Top Ancient History Questions & Mock Test for SSC Exam 2025
Are you preparing for SSC Exam 2025?
Here are the most important and frequently asked Ancient Indian History MCQs from previous SSC exams. These questions are highly useful for SSC CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS, and other competitive government exams.
✅ Carefully go through each question to revise key concepts.
✅ These questions are selected based on past exam trends.
✅ After reviewing, take the free mock test to evaluate your preparation.
🔗 Click the link below to start the mock test and check your performance:
👉 Click Here
Boost your SSC preparation with quality practice. Stay consistent, stay ahead!
Ancient History Useful MCQs
Q1. As per ancient Indian philosophy, the Purusharthas or the four aims of life does NOT include :
(a) Dharma
(b) Artha
(c) Moksha
(d) Yasha
Answer: d) Yasha
Explanation: The four Purusharthas (aims of life) in ancient Indian philosophy are Dharma (righteous conduct), Artha (material prosperity), Kama (desire/pleasure), and Moksha (liberation). Yasha (fame/glory) is not considered one of the primary four aims.
Q2. The Vedic view of an individual and his relation to society is determined by four objectives of life. Which of the following is NOT one of these objectives?
(a) Dharma
(b) Artha
(c) Kama
(d) Abhyudaya
Answer: d) Abhyudaya
Explanation: The four objectives of life (Purusharthas) in the Vedic view are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Abhyudaya, meaning ‘prosperity’ or ‘upliftment’, is a general concept but not one of the four specific Purusharthas.
Q3. The Vedic literature was composed between:
(a) 3000 BC – 2000 BC
(b) 2500 BC – 1500 BC
(c) 2000 BC – 1000 BC
(d) 1500 BC – 600 BC
Answer: d) 1500 BC – 600 BC
Explanation: The Vedic period, during which the Vedic literature (including the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads) was composed, broadly spans from around 1500 BC to 600 BC.
Q4. The veda which deals with the rituals is known as………….
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Sama Veda
(c) Atharva Veda
(d) Yajur Veda
Answer: d) Yajur Veda
Explanation: The Yajur Veda primarily deals with the procedures for performing sacrifices and rituals, containing hymns and prose devoted to sacrificial prayers.
Q5. Which of the following rivers was known as Parushni in the Vedic period ?
(a) Jhelum
(b) Chenab
(c) Sutlej
(d) Ravi
Answer: d) Ravi
Explanation: In the Vedic period, the river Ravi was known by its Sanskrit name, Parushni. The famous “Battle of Ten Kings” is mentioned in the Rigveda as having been fought on the banks of this river.
Q6. What is the Rigvedic name of the river Ravi ?
(a) Vitasta
(b) Asikni
(c) Shutudri
(d) Parushni
Answer: d) Parushni
Explanation: The Rigvedic name for the river Ravi is Parushni.
Q7. The river Indus was called __ by the Iranians and the Greeks about 2500 years ago.
(a) Sindhu
(b) Saraswati
(c) Ganga
(d) Hindos/Indos
Answer: d) Hindos/Indos
Explanation: The river Indus was known as ‘Sindhu’ in Sanskrit. The Iranians called it ‘Hindos’, and from them, the Greeks referred to it as ‘Indos’, which eventually gave India its name.
Q8. Who among the following scholars is associated with the Tibet-home theory of the Aryans?
(a) Max Muller
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Dr. A.C. Das
(d) Dayanand Saraswati
Answer: d) Dayanand Saraswati
Explanation: Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, proposed the theory that the original home of the Aryans was Tibet.
Q9. The Sankhya Darshan sect was founded by _
(a) Patanjali
(b) Gautama
(c) Jaimini
(d) Kapila
Answer: d) Kapila
Explanation: The Sankhya Darshan, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, is traditionally attributed to the sage Kapila.
Q10. Which of the following sages of ancient India wrote the ‘Mimamsa-sutras’?
(a) Badarayana
(b) Kanada
(c) Gautama
(d) Jaimini
Answer: d) Jaimini
Explanation: The Mimamsa-sutras, the foundational text of the Mimamsa school of Hindu philosophy (which focuses on the interpretation of the Vedas and the nature of dharma), was written by the sage Jaimini.
Q11. Who among the following wrote the basic text of Vaisheshika philosophy?
