Introduction
Ancient Indian history is a treasure trove of knowledge, encompassing the rise of great civilizations, profound philosophies, and remarkable achievements in art, science, and governance. For students preparing for competitive exams, mastering this subject through concise and engaging questions is key to excelling in general knowledge (GK) sections. This article presents 100 one-liner questions on ancient Indian history, designed to test your understanding and aid in effective exam preparation. Each question is crafted to cover significant events, figures, and developments, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the subject. Dive into this ancient Indian history quiz to sharpen your knowledge and boost your confidence!
Ancient Indian History Quiz: 100 One-Liner Questions
- What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka? Pataliputra
- Who founded the Indus Valley Civilization around 2600 BCE? Unknown (Harappans)
- Which ancient Indian text outlines the principles of statecraft? Arthashastra
- Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire? Chandragupta Maurya
- What was the primary language of the Vedic texts? Sanskrit
- Which river was central to the Indus Valley Civilization? Indus
- Who composed the Mahabharata? Sage Vyasa
- What was the main deity worshipped in the Rigveda? Indra
- Which Mauryan emperor embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War? Ashoka
- What was the script used in Ashokan inscriptions? Brahmi
- Which ancient Indian university was located in present-day Bihar? Nalanda
- Who was the famous court poet of Chandragupta II? Kalidasa
- What was the currency used in the Gupta Empire? Gold coins (Dinara)
- Which ancient Indian mathematician introduced the concept of zero? Aryabhata
- What was the main occupation of people in the Harappan Civilization? Agriculture
- Which epic narrates the story of Lord Rama? Ramayana
- Who was the founder of Jainism? Rishabhanatha
- What was the primary material used in Harappan seals? Steatite
- Which Mauryan king sent Buddhist missionaries abroad? Ashoka
- What was the name of the assembly in Vedic society? Sabha
- Which ancient Indian text is known as the “Song of God”? Bhagavad Gita
- Who was the last Mauryan emperor, assassinated in 185 BCE? Brihadratha
- Which Harappan city had a large granary? Mohenjo-Daro
- What was the main source of irrigation in the Indus Valley? Canals
- Which Gupta ruler is known as the “Napoleon of India”? Samudragupta
- What was the language of the Tamil Sangam literature? Tamil
- Who was the founder of Buddhism? Gautama Buddha
- Which ancient Indian king defeated Seleucus Nicator? Chandragupta Maurya
- What was the name of Ashoka’s edicts carved on rocks and pillars? Dhamma inscriptions
- Which Harappan site is located in present-day Gujarat? Dholavira
- Who wrote the ancient medical text Sushruta Samhita? Sushruta
- What was the capital of the Magadha kingdom before Pataliputra? Rajgir
- Which Vedic text deals with rituals and ceremonies? Yajurveda
- Who was the famous astronomer of the Gupta period? Aryabhata
- What was the main export of the Indus Valley Civilization? Cotton
- Which ancient Indian king is associated with the Kalinga War? Ashoka
- What was the name of the council of ministers in the Mauryan Empire? Mantri Parishad
- Which Harappan city had a dockyard? Lothal
- Who was the author of the play “Abhijnana Shakuntalam”? Kalidasa
- What was the main religion of the Gupta Empire? Hinduism
- Which ancient Indian text discusses yoga and meditation? Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
- Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism? Rishabhanatha
- Which Harappan city had a large granary? Mohenjo-Daro
- What was the name of the Buddhist council held under Ashoka? Third Buddhist Council
- Which ancient Indian dynasty built the Ajanta Caves? Vakataka
- Who was the Mauryan emperor known for his conquests in South India? Bindusara
- What was the main deity of the Harappans, as seen on seals? Pashupati (Proto-Shiva)
- Which ancient Indian text is a treatise on architecture? Vishnudharmottara
- Who was the famous Gupta ruler who issued the Allahabad Pillar Inscription? Samudragupta
- What was the name of the Harappan city in present-day Haryana? Rakhigarhi
