ANCIENT HISTORY MCQ

01. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:

1.It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene,

2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution (c)

02. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization? 

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.

2. They worshipped both male and female deities.

3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(e) 1, 2 and 3
(d)  None of the statements given above is correct

Solution (b)



03. The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India, In this context, consider the following statements:

1.Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.

2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution (c) 

03. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of

(a) Bhakti
(b) image worship and Yajnas
(c) worship of nature and Yajnas
(d) worship of nature and Bhakti

Solution (c) 

04. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?                                                     

A. Mimamsa and Vedanta

B. Nyaya and Vaisheshika

C. Lokayata and Kapalika

D. Sankhya and Yoga

Solution (c)

05. The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from                                                                                                       

A. Katha Upanishad

B. Chandogya Upanishad

C. Aitareya Upanishad

D. Mundaka Upanishad

Solution (d)

06. Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?  

A. 22 March (or 21st March)

B. 15th May (or 16th May)

C. 31st March (or  30th March)

D. 21st April (or 20th April

Solution (a)


07. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

(a.) Universal Law
(b.) Universal Truth
(c.) Universal Faith
(d.) Universal Soul

Solution (a) 

08. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?(2012)

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.

2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas

3. Denial of efficacy of rituals

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :


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

Solution (b) 

09. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes

(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation

(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory

(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context

Solution (b) 

10. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.

2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.

3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

Solution (d) 

11. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? 

(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks.

(b)Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks.

(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it.

(d) There is no material difference between the two.

Solution (b) 

12. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension

Solution (c)

13. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 

1. Avanti

2. Gandhara

3. Kosala

4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 2 and 4
C. 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4

Solution (d)



14. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is /are correct?

1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.

2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.

3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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

Solution (d)

15. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct?

1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD.

2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD.

3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.

4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution (c) 

16. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 

1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.

2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.

3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

Solution (b) 

MODERN HISTORY TOP 26 MCQ.

01.Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942?

(a.) It was a non-violent movement

(b.) It was led by Mahatma Gandhi

(c.) It was a spontaneous movement

(d.) It did not attract the labour class in general

Solution (b)

02.Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century?

(a.) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation- of tribal products

(b.) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas

(c.) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas

(d.) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities

Solution (d)

03. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:  

(a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third

(b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land

(c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom

(d) writing off all peasant debts

Solution (a)

04.Quit India Movement was launched in response to

(a) Cabinet Mission Plan

(b) Cripps Proposals

(c) Simon Commission Report

(d) Wavell Plan

Solution (b)

05.The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because: 

(a) Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919

(b) Simon Commission recommended the abolition of  Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces

(c) there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission

(d) the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country

Solution (c)



06. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, “Unto this Last” and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi?.

(a.) Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man

(b.) The good of individual is contained in the good of all

(c.) The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life

(d.) All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context

Solution (b)

07.With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for

(a.) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement

(b.) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference

(c.) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army

(d.) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Solution (a)

08. What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?

1.The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.

2.The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution (a)

09.Consider the following statements :

The most effective contribution made by DadabhaiNaoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he

1.exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British

2.interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians

3.stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Solution (a)

10. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?

1.The Peasants and Workers Party of India

2.All India Scheduled Castes Federation

3.The Independent Labour Party

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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

Solution (b)

11. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because

(a) Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations

(b) Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion

(c) Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context

Solution (c)

12. Annie Besant was

1.responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement

2.the founder of the Theo-sophical Society

3.once the President of the Indian National Congress

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

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

Solution (c)


13. The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

(a) imposition restrictions the Indians of certain to carry arms by Indians

(b) imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages

(c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans

(d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth

Solution (c)

14. With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home Charges” formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted “Home Charges”?


1.Funds used to support the India Office in London.

2.Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India.

3.Funds used for waging wars outside India by the British.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Solution (b)

15. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding BrahmoSamaj? 

1.It opposed idolatry.

2.It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts.

3.It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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

Solution (b)



16. With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report?

1.Complete Independence for India.

2.Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities.

3.Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the Constitution.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

17. What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W. S. Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893?

(a.) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons

(b.) To campaign for. the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary

(c.) To facilitate a discussion on India’s Independence in the British Parliament

(d.) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament

Solution (a)

18. The Rowlatt Act aimed at: 

(a) compulsory economic support to war efforts

(b) imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial

(c) suppression of the Khilafat Movement

(d) imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press

Solution(b)

19. The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because..

1.the Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence

2.the rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session

3. a resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above

Solution (a)

20. During Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation? 

(a) Different social reform groups or organizations of Bengal region united to form a single body to discuss the issues of larger interest and to prepare appropriate petitions/representations to the government.

(b) Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose

(c) BehramjiMalabari and M. G. Ranade decided to bring together all the social reform groups of the country under one organization

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context.

Solution (d)

21. With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were

(a) directly elected by the people of those Province

(b) nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League

(c) elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies

(d) selected by the Government for their expertise in constitutional matters

Solution (c)

22. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until               

A. the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended.

B. King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Darbar in Delhi in 1911.

C. Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement.