(a) Akshapada Gautama
(b) Patanjali
(c) Kapila
(d) Kanada
Answer: d) Kanada
Explanation: The basic text of the Vaisheshika philosophy, which is known for its atomic theory of the universe, is the Vaisheshika Sutras, written by the sage Kanada (also known as Kashyapa).
Q12. Who among the following belonged to the Vaisheshika Darshan School of Philosophy?
(a) Badarayana
(b) Jaimini
(c) Kapila
(d) Kanada
Answer: d) Kanada
Explanation: The Vaisheshika school of philosophy is primarily associated with the sage Kanada, who systematized its atomic theory and epistemology.
Q13. With reference to the Vedangas, which of the following terms denotes ‘Ritual’?
(a) Shiksha
(b) Vyakarana
(c) Nirukta
(d) Kalpa
Answer: d) Kalpa
Explanation: Kalpa is one of the six Vedangas, dealing with ritual practices and ceremonies (Kalpa-sutras).
Q14. Which of the following is not a Vedanga?
(a) Shiksha
(b) Vyakarana
(c) Jyotisha
(d) Ayurveda
Answer: d) Ayurveda
Explanation: The six Vedangas are Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (meter), and Jyotisha (astronomy). Ayurveda is a system of medicine, not a Vedanga.
Q15. How many Vedangas are there in total ?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 8
Answer: c) 6
Explanation: There are six Vedangas: Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, and Jyotisha.
Q16. At one stage in the Vedic Age, the king was called ‘gopati’ which meant ‘––––––’.
(a) Lord of land
(b) Lord of people
(c) Lord of cows
(d) Lord of horses
Answer: c) Lord of cows
Explanation: In the early Vedic period, wealth was often measured in terms of cattle. Hence, ‘gopati’ signified the protector or owner of a large herd of cows, which was a symbol of power and prosperity.
Q17. The Vedic Civilization in India flourished along the river –––––.
(a) Ganga
(b) Yamuna
(c) Brahmaputra
(d) Saraswati
Answer: d) Saraswati
Explanation: The Vedic Civilization, particularly the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) period, is strongly associated with the Sapta Sindhu region, which includes the Saraswati River (often identified with the Ghaggar-Hakra river system), a prominent river mentioned in the Rigveda. While the Indus system was central, Saraswati holds significant religious and cultural importance in Vedic texts.
Q18. The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Dharmasutras are all written in which language?
(a) Pali
(b) Prakrit
(c) Hindi
(d) Sanskrit
Answer: d) Sanskrit
Explanation: The vast body of ancient Indian sacred and philosophical texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Dharmasutras, were all composed in Sanskrit, the classical language of India.
Q19. Which is the oldest Veda among the four Vedas?
(a) Sama Veda
(b) Yajur Veda
(c) Atharva Veda
(d) Rigveda
Answer: d) Rigveda
Explanation: The Rigveda is the oldest and most important of the four Vedas. It is a collection of hymns composed in archaic Sanskrit, dating back to around 1500-1200 BCE.
Q20. More than one thousand eulogies have been included in the Rigveda, what are they called?
(a) Sutras
(b) Puranas
(c) Brahmanas
(d) Suktas
Answer: d) Suktas
Explanation: The Rigveda consists of 1028 hymns, or ‘Suktas’, which are collections of mantras or eulogies dedicated to various deities.
Q21. In how many Varna people were divided in Ancient India?
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 5
Answer: c) 4
Explanation: In ancient India, particularly during the later Vedic period, society was broadly divided into four varnas: Brahmins (priests, teachers), Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors), Vaishyas (merchants, farmers), and Shudras (laborers, service providers).
Q22. The Rigveda is divided into………..books or mandals.
(a) 8
(b) 9
(c) 10
(d) 12
Answer: c) 10
Explanation: The Rigveda is organized into 10 books, known as Mandalas, each containing numerous hymns.
Q23. The collection of vedic hymns or mantras is called–
(a) Brahmana
(b) Aranyaka
(c) Upanishad
(d) Samhita
Answer: d) Samhita
Explanation: The ‘Samhita’ refers to the collection of hymns or mantras of a Veda. For example, Rig Veda Samhita is the collection of Rigvedic hymns.
Q24. All of the following are the principal deities of the Vedic pantheon, except …………..
(a) Indra
(b) Agni
(c) Varuna
(d) Buddha
Answer: d) Buddha
Explanation: Indra, Agni, and Varuna were prominent deities worshipped in the Vedic pantheon. Buddha is associated with Buddhism, which emerged much later than the Vedic period.
