthan [D] Lumbini in Nepal
Answer: D [ Lumbini in Nepal ]
Notes:
Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha’s birthplace and personally made offerings. He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area.
42. Who has written the biography of Harshavardhana?
[A] Banbhatta [B] Harsha Himself [C] Kalhana [D] Kalidasa
Answer: A [Banbhatta]
Notes:
Harsha (c. 590–647 CE), also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled North India. His biography Harshacharita (“Deeds of Harsha”) written by Sanskrit poet Banabhatta describes his association with Thanesar, besides mentioning the defence wall, a moat and the palace with a two-storied Dhavalagriha.
43. Under which of the following trees, Buddha got enlightment?
Ficus religiosa and it is the botanical name of peepal. Ficus benghalensis is Indian Banyan Tree, Ficus microcarpa is Chinese Fig, Ficus elastica is Indian Rubber Plant.
44. Which of the following kings assumed the title of Kongarkoman?
Koccadiyan Ranadhira who ruled from 700 A.D. to 730 A.D. reduced an Ay chief at Mardur “a hill country between Tinnevelly and Travancore.” He also conquered the Kongu country and assumed the title of Kongarkoman.
45. A lot of beads were discovered from Mohenjo-Daro in Indus Valley Civilization. Most of these beads were made of __?
[A] Terracota [B] Jasper [C] Lapis [D] Steatite
Answer: D [Steatite]
Notes:
The beautiful beads are one of the important discoveries of Mohenjodaro. Majority of the beads are made of fired steatite. Other materials in making beads include Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, grossular garnet, serpentine and amazonite.
46. Which among these modern States did the Alwar saints originate from?
[A] Maharashtra [B] Tamil Nadu [C] Kerala [D] Karnataka
Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
In South India, the Bhakti movement originated in Tamil Nadu sometime after the 7th century AD with the Alwars (Vaishnava saints) and the Adiyars (Shaiva saints). With their songs of longing,they worshipped Hindu god of Vishnu. The collection of their hymns are known as Divya Prabandha. All the saints were male except one named Andal.
47. Which of the following was a ruler from Kushana dynasty?
[A] Vikramaditya [B] Pushyamitra [C] Danti Durga [D] Khadphises I
Answer: D [Khadphises I]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises (also known as Kadphises I) is believed to be the founder of Kushana dynasty in India in 78 A.D. According to the Rabatak inscription, he was the grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka. He followed Greek religious ideas and iconography after the Greco-Bactrian tradition, and also followed traditions of Hinduism, being a devotee of the Hindu God Shiva. He is famous for his military, political, and spiritual achievements.
48. Which part of Veda deals with all the rituals?
Yajur Veda is a step-by-step guide about the right way of performing religious ceremonies and sacred rituals. Derived from “yajus” meaning “prose mantra” and veda meaning “knowledge”), the Yajur veda is the Veda of prose mantras. An ancient Vedic Sanskrit text, it is a compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said by a priest at the time of ritual actions.
49. Who was the founder of the Satvahana Empire?
[A] Kanha [B] Gautamiputra [C] Simuka [D] Hala
Answer: C [Simuka]
Notes:
Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty. He is mentioned as the first king in a list of royals in a Satavahana inscription at Nanaghat. He is believed to have destroyed the Shunga Power in the Deccan with the aid of the Rathikas and Bhojakas. He reigned for around 23 years and was beheaded by his brother Kanha, who succeeded him.
50. In which language were the Buddhist literary works mostly written?
[A] Sanskrit [B] Prakrit [C] Pali [D] Brahmi
Answer: C [Pali]
Notes:
Pali is use as a Buddhist canonical language came about because the Buddha opposed the use of Sanskrit, a learned language, as a vehicle for his teachings and encouraged his followers to use vernacular dialects. The word ‘Pali’ primarily signifies ‘Text’ or ‘sacred texts’ or the text of the Buddhist canon as opposed to the connentaries, but gradually it became the name of the language in which the canon (Tripitika) of the Theravada Buddhism and the ancillary texts were written.
Ascetic-prince Ilango Adigal, the younger brother of reputed warrior-king Sengutt-uvan of the Chera dynasty is credited with Silappadikaram, one of Five Great Tamil Epics. Silappadikaram revolves around Kannagi, who having lost her husband to a miscarriage of justice at the court of the Pandyan Dynasty, wreaks her revenge on his kingdom.
