NCERT Practice Questions for UPSC Prelims – Ancient India – Set 1

1. Consider the following statements regarding Paleolithic period:

1. The term Paleolithic originates from the Greek words ‘palaeo,’ signifying ancient, and ‘lithos,’ denoting stone.
2. The Paleolithic period encompasses the time frame from around 12,000 years ago to approximately 10,000 years ago.

Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

2. Consider the following statements regarding Mesolithic or Middle stone age:

1. The term “microliths” referred to the stone tools utilized in this era.
2. Tools crafted from stone were of considerable size during this period.
3. Tools of an older variety were notably absent in this period.

Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

3. Consider the following statements regarding Mehrgarh:

1. Situated on a fertile plain adjacent to the Bolan Pass.
2. The residents acquired the skill of cultivating barley and wheat for the first time.
3. Dwellings in the form of square or rectangular houses were discovered.
4. Numerous burial sites have been unearthed at Mehrgarh.

Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

4. Consider the following statements regarding the unique features of Harappan cities:

1. Citadels were positioned on the western side of the cities.
2. The Great Bath was constructed within the citadel area.

Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

5. Consider the following statements:

1. The Harappans were acquainted with the use of cotton.
2. Harappans did not possess knowledge of spindle whorls.

Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

6. Consider the following statements regarding Rig Veda:

1. This Veda holds the distinction of being the oldest.
2. Rig Veda exclusively mentions Indra, the warrior god.
3. Some of the Vedic hymns were composed by women.

How many of the above statements are correct?

7. Consider the following statements regarding Vedic period:

1. Battles in the Rig Vedic period were only waged over territorial control.
2. There was no established regular army maintained during this period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

8. Consider the following statements regarding the political system prevailing during Rig Vedic Period:

1. The Raja possessed the authority to levy taxes on the populace.
2. Succession to the role of Raja automatically passed to the sons of the incumbent ruler.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

9. Consider the following statements regarding Megalithic burial:

1. The initiation of this practice dates back 3000 years.
2. This practice was confined to the Deccan region of South India.
3. Megalithic burial sites have yielded Northern Black Polished Ware pots.

How many of the above statements are correct?

10. Consider the following statements regarding burials practice at Inamgaon:

1. Inamgaon is situated along the Ghod River.
2. Burials were discovered within the houses at this site.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

11. Consider the following statements regarding the social condition of Later Vedic Period:

1. Both women and Shudras were prohibited from studying the Vedas.
2. The Varna system was determined based on one’s birth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

12. Consider the following statements regarding Mahajanapadas:

Statement-I: In contrast to Janapadas, Mahajanapadas did not possess a designated capital city.

Statement-II: Soldiers under Mahajanapada were paid regular salary

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

13. Magadha became the most important mahajanapada because:

14. Consider the following statements regarding Gana or Sangha:

1. Women, dasas, and karmakaras were excluded from participating in these assemblies.
2. Both Buddha and Mahavira were affiliated with ganas or sanghas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

15. Which among the following Buddhist account mentions about the Vajji Mahajanapada:

16. Consider the following statements:

1. Ashramas represented different stages of life.
2. Women had the autonomy to select their own path within the ashramas system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

17. Consider the following statements regarding important cities of Mauryan Period:

1. Taxila served as a gateway to the northwest, extending into Central Asia.
2. Ujjain was strategically positioned along the route from northern to southern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

18. Consider the following statements regarding Megasthenes:

1. He was dispatched to the court of Chandragupta Maurya by the Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator.
2. According to Megasthenes, Mauryan kings were typically accompanied by armed women.
3. As per Megasthenes, the King’s palace was constructed from wood and adorned with stone carvings.

How many of the above statements are correct?

19. Consider the following statements regarding Ashoka Dhamma:

1. Ashoka’s Dhamma drew inspiration from the teachings of Buddha.
2. Dhamma mahamatta was appointed to travel and educate people about Dhamma.
3. Ashoka inscribed the message of Dhamma onto rocks and pillars.

How many of the above statements are correct?

20. In the context of Ancient Indian History, consider the following statements regarding the Village headman of North India:

1. He was also recognized as the grama bhojaka.
2. His position was hereditary.
3. The sole responsibility he undertook was the collection of taxes from the village.

How many of the above statements are correct?

21. Consider the following statements regarding one of the important cities Mathura during the Maurya and post-Mauryan Period:

1. It served as the capital of the Kushanas.
2. This city was a significant center for the exclusive worship of Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

22. Arikamedu was a settlement located along the coast in:

23. Consider the following statements regarding “muvendar”:

1. The Sangam poems make reference to the term “muvendar.”
2. In Tamil, “muvendar” signifies the three ruling families—The Cholas, Cheras, and Pandayas—who gained prominence in South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

24. The first Gupta ruler to adopt the title of “Maharajadhiraja”:

25. Consider the following statements:

1. The Pallava kingdom extended across the Raichur Doab, situated between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.
2. The Chalukya kingdom was centered around the Kaveri delta.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?