- Which ancient Indian philosopher founded the Nyaya school? Gautama
- What was the main source of revenue in the Mauryan Empire? Land tax
- Who was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty? Simuka
- Which ancient Indian text is known as the “Book of Hymns”? Rigveda
- What was the name of the Mauryan spy system? Dhamma Mahamatras
- Which ancient Indian king patronized the construction of the Sanchi Stupa? Ashoka
- What was the primary material used in Gupta sculptures? Stone
- Who was the famous physician of ancient India known as the “Father of Surgery”? Sushruta
- Which Harappan site is known for its bead-making industry? Chanhudaro
- What was the name of the ancient Indian trade route to Central Asia? Uttarapatha
- Which ancient Indian dynasty ruled Magadha before the Mauryas? Nanda
- Who wrote the ancient Indian text “Charaka Samhita”? Charaka
- What was the main language of the Ashokan edicts in the northwest? Prakrit
- Which ancient Indian king is associated with the Iron Pillar of Delhi? Chandragupta II
- What was the name of the Vedic council of elders? Samiti
- Which ancient Indian text describes the duties of a king? Arthashastra
- Who was the founder of the Shunga dynasty? Pushyamitra Shunga
- What was the main deity worshipped in the Ajanta Caves? Buddha
- Which Harappan city had a sophisticated drainage system? Mohenjo-Daro
- Who was the famous mathematician who calculated the value of pi? Aryabhata
- What was the name of the ancient Indian port city mentioned in Greek texts? Barygaza
- Which ancient Indian dynasty is known for its rock-cut architecture? Chalukya
- Who was the Mauryan emperor who expanded the empire to its zenith? Ashoka
- What was the primary material used in Harappan pottery? Clay
- Which ancient Indian text is a collection of stories about animals? Panchatantra
- Who was the famous Gupta ruler who defeated the Shakas? Chandragupta II
- What was the name of the ancient Indian trade guild? Shreni
- Which ancient Indian king is known for his patronage of Buddhism? Ashoka
- What was the main script used in the Gupta Empire? Gupta script
- Which Harappan site is known for its fire altars? Kalibangan
- Who was the ancient Indian philosopher who founded the Samkhya school? Kapila
- What was the name of the ancient Indian council held under Kanishka? Fourth Buddhist Council
- Which ancient Indian dynasty is associated with the Ellora Caves? Rashtrakuta
- Who was the famous poet who wrote “Meghaduta”? Kalidasa
- What was the main religion of the Harappans, based on archaeological evidence? Unknown (likely Proto-Shiva worship)
- Which ancient Indian king is known for his horse sacrifice (Ashvamedha)? Samudragupta
- What was the name of the ancient Indian university in Odisha? Pushpagiri
- Who was the founder of the Kushan dynasty? Kujula Kadphises
- Which ancient Indian text deals with astronomy? Surya Siddhanta
- What was the main source of water for Harappan cities? Wells
- Which ancient Indian king is associated with the Hathigumpha inscription? Kharavela
- Who was the famous Gupta ruler known as Vikramaditya? Chandragupta II
- What was the name of the ancient Indian trade route to South India? Dakshinapatha
- Which ancient Indian text is a manual on warfare? Dhanurveda
- Who was the Mauryan emperor who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya? Bindusara
- What was the main material used in Harappan jewelry? Gold and semi-precious stones
- Which ancient Indian dynasty is known for its cave paintings? Vakataka
- Who was the famous Jain scholar of ancient India? Hemachandra
- What was the name of the ancient Indian council of scholars? Parishad
- Which ancient Indian king is known for his patronage of Jainism? Kharavela
Conclusion
This ancient Indian history quiz, with 100 one-liner questions, is a powerful tool for students aiming to excel in competitive exams. By covering key aspects of ancient Indian civilizations, rulers, texts, and achievements, these questions provide a quick and effective way to revise and retain essential facts. Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, SSC, or school-level exams, this quiz will help you strengthen your GK and gain confidence. Keep practicing, and let the legacy of ancient India inspire your journey to success!