Ancient History MCQ’s
1. Which archaeologist led the third phase excavations at Rakhigarhi, establishing human remains date back 8,000 years?
A. Vasant Shinde
B. Amarendra Nath
C. Prabhodh Shirwalkar
D. Sanjay Kumar Manjul
Answer: C. Prabhodh Shirwalkar
During the third phase (2021–2023) of joint excavations by ASI and Deccan College, assistant professor Prabhodh Shirwalkar co‑led the team that uncovered human remains dating to around 8,000 years before present, pushing back the known timeline of the Harappan culture
2. The 10th phase excavation at Keezhadi site unearthed which of the following features?
A. Urban drainage canals carved in stone
B. Terracotta pipelines for water transport
C. Iron‑reinforced foundation walls
D. Circular granaries
Answer: B. Terracotta pipelines for water transport
In June 2024, archaeologists at Keezhadi (Tamil Nadu) discovered six interlocked terracotta pipe segments—each over a foot long—forming a 2.6 m‑long pipeline, evidence of sophisticated Sangam‑era water management
3. The site of Lothal is significant as an ancient Indus Valley port city because evidence suggests which river once flowed adjacent to it?
A. Indus
B. Yamuna
C. Sabarmati
D. Sarasvati
Answer: C. Sabarmati
Recent IIT Gandhinagar research using satellite imagery confirmed paleochannels of the Sabarmati River linked Lothal’s dockyard to maritime trade routes, substantiating its role as an inland port
4. The Agroha archaeological site, where excavations resumed in 2024, was historically the capital of which legendary ruler?
A. Raja Agrasen
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Harshavardhana
D. Samudragupta
Answer: A. Raja Agrasen
After a 44‑year hiatus, ASI‑led excavations at Agroha in Hisar district—long regarded in tradition as Maharaja Agrasen’s capital—officially restarted in March 2025 to explore its mercantile republic heritage.
Maharaja Agrasen was a legendary Kshatriya king of the Solar Dynasty who adopted Vanika Dharma (commerce and trade) for the benefit of his people. He is considered the founder of the Agrawal community and is celebrated for his contributions to social justice and communal harmony. His story is important for understanding the history of the Agrawal community and the concept of Vanika Dharma within Indian society
5. Chausath Yogini Temples, added to UNESCO’s tentative list in March 2025, are characterized by which architectural feature?
A. Seven‑tiered pyramidal sanctum
B. Underground rock‑cut halls
C. Circular open‑air shrines
D. Multi‑storied gopuram gateways
Answer: C. Circular open‑air shrines
The serial nomination of Chausath Yogini Temples encompasses roofless, circular hilltop shrines each housing 64 yogini images, reflecting Tantric traditions; this group of temples was placed on India’s UNESCO tentative list on March 7, 2025. There are around 13-17 such temples in India out of which majority are in Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. These temples are typically circular structures with a central shrine and surrounding chambers dedicated to the individual Yoginis.
6. Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs, now on India’s tentative UNESCO list, are located in which state?
A. Karnataka
B. Telangana
C. Maharashtra
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B. Telangana
In March 2025, India’s tentative list was expanded to include the 3,500‑year‑old Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs of Narayanpet district, Telangana—an alignment of standing stones marking Bronze Age funerary rituals.
7. In Gujarat’s Vadnagar excavations, the term ‘pol’ refers to which aspect of ancient town planning?
A. City gates
B. Water reservoirs
C. Housing clusters or neighborhoods
D. Marketplaces
Answer: C. Housing clusters or neighborhoods
ASI investigations at Vadnagar revealed ‘pol’ architecture—densely clustered dwellings arranged around shared courtyards (‘otlo’)—illustrating communal living and social organization in early urban Gujarat
8. Which organization undertook the major renovation of the Kalighat Kali Temple complex in 2024?
A. Tata Trusts
B. Reliance Foundation
C. Adani Foundation
D. Infosys Foundation
Answer: B
Explanation: The Kalighat Kali Temple complex in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is a sacred site dedicated to the goddess Kali, and includes various architectural elements and sacred spaces. In 2024, the Reliance Foundation announced and began restoration of the historic Kalighat Kali Temple complex to its original glory.