Q25. The word ‘Satyamev Jayate’ have been derived from which Upanishad?
(a) Chandogya Upanishad
(b) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(c) Kena Upanishad
(d) Mundaka Upanishad
Answer: d) Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation: The famous motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad.
Q26. The word ‘Satyameva Jayate’ on the national emblem of India has been taken from which Upanishad?
(a) Katha Upanishad
(b) Isha Upanishad
(c) Prashna Upanishad
(d) Mundaka Upanishad
Answer: d) Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation: The word ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Sarnath Lion Capital, which serves as India’s national emblem, is derived from the Mundaka Upanishad.
Q27. Which of the Rig Veda’s Mandala is completely dedicated to Soma?
(a) 7th Mandala
(b) 8th Mandala
(c) 9th Mandala
(d) 10th Mandala
Answer: c) 9th Mandala
Explanation: The 9th Mandala of the Rig Veda is entirely dedicated to Soma, a plant (and also a deity) whose intoxicating juice was used in Vedic rituals.
Q28. ‘Purusha Sukta’ is a hymn from which Veda?
(a) Sama Veda
(b) Yajur Veda
(c) Atharva Veda
(d) Rig Veda
Answer: d) Rig Veda
Explanation: The ‘Purusha Sukta’ is a well-known hymn found in the 10th Mandala of the Rig Veda. It describes the creation of the universe and the origin of the four varnas from the primordial being, Purusha.
Q29. Magadha Mahajanapada was surrounded by the ……. Rivers.
(a) Yamuna and Chambal
(b) Godavari and Krishna
(c) Narmada and Tapti
(d) Ganga and Son
Answer: d) Ganga and Son
Explanation: Magadha was strategically located and surrounded by rivers like the Ganga to its north, the Son to its west, and other smaller rivers, which provided natural defenses, fertile land, and facilitated trade and transport.
Q30. ………..was the capital of Vajji Mahajanapada.
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Rajagriha
(c) Champa
(d) Vaishali
Answer: d) Vaishali
Explanation: Vaishali was the capital of the Vajji Mahajanapada, which was a confederacy of eight clans (atthakula), with the Lichchhavis being the most prominent.
Q31. Rajagriha was the first capital of which Mahajanapada ?
(a) Kosala
(b) Avanti
(c) Vajji
(d) Magadha
Answer: d) Magadha
Explanation: Rajagriha (modern Rajgir in Bihar) was the initial capital of the powerful Magadha Mahajanapada before Pataliputra became the capital later.
Q32. The ancient city of Champa is considered to be the Capital of ……… Mahajanapada.
(a) Magadha
(b) Kosala
(c) Vajji
(d) Anga
Answer: d) Anga
Explanation: Champa was the capital of the Anga Mahajanapada, which was located to the east of Magadha.
Q33. How many great powers (Mahajanpadas) existed in the 7th and early 6th centuries BC, during the life time of Lord Gautam Buddha?
(a) 12
(b) 14
(c) 16
(d) 18
Answer: c) 16
Explanation: During the 6th century BC, the Indian subcontinent saw the emergence of 16 powerful states known as Mahajanapadas, coinciding with the lifetime of Lord Gautam Buddha.
Q34. Rulers of Mahajanapadas in ancient India collected a tax called ‘Bhaga’ from the _ in their region.
(a) Traders
(b) Artisans
(c) Hunters
(d) Cultivators
Answer: d) Cultivators
Explanation: ‘Bhaga’ was a land tax, usually one-sixth of the produce, collected by the rulers from the cultivators or farmers in their territory.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT one of the monarchical states that existed in the 7th and 6th centuries?
(a) Magadha
(b) Kosala
(c) Avanti
(d) Vajji
Answer: d) Vajji
Explanation: While Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti were prominent monarchical states (ruled by kings), Vajji was a Gana-sangha (republican confederacy), not a monarchy.
Q36. Taxila was capital of which among the 16 Mahajanapadas?
(a) Kuru
(b) Panchala
(c) Gandhara
(d) Kamboja
Answer: c) Gandhara
Explanation: Taxila (Takshashila) was the capital city of the Gandhara Mahajanapada, an important ancient city that was also a significant center of learning.
Q37. Which Buddhist scripture describes about 16 Mahajanapadas?