52. Which Buddhist scripture has mentions on the 16 Mahajanapadas?
In the post-Vedic period, the entire northern territory mostly situated north of the Vindhyas and extending from the North-West frontier to Bihar was divided into sixteen states called Sodasha Maha-janapadas. The Buddhist literature, particularly the Anguttara Nikaya lists the sixteen mahajanapadas given as – Gandhara, Kamboja, Assaka, Vatsa, Avanti, Surasena, Chedi, Malla, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Vajji, Anga, Kosala and Magadha.
53. Where was the Homo erectus skull found in the Narmada valley?
[A] Bikor [B] Panwasa [C] Hathnora [D] Dhansi
Answer: C [Hathnora]
Notes:
A Homo erectus skull was discovered at the site of Hathnora in the Narmada valley. This evidence dates back to early-mid Pleistocene epoch and suggests Homo erectus inhabited parts of central India during that time period.
54. Archer type, King and queen type, Chhatra type and Horseman type were four types of Gold coins issued by _?
[A] Sri Gupta [B] Chandragupta [C] Samudragupta [D] Skandagupta
Answer: D [ Skandagupta ]
Notes:
Skandagupta issued four types of gold coins: Archer type, King and queen type, Chhatra type and Horseman type. His silver coins were of four types: Garuda type, Bull type, Altar type and Madhyadesha type.
55. Which of the following work is often referred to as the fifth veda?
[A] Panchtantra [B] Natyashastra [C] Arthshastra [D] None of the above
Answer: B [Natyashastra]
Notes:
Natyashastra, in full Bharata Natyashastra, also called Natyasastra, detailed treatise and handbook on dramatic art that deals with all aspects of classical Sanskrit theatre. Its primary importance lies in its justification of Indian drama as a vehicle of religious enlightenment.
56. Which of the following caves has the sculpture with the three faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh known as “Trimurti”?
The Elephanta Island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai in Maharashtra. The cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was excavated sometime in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta kings. The cave complex has been given the status of world heritage by UNESCO.
Trimurti is considered the most important sculpture of Elephanta and is described as a ‘masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art’. It is placed at the back of the cave facing the entrance, on the north-south axis and is also known as Maheshmurti or Trimurti Sadashiva.
57. In which of the following stone ages, Microliths were commonly found?
The period between 12,000 years ago till about 10,000 years ago is called Mesolithic. In Greek ‘meso’ means the middle and ‘lithic’ means stone. Hence, the Mesolithic stage of prehistory is also known as the Middle Stone Age. It was the transitional phase between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic AgesThe main tools used during Mesolithic (middle stone) age are called the microliths or small stone tools. They were probably stuck on to handles of bone or wood to make tools such as saws and sickles.
59. In which Harappan sites pot-stone fragment of a hut-pot of Mesopotamian origin has been found?
Excavations at Mohenjo-daro city of the Indus Valley civilization, have uncovered a small fragment made of potstone belonging to a cylindrical hut-shaped vessel featuring carved decoration reminiscent of Mesopotamian style. This signifies the Harappan trade networks and contact with contemporary Near Eastern urban cultures in the 3rd millennium BCE. Such imports affirm inter-civilizational exchanges between the early world cities of the Bronze Age.
60. Which of the following is the Northernmost site of the Indus valley civilization?
Manda is one of the northernmost Harappan sites belonging to late Mature period located in Akhnoor region near Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir. Other significant far-reaching regions showing influence of Harappan urban features include trading sites or satellite towns like Shortughai in far northern modern Afghanistan evidencing extensive boundaries. Towards the latter period, there seems to be signs of contracting boundaries.
61. Which of the following is the biggest building at Mohenjodaro?
[A] Great Granary [B] Great Bath [C] Rectangular Building [D] Assembly Hall
Answer: A [Great Granary]
Notes:
Great Granary located in Mohenjo-daro’s lower city is the largest building of the site spanning almost 500 square meters. Built on a high brick podium, it comprises of 3 rows of 6 chambers and a staircase. It was likely used for storage and distribution of grain to city inhabitants, implying centralized control. Granaries symbolized affluence and food security for urban growth.
62. Buddha attained parinibbana at which age?
[A] 70 [B] 75 [C] 80 [D] 85
Answer: C [80]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath. At the age of 80, he finally attained at Kusinara (lying in Mallas). It is believed that his last words were, “All composite things decay, strive diligently”.