9. The hoard of 3,730 lead coins unearthed at Phanigiri site bear which symbol on their reverse?
A. Swastika
B. Ujjain symbol
C. Lion capital
D. Trishula
Answer: B
Explanation: Coins from the Ikshvaku period found at Phanigiri feature the Ujjain symbol on the reverse, with an elephant depicted on the obverse.
In the News: In April 2024, a hoard of 3,730 lead coins dating back to the 3rd–4th century CE was discovered. The coins featured an elephant symbol on the obverse and the Ujjain symbol on the reverse, providing insights into the Ikshvaku dynasty’s economic history
It is a famous Buddhist site located 110 km away from Hyderabad.
This site derived its name from the shape of the hillock, which appears to be like a snake hood. The word Phani in Sanskrit means snake and Giri means hillock.
It is believed to be one of the important Buddhist monasteries strategically located on the ancient trade route (Dakshinapatha) connecting the west and the east coast of the Deccan.
10. The famous 80‑pillar assembly hall excavated at Kumhrar is associated with which ancient Indian empire?
A. Gupta Empire
B. Mauryan Empire
C. Kushan Empire
D. Satavahana Dynasty
Answer: B
Explanation: The site at Kumhrar in Patna, where an 80‑pillar assembly hall was excavated, dates to the Mauryan Empire period.
Significance: Associated with the Mauryan Empire and believed to be the site where Emperor Ashoka convened the 3rd Buddhist Council.
In the News: The Archaeological Survey of India initiated efforts to uncover the remnants of this assembly hall, highlighting its architectural and historical importance.
| Buddhist Council | Time | Place | Ruler | President | Specificity |
| First | 483 BCE | Rajgriha | Ajatashatru | Mahakassappa | Buddha’s teachings were divided into 3 categories or baskets (Pitakas) |
| Second | 383 BCE | Vaishali | Kalasoka | Sabbakami | Division: Sthaviravadins – they felt they were keeping the original spirit of the Buddha’s teachings. Mahasanghikas (The Great Community) – Interpreted Buddha’s teachings more liberally. |
| Third | 250 BCE | Pataliputra | Ashoka | Mogaliputta Tissa | Main aim was to purify the Buddhist movement from opportunistic factions. Abhidhamma Pitaka added; Theravada Buddhism codified Sent Buddhist missionaries to other countries. Tripitaka complete. |
| Fourth | 1stCentury CE | Kashmir | Kanishka | Vasumitra | Buddhism divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects. |
11. Inscriptions at the Sri Madhava Perumal Temple revealed an ancient trade route connecting the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu with which areas?
A. Odisha and Bengal
B. Gujarat and Maharashtra
C. Karnataka and Kerala
D. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Answer: C
Significance: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is believed to be the birthplace of Peyalvar, one of the earliest Alvar saints.
In the News: Recent discoveries suggest the temple was part of a significant trade route over 1,000 years ago, linking regions of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Inscriptions indicate the area’s historical importance in trade and culture.
12. The terracotta pipeline discovered at Keeladi dates to which cultural period?
A. Vedic period
B. Sangam era
C. Mughal period
D. Gupta period
Answer: B
600-Year-Old Terracotta Pipeline at Keeladi (Tamil Nadu)
Significance: A terracotta pipeline dating back to the Sangam era was uncovered, highlighting advanced water management practices of the time.
In the News: This discovery adds to the growing evidence of a sophisticated urban civilization in Keeladi, with over 20,000 artifacts unearthed to date.
