SSC CGL Tier 2 Level Test: Ancient History -1 - SSC CGL MCQ

The Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE) is renowned for its advanced urban planning, characterized by grid-patterned streets, standardized burnt bricks, and efficient drainage systems. Major sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro had well-planned layouts with public structures like the Great Bath and granaries, ruling out options A, C, and D.

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE with the guidance of his mentor, Chanakya. Ashoka was his grandson, Bindusara was his son, and Bimbisara was a ruler of Magadha before the Mauryan period.

The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas, composed during the Early Vedic Period (1500–1000 BCE). It contains hymns dedicated to various deities and provides insights into the social and religious life of the time. The other Vedas were composed later.

Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada in the 6th–4th century BCE under rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. Their policies of conquest, alliances, and administrative reforms strengthened Magadha, paving the way for the Mauryan Empire.

The Great Bath, a large water tank likely used for religious or communal purposes, is a prominent feature of Mohenjo-Daro. It showcases the advanced engineering and urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization.

The Eightfold Path is a core principle of Buddhism, outlined by Gautama Buddha as a guide to achieving Nirvana. Jainism, founded by Mahavira, emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (non-absolutism), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) as part of its Triratna.

Ashoka, after witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga War (261 BCE), embraced Buddhism and promoted Dhamma, a policy of ethical governance and non-violence, as evident in his rock and pillar edicts.

Taxila was a significant trade and cultural center during the Kushana Empire (1st–3rd century CE), located along the Silk Route. It facilitated trade with Central Asia and the Mediterranean, unlike the other options.

Sangam literature, including works like Tolkappiyam and Silappadikaram, was composed in Tamil during the Sangam Age (3rd century BCE–3rd century CE) in South India, reflecting the culture of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas.

Samudragupta (335–375 CE) is called the "Napoleon of India" due to his extensive military campaigns, as described in the Allahabad Pillar inscription. His conquests expanded the Gupta Empire significantly.

The Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh contain paintings from the Paleolithic period (Old Stone Age), depicting early human activities like hunting and dancing, making them some of the earliest examples of Indian art.

Lothal, located in modern-day Gujarat, was a major port city of the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its dockyard, which facilitated trade with regions like Mesopotamia. The other sites were not primarily ports.

The Four Noble Truths, which address suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to liberation, are central to Buddhism, as taught by Gautama Buddha. These are not part of Jainism, Ajivika, or Vedic religion.

The Arthashastra, a comprehensive text on governance, economics, and military strategy, is attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya), the mentor of Chandragupta Maurya. The other figures were scholars in different fields.

The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram was built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th–8th century CE, showcasing Dravidian architecture. The Cholas, Cheras, and Chalukyas built other significant structures but not this temple.

The Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) and Rajasuya (royal consecration) were elaborate Vedic rituals performed during the Later Vedic Period (1000–500 BCE) to assert a king’s sovereignty and divine favor.

Kanishka (1st–2nd century CE) is known for patronizing Buddhism and convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which helped standardize Buddhist texts and spread Mahayana Buddhism.

The Ajanta Caves, known for their Buddhist paintings and sculptures, were primarily developed under the Vakataka dynasty (3rd–5th century CE), though they were influenced by Gupta art styles.

Harshavardhana (606–647 CE) of the Pushyabhuti dynasty was a prominent ruler who patronized Buddhism and Jainism. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited his court and documented his reign.

The Gupta Empire (320–550 CE) had a centralized administration with a bureaucracy that included espionage, as described in texts like the Arthashastra. Land grants were common, and village councils played a local role, but the administration was not nomadic or solely village-based.