Ancient History -3 - SSC CGL Free MCQ Test with solutions

Mehrgarh (7000–2500 BCE), located in present-day Pakistan, is known for evidence of early agriculture (wheat, barley) and domestication of animals (cattle, sheep). It predates the urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization and lacks advanced metallurgy or temple architecture.

Statement 1 is correct; the Rig Veda frequently mentions the Sarasvati as a mighty river, central to Vedic geography.
Statement 2 is incorrect; the Later Vedic Period (1000–500 BCE) saw the consolidation of the varna system, not its decline.

The Indus Valley Civilization seals commonly featured a unicorn-like figure, possibly a mythical or stylized animal, alongside other animals like bulls and tigers. Horses are rarely depicted, and elephants and lions are less prominent.

Chandragupta Maurya, guided by Chanakya’s Arthashastra, established a sophisticated administrative system that included a network of spies for intelligence and governance. This system was less emphasized under later rulers like Ashoka.

The Vajji Mahajanapada, centered around Vaisali, was known for its republican (ganasangha) system, with a confederacy of clans like the Licchavis governing collectively. Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti were monarchies.
 

Statement 1 is correct; Mahavira (6th century BCE) is considered the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

Statement 2 is incorrect; Jainism emphasizes Karma and strongly believes in rebirth, linking it to the cycle of samsara.
 

Ashoka (268–232 BCE) commissioned the original Sanchi Stupa as part of his efforts to promote Buddhism. It was later expanded by the Shungas, but Ashoka is credited with its initial construction.
 

The Indus Valley Civilization exported cotton textiles to Mesopotamia, as evidenced by archaeological findings. Spices and silk were prominent in later periods, and iron tools were not used during this time.

Tolkappiyam, composed during the Sangam Age, is the earliest known Tamil grammar text, outlining rules for literature and language. Silappadikaram and Manimekalai are epics, and Tirukkural is an ethical treatise.

Chandragupta II (375–415 CE) defeated the Western Kshatrapas (Shakas) and adopted the title ‘Vikramaditya,’ marking the Gupta Empire’s territorial expansion and cultural peak.

Statement 1 is correct; the Mauryan Empire had a centralized bureaucracy with Kumaras (princes) governing provinces.
Statement 2 is incorrect; the Arthashastra describes a centralized system, not a decentralized village-based one.

The Mathura School of Art, known for its Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu sculptures, reached its peak under the Kushana dynasty (1st–3rd century CE), producing iconic images like the standing Buddha.

Magadha’s rise (6th–4th century BCE) was driven by its fertile Gangetic plains, access to iron resources for tools and weapons, and strategic trade routes, unlike the other options which hindered growth.

Statement 1 is correct; the Gupta period (320–550 CE) is called the Golden Age due to contributions in art (Ajanta), literature (Kalidasa), and science (Aryabhata).
Statement 2 is incorrect; the Guptas allowed local autonomy through land grants and feudalism.

The Badami rock-cut caves, located in Karnataka, were constructed under the Chalukya dynasty (6th–8th century CE), showcasing early Vesara-style temple architecture. The other dynasties are associated with different architectural sites.

The Eightfold Path, a core Buddhist teaching, includes Right Mindfulness as one of its principles, guiding followers toward ethical conduct and mental discipline. Anekantavada, Aparigraha, and Satya are Jain principles.

The Indo-Greeks (2nd century BCE–1st century CE), successors of Alexander’s legacy, ruled Northwest India and introduced Hellenistic art and coinage. Shungas, Kanvas, and Shakas were distinct contemporary powers.

Statement 1 is correct; Harshavardhana (606–647 CE) of the Pushyabhuti dynasty patronized Buddhism and hosted Xuanzang. Statement 2 is incorrect; he belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty and ruled from Kannauj, not Pataliputra.

Punch-marked coins, made of silver and marked with symbols, emerged during the Mahajanapada Period (6th–4th century BCE), reflecting growing trade and urbanization. They were not used in the Indus Valley or Vedic periods, and Gupta coins were more advanced.

Kalidasa, a renowned Gupta-era poet, authored Shakuntala (Abhijnanashakuntalam), a celebrated Sanskrit play. Mudrarakshasa is by Vishakhadatta, Harshacharita by Banabhatta, and Priyadarshika by Harsha.