This is the second part UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions (PYQs) related to Ancient Indian History. It includes authentic questions along with answers to help build conceptual clarity and factual understanding.
Q1. Assertion (A): The emphasis of Jainism on non-violence (ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism.
Reason (R): Cultivation involved killing of insects and pests. [2000]
✅ Correct
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
❌ Incorrect
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
❌ Incorrect
(c) A is true but R is false
❌ Incorrect
(d) A is false but R is true
Q2. Assertion (A): The origin of feudal system in ancient India can be traced to military campaigns.
Reason (R): There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period. [2000]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
✅ Correct
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
❌ Incorrect
(c) A is true but R is false
❌ Incorrect
(d) A is false but R is true
Q3. Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire.
Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. [2000]
✅ Correct
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
❌ Incorrect
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
❌ Incorrect
(c) A is true but R is false
❌ Incorrect
(d) A is false but R is true
Q4. The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the: [2000]
✅ Correct
(a) Greeks
❌ Incorrect
(b) Shakas
❌ Incorrect
(c) Parthians
❌ Incorrect
(d) Mughals
Q5. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander's invasion? [2000]
✅ Correct
(a) Nanda
❌ Incorrect
(b) Maurya
❌ Incorrect
(c) Sunga
❌ Incorrect
(d) Kanva
Q6. Hoysala monuments are found in: [2001]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Hampi and Hosper
✅ Correct
(b) Halebid and Belur
❌ Incorrect
(c) Mysore and Bangalore
❌ Incorrect
(d) Sringeri and Dharwar
Q7. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? [2001]
❌ Incorrect
(a) The Harappan civilization - Painted Greyware
✅ Correct
(b) The Kushans - Gandhara School of Art
❌ Incorrect
(c) The Mughals - Ajanta Paintings
❌ Incorrect
(d) The Marathas - Pahari School of Painting
Q8. Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly. [2001]
Reason (R): He wanted to popularize only the Mahayana form of Buddhism.
❌ Incorrect
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
✅ Correct
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
❌ Incorrect
(c) A is true but R is false
❌ Incorrect
(d) A is false but R is true
Q9. Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon? [2001]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Aditya-I
❌ Incorrect
(b) Rajaraja-I
✅ Correct
(c) Rajendra
❌ Incorrect
(d) Vijayalaya
Q10. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir? [2001]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Parsva
❌ Incorrect
(b) Nagarjuna
❌ Incorrect
(c) Sudraka
✅ Correct
(d) Vasumitra
Q11. Which one of the following animals was not represented in seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture? [2001]
✅ Correct
(a) Cow
❌ Incorrect
(b) Elephant
❌ Incorrect
(c) Rhinoceros
❌ Incorrect
(d) Tiger
Q12. Match List-I (Ancient site) with List-II (Archaeological finding) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [2002]
List-I (Ancient site)
- A. Lothal
- B. Kalibangan
- C. Dholavira
- D. Banawali
List-II (Archaeological finding)
- 1. Ploughed field
- 2. Dockyard
- 3. Terracotta replica of a plough
- 4. An inscription comprising ten large sized signs of the Harappan script
Q13. Which one of the following statements is not correct? [2002]
❌ Incorrect
(a) The statue of Gomateshwara at Shravana Belagola represents the last Tirthankara of Jains
❌ Incorrect
(b) India's largest Buddhist monastery is in Arunachal Pradesh
❌ Incorrect
(c) Khajuraho temples were built under Chandela kings
❌ Incorrect
(d) Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Siva
Q14. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the: [2002]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Occasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speakers, one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
✅ Correct
(b) Confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
❌ Incorrect
(c) Ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and yellow robes are offered
❌ Incorrect
(d) Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full-moon day of Ashadha when they take up a fixed abode for the next four months of the rainy season
Q15. The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt has its subject on: [2002]
❌ Incorrect
(a) A conflict between Gods and Demons of ancient Hindu lore
❌ Incorrect
(b) A romantic story of an Aryan prince and a tribal woman
❌ Incorrect
(c) The story of the power struggle between two Aryans
✅ Correct
(d) The court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta
Q16. Emperor Harsha's southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by: [2003]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Pulakesin-I
✅ Correct
(b) Pulakesin-II
❌ Incorrect
(c) Vikramaditya-I
❌ Incorrect
(d) Vikramaditya-II
Q17. Consider the following statements: [2003]
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South-East Asia and conquered some of the areas.