D. the Partition of India, in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan.

Solution (B)

23. The 1929 Session of Indian, National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the                                                      

A.attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress

B.attainment of Poorna Swaraj Was adopted as the goal of the Congress

C. Non-Cooperation Movement was launched

D. decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken

Solution (B)

24. The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a                                                              

A. Revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco.

B. nationalist organization operating from Singapore

C. militant organization with headquarters at Berlin

D. communist movement for India’s freedom with head-quarters at Tashkent

Solution (A)

25. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)? 

1.To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States.

2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown.

3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Solution (a)

26. The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to                                       

A. solve the problem of minorities in India

B. give effect to the Independence Bill

C. delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan

D. enquire into the riots in East Bengal

Solution (c)

Ancient Indian History 20 MCQ.

01. Aihole Inscription is ascribed to

Pulkeshin II rulers.

02.“Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” ” Lead us from Darkness to Light”, this comes from 

Brahadaranyaka Upanishadas.

03. There is only one Rock Edict in which Asoka talks about taxation that is the 

Rummindei Pillar Inscription edict.

04. Although the Gupta rulers issued the largest number of 

gold coins, their gold content, particularly after Skandagupta was very low. This justifies the deteriorating economy in the later Gupta era. 

05. The temple of Konark was built by Narasimha of the 

Ganga Dynasty.

06. Rigveda Samhita denotes one-fourth of its hymns to 

Agni.

07. Red sandstone was used to create sculptures in the Mathura school of art that flourished around 

1st century AD.

08. In ancient India, the area around Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Burma modern areas was known as 

“Golden Chersonese”.

09. The ancient Indian text Panchasiddhantika deals with the 5 principles of 

Astronomy.

10. Varahamihira wrote Panchasiddhantika(Five schools of Astronomy) in which he focused on three different branches of astronomy as studied during the period and they were; 

astronomy and mathematics, astrology.

11. Gandhara School of art is related to 

Kushanas dynasties.

12. Greeks started the practice of military governships in India, by leaving the military governors called “Strategos” in India

[Alexander is said to have left the Strategos as military governors in the area which he won and ruled]

13. Sindhu river is most described in 

Rig-Veda.

14. In Vedic Era, Akhyani is the goddess of 

Forests.

15. The Kadamba Dynasty was founded by 

Mayursharman.

16. Bhabru edict is known as an edict in which Asoka expressed faith in 

Buddhist Creed.

17. Agnimitra succeeded 

Pushyamitra Shunga.

18. Nanda Dynasty was ruling in India when 

Alexander invaded India.

19. In Greek texts, Bindusara has been mentioned as 

Amitrochates.

20. The Golden age of the “Gupta Literary Renaissance” is said to be the reign 

of Chandragupta II.

Ancient Indian History 18 MCQ.

01. To perform Judicial Functions, Rajukas were appointed by 

Asoka.

02. Gurmukhi, Dogri, Sindhi scripts of modern India has descended from the 

Sarda Script.

03. Sarada is a script of the Brahmic family of scripts, developed around the 8th century. It was used for writing 

Sanskrit and Kashmiri.

04. The Gurmukhi script was developed from Sarada by 

Guru Angad. 

05. There are several variants of Sarada Scripts such as 

Takkari or Tankari which is the parent of the Dogri script, Kului script (Kullu in Himachal Pradesh), Chameali Script (in Chamba Himachal Pradesh), Sindhi, Bania of Punjab etc.

06. The “Siddhimatrika” script was one of the forms of writing Sanskrit in ancient India. This script, which made Sanskrit works known in China and Japan was developed during the times of ___

Harsha.

[Notes: During the times of Harsha, a script called Siddhimatrika was developed which is sometimes called Harsha Script. Siddhimatrika was the form of writing in which Sanskrit works became known in China and Japan]

07. The ‘Saptanga Theory of State’ (Theory of Seven Limbs of the State) was propounded by 

Kautilya in Arthashastra.

08. The doctrine of ‘Vyuhavada’ is associated with which among the following Sects (or) cults of India? 

Vaishnavism.

09. Which among the following Vedic Texts gives a systematic exposition of the ‘theory of rebirth’ for the first time? 

Chhandogya Upanishad.

10. The evidence of ‘pit-dwelling’ have been discovered from which of the following ancient Indian sites? 

Burzahom and Gufkaral.

11. The first astronomical observatory of Harappan Civilization has been found at which among the following ancient Indian sites? 

Dholavira.

12. Kalidasa was a renowned Sanskrit poet and dramatist of 

Gupta period. 

13.Kumarasambhavam and Ritusamhara are his 

two epic works.

14.nine gems in the court of 

Chandragupta II Vikramaditya.

15. Purandara, Varuna, Savitri, Usha deities were associated with the 

‘Rig Vedic Period’.

[Indra (also known as Purandra that meaning is ‘breaker of forts’) Agni, Soma, Varuna (Upholder of the cosmic order) Asvins, Maruts, Mitra, Ushas (Goddess of Dawn), Savitri (Deity invoked in the Gayatri mantra), Pushan, Dyaus, and Prithvi were some of the major deities of Rig Vedic Period. They were invoked for their blessings by the Vedic Aryans.]

16. The Harappan seals were used for marking 

goods and bales of merchandise.

17. Establishment of Svetambara as a separate sect within Jainism has resulted at 

Vallabhi.

[It was an outcome of Jain monks council meeting held in the year of 453 or 466 CE]

18. As per ancient Indian Texts, the land between the Saraswati river and Drsadvati River
two rivers have been called 


“Brahamavarta”.