This section covers 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.
Indus Valley Civilization
Q1. The famous female figurine known as “Dancing Girl,” found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of: [2025]
- (a) carnelian
- (b) clay
- (c) bronze
- (d) gold
Answer: (c)
Q2. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? [2021]
- (a) Dholavira
- (b) Kalibangan
- (c) Rakhigarhi
- (d) Ropar
Answer: (a)
Q3. Which one of the following is not a Harappan Site? [2019]
- (a) Chanhudaro
- (b) Kot Diji
- (c) Sohagaura
- (d) Desalpur
Answer: (c)
Q4. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization? [2013]
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) None of the statements given above is correct
Answer: (b)
Q5. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: [2011]
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.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Q6. 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) | List-II (Archaeological finding) |
|---|---|
| A. Lothal | 1. Ploughed field |
| B. Kalibangan | 2. Dockyard |
| C. Dholavira | 3. Terracotta replica of a plough |
| D. Banawali | 4. An inscription comprising ten large sized signs of the Harappan script |
Codes:
- (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
- (b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
- (c) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
- (d) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
Answer: (b)
Q7. Which one of the following animals was not represented seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture? [2001]
- (a) Cow
- (b) Elephant
- (c) Rhinoceros
- (d) Tiger
Answer: (a)
Vedic Civilization
Q8. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2017]
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Q9. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of [2012]
- (a) Bhakti
- (b) image worship and Yajnas
- (c) worship of nature and Yajnas
- (d) worship of nature and Bhakti
Answer: (c)
Q10. 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.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Q11. Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells? [2004]
- (a) Rigveda
- (b) Yajurveda
- (c) Atharvaveda
- (d) Samaveda
Answer: (c)
Q12. The term ‘Aryan’ denotes: [1999]
- (a) an ethnic group
- (b) a nomadic people
- (c) a speech group
- (d) a superior race
Answer: (c)
Q13. The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is: [1996]
- (a) Sindhu
- (b) Sutudri
- (c) Sarasvati
- (d) Ganga
Answer: (a)
Q14. In the context of ancient Indian society which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three? [1996]
- (a) Kula
- (b) Vamsa
- (c) Kosa
- (d) Gotra
Answer: (c)
Q15. According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons (yugas) is: [1996]
- (a) Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali
- (b) Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali
- (c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali
- (d) Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita
Answer: (c)
Q16. Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas? [1995]
- (a) Lopamudra
- (b) Gargi
- (c) Leelavati
- (d) Savitri
Answer: (a)
Q17. The word ‘Hindu’ as reference to the people of Hind (India) was first used by: [1995]
- (a) the Greeks
- (b) the Romans
- (c) the Chinese
- (d) the Arabs
Answer: (d)
Magadha Empire
Q18. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion? [2000]
- (a) Nanda
- (b) Maurya
- (c) Sunga
- (d) Kanva
Answer: (a)
Q19. Which one of the following was initially the most powerful city state of India in the 6th century B.C.? [1999]
- (a) Gandhar
- (b) Kamboj
- (c) Kashi
- (d) Magadh
Answer: (d)
Q20. The following map shows four of the sixteen Mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India [1997]
The places marked A, B, C and D respectively are:
- (a) Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga
- (b) Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha
- (c) Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga
- (d) Surasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha
Answer: (c)
Maurya Empire
Q21. Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’, and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the: [2025]
- (a) village-level administration
- (b) district-level administration
- (c) provincial administration
- (d) level of the central administration
Answer: (b)
Q22. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?: “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” [2020]
- (a) Ashoka
- (b) Samudragupta
- (c) Harshavardhana
- (d) Krishna Deva Raya
Answer: (a)
Q23. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? [2019]
- (a) Kanganahalli
- (b) Sanchi
- (c) Shahbazgarhi
- (d) Sohgaura
Answer: (a)
Q24. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka? [2016]
- (a) George Buhler
- (b) James Prinsep
- (c) Max Muller
- (d) William Jones
Answer: (b)
Q25. 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.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
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.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) Only 2
- (c) Only 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Q26. Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire.
Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. [2000]
Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. [2000]
- (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (a)
Q27. Assertion (A): According to Ashoka’s edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion.
Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion. [1998]
Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion. [1998]
- (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (a)
Q28. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilised during the crises in the country? [1998]
- (a) Sohgaura Copper-plate
- (b) Rummindei Pillar-edict of Ashoka
- (c) Prayaga-prasasti
- (d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Answer: (a)
Q29. The given map relates to: [1998]
- (a) Kanishka at the time of his death.
- (b) Samudragupta after the close of his South Indian
- (c) Ashoka towards close of his reign.
- (d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of Harsha’s accession.