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 only
❌ Incorrect
(b) 2 only
✅ Correct
(c) Both 1 and 2
❌ Incorrect
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q18. ‘Mrichchhakatika', an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka deals with (2003)
✅ Correct
(a) The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan
❌ Incorrect
(b) The victory of Chandragupta II over the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India
❌ Incorrect
(c) The military expeditions and exploits of Samudragupta
❌ Incorrect
(d) The love affairs between a Gupta king and a princess of Kamarupa
Q19. Consider the following statements [2003]
1. Vardhaman Mahavira's mother was the daughter of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka
2. Gautama Buddha's mother was a princess from the Koshalan dynasty
3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, belonged to Benaras
❌ Incorrect
(a) Only 1
❌ Incorrect
(b) Only 2
✅ Correct
(c) 2 and 3
❌ Incorrect
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q20. Consider the following statements: [2003]
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana Minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 and 2
❌ Incorrect
(b) Only 2
❌ Incorrect
(c) Only 3
✅ Correct
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q21. Consider the following statements: [2004]
1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka.
2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism.
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 only
❌ Incorrect
(b) 2 only
❌ Incorrect
(c) Both 1 & 2
✅ Correct
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q22. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct? [2004]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu.
❌ Incorrect
(b) The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the council held at Pataliputra.
✅ Correct
(c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharaavela in the first century BC.
❌ Incorrect
(d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jainas worshipped images unlike the Buddhist.
Q23. Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells? [2004]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Rigveda
❌ Incorrect
(b) Yajurveda
✅ Correct
(c) Atharvaveda
❌ Incorrect
(d) Samaveda
Q24. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three? [2005]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Bimbsara
❌ Incorrect
(b) Gautama Buddha
✅ Correct
(c) Milinda
❌ Incorrect
(d) Prasenjit
Q25. Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire? [2006]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Amostghavarsha I
✅ Correct
(b) Dantidurga
❌ Incorrect
(c) Dhruva
❌ Incorrect
(d) Krishna I
Q26. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located? [2006]
✅ Correct
(a) Indus and Jhelum
❌ Incorrect
(b) Jhelum and Chenab
❌ Incorrect
(c) Chenab and Ravi
❌ Incorrect
(d) Ravi and Beas
Q27. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order? [2006]
✅ Correct
(a) Greeks-Sakas-Kushanas
❌ Incorrect
(b) Greeks- Kushanas-Sakas
❌ Incorrect
(c) Sakas-Greeks- Kushanas
❌ Incorrect
(d) Sakas-Kushanas-Greeks
Q28. Consider the following statements: [2006]
1. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism.
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 only
✅ Correct
(b) 2 only
❌ Incorrect
(c) Both 1 and 2
❌ Incorrect
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q29. The Allahabad Pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following? [2006]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
❌ Incorrect
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
❌ Incorrect
(c) Ashoka
✅ Correct
(d) Samudragupta
Q30. What does Baudhayan theorem (Baudhayan Sulva Sutras) relate to? [2008]
✅ Correct
(a) Lengths of sides of a right angled triangle
❌ Incorrect
(b) Calculation of the value of pi
❌ Incorrect
(c) Logarithmic calculations
❌ Incorrect
(d) Normal distribution curve
Q31. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following? [2009]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Buddhism
✅ Correct
(b) Jainism
❌ Incorrect
(c) Sikkhism
❌ Incorrect
(d) Vaishnavism
Q32. There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings? [2010]
✅ Correct
(a) Bagh caves
❌ Incorrect
(b) Ellora caves
❌ Incorrect
(c) Lomas Rishi cave
❌ Incorrect
(d) Nasik caves
Q33. India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations? [2011-I]
❌ Incorrect
(a) As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times
❌ Incorrect
(b) The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context.
✅ Correct
(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
❌ Incorrect
(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context
Q34. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by [2011]
✅ Correct
(a) Universal Law
❌ Incorrect
(b) Universal Truth
❌ Incorrect
(c) Universal Faith
❌ Incorrect
(d) Universal Soul
Q36. The "Dharma" and "Rita" depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: [2011]
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.
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 only
❌ Incorrect
(b) 2 only
✅ Correct
(c) Both 1 and 2
❌ Incorrect
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q37. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? [2012]
1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by the 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 the 7th century AD.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 and 2 only
❌ Incorrect
(b) 3 and 4 only
✅ Correct
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
❌ Incorrect
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q38. 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:
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 only
✅ Correct
(b) 2 and 3 only
❌ Incorrect
(c) 1 and 3 only
❌ Incorrect
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q39. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the [1995, 2012]
❌ Incorrect
(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
❌ Incorrect
(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
✅ Correct
(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
❌ Incorrect
(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
Q40. Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes [2012]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Buddha's calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
✅ Correct
(b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
❌ Incorrect
(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
❌ Incorrect
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Q41. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of [2012]
❌ Incorrect
(a) Bhakti
❌ Incorrect
(b) image worship and Yajnas
✅ Correct
(c) worship of nature and Yajnas
❌ Incorrect
(d) worship of nature and Bhakti
Q42. 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? [2012]
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
❌ Incorrect
(a) 1 and 2 only
❌ Incorrect
(b) 3 only
✅ Correct
(c) 2 and 3 only
❌ Incorrect
(d) 1, 2 and 3
More Prelims PYQs
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