(a) Sutta Pitaka
(b) Vinaya Pitaka
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(d) Anguttara Nikaya
Answer: d) Anguttara Nikaya
Explanation: The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya, part of the Sutta Pitaka, provides a list of the sixteen Mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India.
Q38. Initially, Rajagriha, the Prakit name for present day Rajgir in _, was the capital of Magadha.
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Odisha
(d) Bihar
Answer: d) Bihar
Explanation: Rajagriha (Rajgir), the ancient capital of Magadha, is located in the present-day Indian state of Bihar.
Q39. King Ajatashatru was a ruler of the__ dynasty.
(a) Nanda
(b) Maurya
(c) Shishunaga
(d) Haryanka
Answer: d) Haryanka
Explanation: Ajatashatru was a powerful ruler of the Haryanka dynasty, which was one of the early ruling dynasties of Magadha.
Q40. Bimbisara was the king of which dynasty?
(a) Nanda
(b) Maurya
(c) Shishunaga
(d) Haryanka
Answer: d) Haryanka
Explanation: Bimbisara was the founder and prominent king of the Haryanka dynasty, ruling Magadha from circa 544 BCE to 492 BCE.
Q41. The first ruler of Magadha from the Haryanka dynasty was –––––.
(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Udayin
(c) Shishunaga
(d) Bimbisara
Answer: d) Bimbisara
Explanation: Bimbisara is credited with establishing the Haryanka dynasty and laying the foundations of the Magadhan Empire.
Q42. Ajatashatru was the son of
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Udayin
(d) Bimbisara
Answer: d) Bimbisara
Explanation: Ajatashatru was the son of King Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty. He is known for imprisoning his father and usurping the throne.
Q43. Ajatashatru, a ruler of the Haryanka Dynasty, was the son of ––––––.
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
(b) Dhana Nanda
(c) Udayin
(d) Bimbisara
Answer: d) Bimbisara
Explanation: Ajatashatru was the son of Bimbisara, the founder of the Haryanka dynasty.
Q44. The famous physician Jeevaka was appointed in the court of:
(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Prasenjit
(c) Udayin
(d) Bimbisara
Answer: d) Bimbisara
Explanation: Jeevaka, a renowned physician and surgeon, was a personal physician of King Bimbisara and also attended to Lord Buddha.
Q45. Who was called “Agrammes” or “Xandrames” by the Greek writers?
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Bimbisara
(d) Dhana Nanda
Answer: d) Dhana Nanda
Explanation: Greek historians referred to Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, as “Agrammes” or “Xandrames”.
Q46. Who was the founder of Nanda Dynasty?
(a) Dhana Nanda
(b) Shishunaga
(c) Bimbisara
(d) Mahapadma Nanda
Answer: d) Mahapadma Nanda
Explanation: Mahapadma Nanda is considered the founder of the Nanda dynasty, which succeeded the Shishunaga dynasty in Magadha.
Q47. Who among the following was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty?
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
(b) Ugrasena
(c) Sushen
(d) Dhana Nanda
Answer: d) Dhana Nanda
Explanation: Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. He was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya.
Q48. Which among the following dynasties did not rule the Magadha Empire?
(a) Haryanka Dynasty
(b) Nanda Dynasty
(c) Maurya Dynasty
(d) Satavahana Dynasty
Answer: d) Satavahana Dynasty
Explanation: The Haryanka, Nanda, and Maurya dynasties were prominent ruling dynasties of the Magadha Empire. The Satavahana dynasty primarily ruled in the Deccan region.
Q49. Which of the following Kings does not belong to the Magadha empire?
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Ajatashatru
(c) Mahapadma Nanda
(d) Prasenjit
Answer: d) Prasenjit
Explanation: Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Mahapadma Nanda were all kings of the Magadha Empire (from Haryanka and Nanda dynasties respectively). Prasenjit was the ruler of Kosala, a contemporary Mahajanapada.
Q50. While Magadha was a powerful Mahajanapada, Vajji, with its capital at Vaishali (Bihar), was under a different form of government known as:
(a) Monarchy
(b) Empire
(c) Theocracy
(d) Gana-sangha (Republic)
Answer: d) Gana-sangha (Republic)
Explanation: Unlike Magadha, which was a monarchy, Vajji was a confederacy of various clans (like the Lichchhavis), governed by a system known as Gana-sangha or republic, where decisions were made by a council of representatives.
Ancient History MCQs All Mock Test Set:- Click Here
Ancient History MCQs With Mock Test Set 1 – Click Here