Question 1

The Indus Valley Civilization was primarily located in which geographical region?

Accepted Answer

The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE) flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, spanning present-day Pakistan and northwestern India, particularly along the Indus River and its tributaries.

Question 2

The Vedic period in ancient India is divided into two main phases. Which of the following correctly identifies these phases?

Accepted Answer

The Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE) is traditionally divided into the Early Vedic Period (Rigvedic, c. 1500–1200 BCE) and the Later Vedic Period (c. 1200–500 BCE), marked by the composition of different Vedas and changes in society.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct chronological order of major ancient Indian empires?

Accepted Answer

The chronological sequence of major ancient Indian empires is: Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE), followed by the Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE). The Mauryan Empire predates the Gupta Empire by approximately 500 years.

Question 4

Which Mauryan emperor is credited with converting to Buddhism and spreading it across Asia through missionary missions?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Mauryan Empire from 268–232 BCE, embraced Buddhism after witnessing the bloodshed of the Kalinga War. He sent missionaries to various regions and erected rock edicts to promote Buddhist teachings.

Question 5

Which Mauryan emperor is credited with the conquest of Kalinga and subsequently adopted Buddhism as his state religion?

Accepted Answer

Ashoka, the third Mauryan emperor (r. 268–232 BCE), conquered Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) around 260 BCE. The brutal war, which killed approximately 100,000 soldiers and civilians, deeply affected Ashoka. He renounced violence, embraced Buddhism, and became one of history's greatest patrons of the faith, spreading it across Asia through missionary efforts and rock edicts.

Question 6

The Vedic period in ancient India is generally divided into two phases. Which of the following correctly identifies these phases?

Accepted Answer

The Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE) is divided into the Early Vedic Period (c. 1500–1000 BCE), characterized by the composition of the Rigveda and pastoral society, and the Later Vedic Period (c. 1000–500 BCE), marked by the composition of the Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, and the emergence of kingdoms and agriculture-based settlements.

Question 7

Which Mauryan emperor is credited with the construction of the famous Sanchi Stupa and the spread of Buddhism across the Indian subcontinent?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Ashoka (reigned 268–232 BCE) commissioned the construction of the Sanchi Stupa in present-day Madhya Pradesh and became a devoted Buddhist after the bloody Kalinga War (261 BCE). He sent Buddhist missionaries across Asia and erected rock edicts throughout his empire to propagate Buddhist teachings.

Question 8

Which Gupta emperor is known as 'Vikramaditya' and is credited with major military conquests and the patronage of Sanskrit literature and mathematics?

Accepted Answer

Chandragupta II (reigned 375–415 CE), also known as Vikramaditya, was one of the greatest Gupta emperors. He expanded the empire through military campaigns, patronized scholars like Kalidasa (author of Shakuntala), and supported the development of mathematics and astronomy. The Gupta period is often called the 'Golden Age' of Indian civilization.

Question 9

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic feature of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Accepted Answer

The Indus Valley Civilization was known for planned cities with grid layouts, advanced drainage and sewage systems, standardized weights and measures, undeciphered script, and terracotta figurines. However, it was NOT characterized by large temples or religious monuments like those found in later Indian civilizations, nor by evidence of a rigid caste system or extensive written literature (the script remains undeciphered).

Question 10

The Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas, contains how many hymns (suktas) and is composed in which language?

Accepted Answer

The Rigveda contains 1,028 hymns (suktas) organized into 10 books (mandalas) and is composed in Vedic Sanskrit, an early form of Sanskrit. It is the oldest known text of the Indo-Aryan tradition, dated to approximately 1500–1200 BCE. The Rigveda is primarily a collection of hymns dedicated to various Vedic deities such as Indra, Agni, and Soma, and provides invaluable insights into early Vedic society, rituals, and beliefs.

Question 11

Which Mauryan emperor is credited with the conquest of Kalinga, an event that led to his renunciation of violence and adoption of Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Ashoka the Great conquered Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) around 261 BCE. The massive bloodshed and suffering caused during this conquest deeply moved Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism and the principle of Dhamma (righteousness). He subsequently became one of history's most influential Buddhist monarchs and erected numerous edicts across his empire.

Question 12

Which Gupta emperor is known as 'Vikramaditya' and is credited with the greatest territorial expansion of the Gupta Empire?

Accepted Answer

Chandragupta II (ruled c. 375–415 CE), also known as Vikramaditya ('Sun of Valor'), is considered the greatest Gupta emperor. He expanded the empire to its maximum territorial extent, conquering much of northern and central India. His reign marked the golden age of the Gupta Empire, characterized by advances in science, mathematics, literature, and art. The famous mathematician Aryabhata and poet Kalidasa flourished during his era.

Question 13

Which Mauryan emperor is credited with the conquest of Kalinga and subsequently embraced Buddhism after witnessing the bloodshed of war?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Ashoka conquered Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) around 261 BCE. The massive casualties in this war—estimated at over 100,000 deaths—deeply moved Ashoka, leading him to renounce violence and convert to Buddhism. He later became one of Buddhism's greatest patrons and spread it across Asia through missionary efforts and edicts inscribed on pillars and rocks.

Question 14

The Indus Valley Civilization is also known by which other name, derived from the two major cities excavated in this region?

Accepted Answer

The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE) is also called the Harappan Civilization, named after Harappa, one of the two major cities excavated. The other major city is Mohenjo-daro (in modern-day Pakistan). Both cities showcase advanced urban planning, standardized weights and measures, and undeciphered script, making them central to understanding this Bronze Age civilization.

SSC MTS Ancient India

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Ancient India — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Ancient India