13. The uncovered foundations of a Shiva temple at Hottal village (Nanded) are attributed to which dynasty?
A. Rashtrakuta
B. Chalukya
C. Satavahana
D. Yadava
Answer: B
1000-Year-Old Shiva Temple Foundations in Maharashtra
Significance: Foundations of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to around 1070 A.D., were uncovered.
In the News: The site is associated with the Chalukya Dynasty, known for their contributions to temple architecture in central and southern India.
14. The Paleolithic tools discovered in Mulugu were predominantly fashioned from which material?
A. Flint
B. Quartzite
C. Basalt
D. Chert
Answer: B
Explanation: Flood‑exposed streambeds in Mulugu yielded quartzite tools, confirming early human habitation in the region
Paleolithic Tools in Mulugu District, Telangana
- Significance: Discovery of Paleolithic tools indicates early human habitation and tool-making practices in the region.
- In the News: These findings are crucial for understanding the prehistoric period in southern India.
15. Dr. Rajesh S. V. was honoured by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences for his archaeological work on which site?
A. Harappan cemetery in Kutch
B. Megalithic burials in Kerala
C. Buddhist stupa in Sanchi
D. Iron‑age site in Telangana
Answer: A
Explanation: He received the award specifically for discovering a Harappan cemetery in Kutch, a find dated to over 5,200 years ago
Affiliation: University of Kerala
Contributions: Led the discovery of a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement in Khatiya, Gujarat, and unearthed megalithic burial cists in Kerala.
Recognition: Awarded the Field Discovery Award by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences for his significant contributions to archaeology.
16. In Buddhism, the Triratna or “Three Jewels” comprise the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the:
A. Vedas
B. Sangha
C. Jiva
D. Brahman
Answer: B. Sangha
Explanation: Refuge is taken in the Buddha (teacher), Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community) across Buddhist traditions.
17. Which numeral concept, including zero, was formalized during the Gupta period?
A. Roman numerals
B. Greek alphabetic numerals
C. Decimal place‑value system
D. Binary system
Answer: C. Decimal place‑value system
Explanation: The decimal system and symbol for zero emerged in India during the Gupta era, revolutionizing mathematics. The Gupta Empire, particularly during the reign of Aryabhata, made significant contributions to mathematics, including the development of the decimal place value system and the concept of zero. This system, using ten digits (0-9) and place value, is the foundation of our modern number system. His work, “Aryabhatiya,” detailed these advancements.
Decimal Place Value System:
This system uses powers of ten (1, 10, 100, etc.) to represent the value of each digit in a number, enabling the efficient representation and manipulation of large numbers.
Gupta Empire as a Golden Age:
The Gupta period is often referred to as the “Golden Age of India” due to its advancements in science, art, literature, and other fields, including mathematics.
Aryabhatiya:
This work, written by Aryabhata, contained his mathematical discoveries, including the decimal place value system, trigonometry, and algebra.
18. Which UNESCO site comprises 34 Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves carved from basalt cliffs?
A. Udayagiri
B. Mahabalipuram
C. Ellora Caves
D. Alampur
Answer: C. Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a group of 34 rock-cut caves located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. These caves, excavated between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, showcase a blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist architecture and art, representing a period of religious tolerance in ancient India. The Kailasa Temple (cave 16) is a particularly impressive structure, featuring the world’s largest single monolithic rock excavation.
19. Which artistic school fused Hellenistic and Buddhist iconography to create life‑like Buddha images?
A. Mathura
B. Gandhara
C. Pala
D. Chola
Answer: B. Gandhara
Explanation: Emerging in NW India under the Kushans, Gandhara art used Roman‑style drapery and idealized faces for Buddha.
For further understanding kindly click here– Gandhara School of Art.
