Ancient History: Top MCQ on Historical Sources and Pre-Historic Period

1. What does Epigraphy refer to?

1. The study of inscriptions
2. A graphical map
3. The detection of epics
4. The study of epics

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Answer: A) The study of inscriptions

2. The Rigveda can be best described as a:

1. Collection of hymns
2. Collection of stories
3. Collection of words
4. Text of war

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Answer: A) Collection of hymns

3. In which ancient text is the name ‘Bharatvarsha’ mentioned?

1. Ashtadhyayi
2. Arthashastra
3. Aryabhatiya
4. Acharanga Sutra

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Answer: A) Ashtadhyayi

4. Which Veda is considered the oldest?

1. Yajurveda
2. Rigveda
3. Samaveda
4. Atharvaveda

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Answer: B) Rigveda

5. The term ‘Aryavarta’ for India is derived from the inhabitants known as:

1. Bharat
2. Dravida
3. Aryan
4. Dushyant

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Answer: C) Aryan

6. An early Sanskrit inscription can be found at:

1. Uttar Merur
2. Gwalior
3. Aihole
4. Junagarh Rock

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Answer: D) Junagarh Rock

7. Who first deciphered Ashokan edicts?

1. Bunler
2. Robert Sebal
3. James Prinsep
4. Cordriguttan

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Answer: C) James Prinsep

8. Which of the following is true about the naming of India?

I. The name India is derived from the Rigvedic tribe ‘Bharat.’

II. India is considered part of Jambu Dweepa.

1. Only I
2. Only II
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II

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Answer: C) Both I and II

9. What type of inscription is the Lumbini pillar inscription of Ashoka?

1. Royal commemorative inscription
2. Donative inscription
3. Dedicative inscription
4. Votive inscription

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Answer: A) Royal commemorative inscription

10. Who is known as the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology’?

1. Alexander Cunningham
2. John Marshall
3. Mortimer Wheeler
4. James Prinsep

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Answer: A) Alexander Cunningham

11. Who decoded the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts?

1. Piyadassi
2. Colin Mackenzie
3. Alexander Cunningham
4. James Prinsep

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Answer: D) James Prinsep

12. The Kharosthi script was mainly used in which region?

1. Northwestern region (modern-day Pakistan)
2. Eastern India
3. Southern India
4. Central India

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Answer: A) Northwestern region (modern-day Pakistan)

13. Which of the following is true about ancient inscriptions?

1. They are free from interpolation.
2. Found at many locations.
3. Easy to analyze.
4. All of the above.

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Answer: D) All of the above

14. The Brahmi script was first deciphered using inscriptions found on:

1. Stone tablets
2. Seals
3. Pillars
4. Coins

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Answer: A) Stone tablets

15. Which of these falls under commercial inscriptions?

1. Junagarh
2. Aihole
3. Gwalior
4. Seal of Indus Valley

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Answer: D) Seal of Indus Valley

16. Which ancient Indian script was written from right to left?

1. Brahmi
2. Nandnagari
3. Sharada
4. Kharosthi

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Answer: D) Kharosthi

17. Where was the Pre-Ashokan Brahmi script discovered?

1. Nagarjunakonda
2. Anuradhapura
3. Brahmagiri
4. Maski

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Answer: B) Anuradhapura

18. Consider these statements about writing scripts:

I. Kharosthi is written from left to right.

II. Devanagari is written from left to right.

1. Only I
2. Only II
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II

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Answer: B) Only II

19. What is the study of coins called?

1. Epigraphy
2. Numismatics
3. Coinology
4. Ethnography

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Answer: B) Numismatics

20. In which Vedic text is the term ‘Varna’ mentioned for the first time?

1. Rigveda
2. Atharvaveda
3. Samaveda
4. Yajurveda

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Answer: A) Rigveda