Answer: (c)
Q30. The Ashoka major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts: [1998]
- (a) I and X
- (b) I and XI
- (c) II and XIII
- (d) II and XIV
Answer: (c)
Q31. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? [1998]
1. Lothal: Ancient dockyard
2. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir: Lion capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning
2. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir: Lion capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
- (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- (b) 3 and 4
- (c) 1, 2 and 4
- (d) 1 and 2
Answer: (c)
Q32. Which one of the following statements regarding Ashoka stone pillars is incorrect? [1997]
- (a) These are highly polished
- (b) These are monolithic
- (c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
- (d) These are parts of architectural structures
Answer: (d)
Q33. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Ashoka? [1997]
- (a) Kalsi
- (b) Rummindei
- (c) Special Kalinga Edict
- (d) Maski
Answer: (d)
Q34. The name by which Asoka is generally referred to in his inscriptions is [1995]
- (a) Chakravarti
- (b) Dharmadeva
- (c) Dharmakirti
- (d) Priyadarsi
Answer: (d)
Gupta
Q35. Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of: [2025]
- (a) Samudragupta
- (b) Chandragupta II
- (c) Kumaragupta I
- (d) Skandagupta
Answer: (b)
Q36. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as [2020]
- (a) ports handling foreign trade
- (b) capital of powerful kingdoms
- (c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture
- (d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centres
Answer: (a)
Q37. With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote [2020]
- (a) measurement of land
- (b) coins of different monetary value
- (c) classification of urban land
- (d) religious rituals
Answer: (a)
Q38. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? [2019]
- (a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
- (b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
- (c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
- (d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
Answer: (a)
Q39. The Allahabad Pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following? [2006]
- (a) Mahapadma Nanda
- (b) Chandragupta Maurya
- (c) Ashoka
- (d) Samudragupta
Answer: (d)
Q40. 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]
Reason (R): There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period. [2000]
- (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (b)
Q41. Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period? [1999]
- (a) Tamralipti
- (b) Broach
- (c) Kalyan
- (d) Cambray
Answer: (a)
Q42. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called: [1997]
- (a) Rupaka
- (b) Karshapana
- (c) Dinara
- (d) Pana
Answer: (a)
Q43. In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period women and Sudras speak: [1995]
- (a) Sanskrit
- (b) Prakrit
- (c) Pali
- (d) Sauraseni
Answer: (b)
Harsha
Q44. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: [2020]
1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Q45. 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.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 & 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 & 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Q46. Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly.
Reason (R): He wanted to popularize only the Mahayana form of Buddhism. [2001]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Reason (R): He wanted to popularize only the Mahayana form of Buddhism. [2001]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (b)
South India
Q47. Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara’? [2025]
- (a) Mahendravarman I
- (b) Simhavishnu
- (c) Narasimhavarman I
- (d) Simhavarman
Answer: (a)
Q48. Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands? [2025]
- (a) Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)
- (b) Prataparudra (Kakatiya)
- (c) Rajendra I (Chola)
- (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)
Answer: (c)
Q49. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as [2023]
- (a) Capital cities
- (b) Ports
- (c) Centres of iron-and-steel making
- (d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
Answer: (b)
Q50. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems? [2023]
- (a) Kings employing women bodyguards
- (b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
- (c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
- (d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
Answer: (d)
Q51. Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire? [2006]
- (a) Amostghavarsha I
- (b) Dantidurga
- (c) Dhruva
- (d) Krishna I
Answer: (b)
Q52. 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.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/ are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Q53. Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by: [2003]
- (a) Pulakesin-I
- (b) Pulakesin-II
- (c) Vikramaditya-I
- (d) Vikramaditya-II
Answer: (b)
Q54. 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
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South-East Asia and conquered some of the areas
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
Answer: (c)
Q55. Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon? [2001]
- (a) Aditya-I
- (b) Rajaraja-I
- (c) Rajendra
- (d) Vijayalaya
Answer: (c)
Q56. Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? [1997]
- (a) Chaturvedimangalam
- (b) Parishad
- (c) Ashtadikgaja
- (d) Manigrama
Answer: (d)
Miscellaneous
Q57. The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was: [2025]
- (a) a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley
- (b) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
- (c) a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
- (d) a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand
Answer: (b)
Q58. With reference to ancient India (600–322 BC), consider the following pairs: [2025]
Territorial Region
River Flowing in the Region
I. Asmaka
Godavari
II. Kamboja
Vipas
III. Avanti
Mahanadi
IV. Kosala
Sarayu
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) Only three
- (d) All the four
Answer: (b)
Q59. Consider the following pairs: [2022]
King
Dynasty
1. Nannuka
Chandela
2. Jayashakti
Paramara
3. Nagabhata II
Gurjara-Pratihara
4. Bhoja
Rashtrakuta
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
- (a) Only one pair
- (b) Only two pairs
- (c) Only three pairs
- (d) All four pairs
Answer: (b)
Q60. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following were holding power in Northern India? [2021]
- The Guptas of Magadha
- The Paramaras of Malwa
- The Pushyabutis of Thanesar
- The Maukharis of Kanauj
- The Yadavas of Devagiri
- The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1, 2 and 5 only
- (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 5 and 6 only
Answer: (b)
Q61. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2021]
- Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes.