20. Which 14th‑century Moroccan qadi journeyed through the Delhi Sultanate and beyond, dictating the travelogue Rihla?
A. Ibn Khaldun
B. Marco Polo
C. Ibn Battuta
D. Niccolò de’ Conti
Answer: C. Ibn Battuta
Explanation: Between 1325–1354, Ibn Battuta covered 75,000 miles across the Muslim world, including the Delhi Sultanate, and authored the Rihla. Rihla-The Travels was written by Ibn Battuta, who was a Moroccan traveler. Ibn Battuta arrived in India in the years 1332–33 AD, under the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, who designated him as the “qazi,” or judge of Delhi, and went to China as the Sultan’s envoy in 1342.
21. Consider the following statements with reference to the craft production during the Indus Valley civilization:
1. The dancing girl figurine discovered at Mohenjodaro is made of copper.
2. The Harappan pottery is well baked with floral and faunal patterns.
Which of the statement given above are is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans B
Indus Valley Civilization- There is evidence of the use of the bronze though in a limited manner. The most famous specimen in this regard is the bronze ‘dancing girl’ figurine discovered at Mohenjodaro. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
22. Consider the following statements with reference to the Sulvasutras:
1. These are appendices to Vedas providing spatial and directional parameters required for the construction of altars.
2. Pythagorean Theorem is mentioned in the Sulvasutras.
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
Ans c
Several Sanskrit texts collectively called Sulvasutras were written by the Vedic Hindus starting before 600 BC. They are written in late Vedic Sanskrit.
The Sulbasutras are appendices to the Vedas which give rules for constructing altars.
There are four major Sulvasutras namely, Baudhayana, Manava, Apastamba and Katyayana with Baudhayana being the oldest.
Budhayana Sulbasutra are considered as the world’s earliest systematic treatise on Geometrical Sciences. Pythagoras Theorem is first stated by Budhayana.
23. With reference to Rig Vedic religion, consider the following statements:
1. The natural forces were personified making the religion naturalistic and polytheistic.
2. The dominant mode of worshipping God as through the recitation of prayers and offering sacrifices.
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
Ans c
Religion and rituals played an important role in Vedic society. In the Rig Veda, the natural forces sun, moon, rivers, mountains and rains were defined as divinities.
They were personified and looked at as living beings to whom people gave human or animal attributes. The religion was naturalistic and polytheistic.
24. Which of the following temples were built by Cholas?
1. Papanatha Temple
2. Brihadeeswara Temple
3. Airavatesvara Temple
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Ans D
The Papanatha Temple was built during the 8th Century in the Early Chalukya period. It is part of Pattadakal group of monuments which is a UNESCO world heritage site. This temple has features of both Dravida and Nagara styles.
25. Digambara and Shvetambara are the two major sects of Jainism. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Shvetambaras acknowledge the possibility of women attaining Jina-hood while Digambaras do not.
2. Shvetambaras provided the option of wearing or not wearing clothes while Digambaras emphasized the necessity of nudity for members of the Jain order.
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
Ans C
Both the statements are correct. The Digambaras, like Mahavira, practice total nudity to avoid all attachments.
| Sects | Digambaras | Svetambaras |
| Led by | Bhadrabahu | Sthulbhadra |
| View on Clothing | – They do not wear clothes, as this sect believes in complete nudity. – Female monks wear unstitched, plain white sarees and are called Aryikas. | – They wear simple white clothes. |
| Question on women | – They believed that women could not be Tirthankaras and Malli was a man. | – They believe that Tirthankaras can be men or women. |
| Follow the teachings of | – Mahavira, that is, “Pancha Mahavratas”, to attain Kaivalya. | – Preachings of Parshvanatha, that is, only four restraints (except Brahmacharya). |
| Follow the Jain literature | – Prakrit Suttapahuda of Kundakunda. | – Believed in the validity and sacredness of the twelve angas and sutras. |
f you found this helpful, you might also like these articles:
📌 [https://upscmatters.com/indus-valley-civilization/ ]
📌 [https://upscmatters.com/buddhism-a-complete-guide-for-upsc-history/]
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