Ancient India - Question Bank
1. The compilation of the Vedas into a structured form is attributed to:
2. The author of the epic 'Ramayana' is traditionally considered to be:
3. The 'Eightfold Path' is a fundamental concept in:
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?
5. The Mahajanapada that eventually became the most powerful was:
6. The earliest known Indian script is:
7. The concept of 'Ahimsa' (non-violence) is a cornerstone of:
8. Which metal was NOT known to the Indus Valley Civilization?
9. The famous 'Pashupati Seal' from Mohenjo-daro depicts a figure in a yogic posture, often interpreted as:
10. The battle that led to the foundation of the Mauryan Empire was fought between Chandragupta Maurya and:
11. The term 'Panchayati Raj' has its roots in the ancient Indian system of:
12. The Upanishads primarily deal with:
13. The Rigvedic god Indra was primarily associated with:
14. The ancient Indian concept of 'Ashramas' refers to:
15. The 'Bhakti movement' originated in ancient India with the teachings of:
16. Which ancient Indian text describes the concept of 'Purusharthas' (goals of human life)?
17. The Rashtrakuta dynasty's most famous architectural achievement is:
18. The Pallava dynasty, known for its rock-cut temples, had its capital at:
19. The Chalukya dynasty is known for its patronage of architecture, particularly at:
20. The earliest known Tamil inscriptions belong to the period:
21. The Sangam literature, a collection of ancient Tamil poetry, provides valuable insights into the:
22. Which king is associated with the famous inscription at the Hathigumpha cave?
23. The Ajanta Caves, famous for their murals, depict scenes from:
24. The Iron Pillar of Delhi, with its remarkable resistance to rust, belongs to the:
25. The famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India during the reign of:
26. Who is considered the 'Napoleon of India' for his military conquests during the Gupta period?
27. The Gupta period is often referred to as the:
28. Kanishka, the great patron of Buddhism and art, belonged to which dynasty?
29. The famous Gandhara school of art flourished during the reign of which dynasty?
30. The Sunga dynasty came to power after overthrowing which dynasty?
31. The capital of the Magadha kingdom was initially:
32. Which Mauryan ruler adopted Buddhism and spread its message?
33. The Third Buddhist Council was held during the reign of:
34. The edicts of Ashoka were primarily inscribed on:
35. Who was the author of 'Arthashastra', a treatise on statecraft and economics?
36. The Mauryan Empire was founded by:
37. The Four Noble Truths are central to which religion?
38. The Buddha delivered his first sermon at:
39. Which of the following Upanishads contains the famous saying 'Satyameva Jayate'?
40. The 'Shatdarshanas' or six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy were codified during which period?
41. The first Tirthankara of Jainism was:
42. Who is considered the founder of Jainism?
43. The term 'Janapada' in ancient Indian history refers to:
44. In the Rigvedic society, the 'Varna' system was primarily based on:
45. The earliest Veda is:
46. The Vedic period is generally dated from:
47. Which archaeological site revealed evidence of horse remains during the Indus Valley Civilization period?
48. The script used in the Indus Valley Civilization is:
49. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro was likely used for:
50. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization?