NetMock

Fortune Favours The Bold

Indian History MCQs 42 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)

by ·

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Here are 10 unique statement-based MCQs (11-20) on Ancient Indian History with answers and explanations using the spoiler code format:

11. Consider the following statements about the Indus Valley Civilization:

  1. The largest Harappan site in India is Dholavira.
  2. Lothal was an important trading center and had a dockyard.
  3. The Harappans primarily used copper and bronze tools instead of iron.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (c) 1, 2, and 3

📖 Explanation:

  • Dholavira, located in Gujarat, is the largest Harappan site in India. ✅
  • Lothal was an important port city with evidence of a dockyard and maritime trade. ✅
  • The Harappans did not use iron; they primarily used copper and bronze tools. ✅

12. With reference to Vedic literature, consider the following statements:

  1. The Brahmanas explain the meaning and significance of Vedic hymns.
  2. The Aranyakas are also called the ‘forest texts.’
  3. The Upanishads mainly deal with rituals and sacrifices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Brahmanas are prose texts that explain the significance of Vedic hymns and rituals. ✅
  • The Aranyakas, or ‘forest texts,’ form a bridge between the Brahmanas and the Upanishads. ✅
  • The Upanishads focus on philosophy and spirituality, not on rituals and sacrifices. ❌

13. Consider the following statements about the Mahajanapadas:

  1. Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanapada during Buddha’s time.
  2. The capital of Kosala was Taxila.
  3. The Mahajanapadas were ruled by either monarchies or republics.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 and 2 only

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

📖 Explanation:

  • Magadha was the most dominant Mahajanapada during Buddha’s time. ✅
  • The capital of Kosala was Shravasti, not Taxila (which was the capital of Gandhara). ❌
  • The Mahajanapadas had either monarchies (Magadha, Kosala) or republics (Vajji, Malla). ✅

14. With reference to Jainism, consider the following statements:

  1. Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism.
  2. Jainism does not believe in the concept of rebirth.
  3. The principle of ‘Anekantavada’ is unique to Jainism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 only

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

📖 Explanation:

  • Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. ✅
  • Jainism believes in the concept of rebirth and karma, similar to Hinduism and Buddhism. ❌
  • Anekantavada (the doctrine of multiple perspectives) is a key philosophical concept in Jainism. ✅

15. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism:

  1. The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgir under the patronage of Ajatashatru.
  2. Mahayana Buddhism believes in idol worship and the concept of Bodhisattvas.
  3. The Buddhist text ‘Dhammapada’ is part of the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgir under Ajatashatru’s patronage to compile the teachings of Buddha. ✅
  • Mahayana Buddhism introduced idol worship and the concept of Bodhisattvas. ✅
  • The Dhammapada is part of the Sutta Pitaka, not the Abhidhamma Pitaka. ❌

16. Consider the following statements about the Mauryan Empire:

  1. The Arthashastra was written during the Mauryan period.
  2. The Mauryan economy was primarily based on trade and industry rather than agriculture.
  3. The empire had a centralized administrative system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 3 only

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (Chanakya), provides a detailed account of governance during the Mauryan period. ✅
  • The Mauryan economy was primarily agrarian, though trade and industry were significant. ❌
  • The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administrative system with officials like Amatyas and Mahamatras. ✅

17. With reference to the Gupta period, consider the following statements:

  1. The concept of zero and the decimal system were fully developed.
  2. The Gupta rulers maintained a highly centralized administration similar to the Mauryas.
  3. The famous Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was erected during the Gupta period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 only

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Gupta period saw major advancements in mathematics, including the concept of zero and the decimal system. ✅
  • The Gupta administration was decentralized, unlike the Mauryan system. ❌
  • The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, attributed to Chandragupta II, is a significant metallurgical achievement of the Gupta period. ✅

 

18. Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Valley Civilization:

  1. Harappan settlements were primarily located along the Indus and its tributaries.
  2. The people of this civilization had knowledge of cotton cultivation.
  3. The use of iron tools has been discovered at many Indus Valley sites.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • Harappan settlements were located along the Indus and its tributaries, with key sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira. ✅
  • Evidence of cotton cultivation has been found at Mehrgarh, indicating that Harappans used cotton fabrics. ✅
  • Iron tools were not used by the Harappans; they primarily used copper and bronze tools. ❌

19. With reference to the Vedic period, consider the following statements:

  1. The term ‘Rashtra’ is mentioned in the Rig Veda, indicating an early form of statehood.
  2. Women in the Vedic period were allowed to participate in religious rituals.
  3. The Rig Veda was composed during the Later Vedic period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The term ‘Rashtra’ appears in the Rig Veda, indicating an early concept of territorial governance. ✅
  • Women had a respected position in early Vedic society and could participate in religious rituals. ✅
  • The Rig Veda was composed during the Early Vedic period, not the Later Vedic period. ❌

20. Consider the following statements about the Mauryan Empire:

  1. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Kumara.
  2. Ashoka’s Dhamma was influenced by Buddhist and Jain philosophies.
  3. The Kalinga War took place before Ashoka’s accession to the throne.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces (e.g., Taxila, Ujjain), each ruled by a Kumara (prince). ✅
  • Ashoka’s Dhamma was influenced by Buddhism, Jainism, and other ethical teachings promoting non-violence and tolerance. ✅
  • The Kalinga War occurred after Ashoka’s accession to the throne, not before. ❌

 

You may also like...

error: Content is protected !!