- In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim the right to the property during the lifetime of the father whereas, in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim the right to the property.
- The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (b)
Q62. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period? [2020]
- (a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
- (b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
- (c) A bill of exchange
- (d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
Answer: (c)
Q63. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: [2020]
| Famous Place | Present State |
|---|---|
| (1) Bhilsa | Madhya Pradesh |
| (2) Dwarasamudra | Maharashtra |
| (3) Girinagar | Gujarat |
| (4) Sthaneshwara | Uttar Pradesh |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4 only
Answer: (a)
Q64. Consider the following events in the history of India: [2020]
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
3. Establishment of Chola Parantaka – I
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
3. Establishment of Chola Parantaka – I
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
- (a) 2-1-4-3
- (b) 3-1-4-2
- (c) 2-4-1-3
- (d) 3-4-1-2
Answer: (c)
Q65. Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom? [2017]
- (a) Kakinada
- (b) Motupalli
- (c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
- (d) Nelluru
Answer: (b)
Q66. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: [2016]
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| (1) Eripatti | Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank |
| (2) Taniyurs | Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins |
| (3) Ghatikas | Colleges generally attached to the temples |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (d)
Q67. 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? [2013]
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
Answer: (b)
Q68. 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
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Q69. 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]
(a) As compared to other countries, India had a better ship- building technology in ancient and medieval times.
(b) The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context.
(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context
Answer: (c)
Q70. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located? [2006]
(a) Indus and Jhelum
(b) Jhelum and Chenab
(c) Chenab and Ravi
(d) Ravi and Beas
Answer: (a)
Q71. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order? [2006]
(a) Greeks-Sakas-Kushanas
(b) Greeks-Kushanas-Sakas
(c) Sakas-Greeks-Kushanas
(d) Sakas-Kushanas-Greeks
Answer: (a)
Q72. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three? [2005]
(a) Bimbsara
(b) Gautama Buddha
(c) Milinda
(d) Prasenjit
Answer: (c)
Q73. The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the: [2000]
(a) Greeks
(b) Shakas
(c) Parthians
(d) Mughals
Answer: (a)
Q74. From the third century AD when the Hun invasion ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the: [1999]
(a) African trade
(b) West-European trade
(c) South-East Asian trade
(d) Middle-Eastern trade
Answer: (c)
Q75. The following persons came to India at one time or another: [1999]
1. Fa-Hien
2. I-Tsing
3. Megasthanese
4. Hieun-Tsang
The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:
2. I-Tsing
3. Megasthanese
4. Hieun-Tsang
The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:
(a) 3, 1, 2, 4
(b) 3, 1, 4, 2
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2
Answer: (b)
Q76. The Indo-Greek Kingdom set up in north Afghanistan in the beginning of the second century B.C. was: [1999]
(a) Bactria
(b) Scythia
(c) Zedrasia
(d) Aria
Answer: (a)
Q77. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utlised during the crisis in the country? [1998]
(a) Sohagaura Copper Plate
(b) Rumminedei Pillar – edict of Ashoka
(c) Prayaga – Prasasti
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Answer: (a)
Q78. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? [1998]
1. Gold coins
2. Punch marked silver coins
3. Iron plough
4. Urban culture
2. Punch marked silver coins
3. Iron plough
4. Urban culture
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1
Answer: (d)
Q79. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the: [1996]
List-I
A. Gupta
B. Chandella
C. Chalukya
D. Pallava
A. Gupta
B. Chandella
C. Chalukya
D. Pallava
List-II
1. Badami
2. Panamalai
3. Khajuraho
4. Deogarh
1. Badami
2. Panamalai
3. Khajuraho
4. Deogarh
(a) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
(b) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
(c) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
(d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Answer: (a)
Q80. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer (using codes given below the lists): [1995]
List-I (Eras)
A. Vikrama Era
B. Saka Era
C. Gupta Era
D. Kali Era
A. Vikrama Era
B. Saka Era
C. Gupta Era
D. Kali Era
List-II (Reckoned Era)
1. 3102 B.C.
2. 320 A.D.
3. 78 A.D.
4. 58 B.C.
5. 248 A.D.
1. 3102 B.C.
2. 320 A.D.
3. 78 A.D.
4. 58 B.C.
5. 248 A.D.
Codes
(a) A-2, B-4, C-5, D-1
(b) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
(c) A-4, B-5, C-2, D-3
(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Answer: (d)
Q81. The term ‘Yavanapriya’ mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts denoted: [1995]
(a) a fine variety of Indian Muslim
(b) ivory
(c) damsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
(d) pepper
Answer: (d)