SSC CGL (Prelims) General: Ancient History questions with solutions

Q1. Arrange the following ancient sites in chronological order based on the development of temple architecture: A. Ellora B. Ajanta C. Badami

1. B - C - A
2. C - A - B
3. B - A - C
4. A - B - C

Answer: B - C - A

Ajanta is the earliest among the three, followed by Badami, while Ellora is later. Therefore, the chronological order is B - C - A.

Q2. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched with Mauryan pillar locations? A) Vaishali – Bihar B) Dhauli – Rajasthan C) Rampurva – Uttar Pradesh D) Amaravati – Karnataka

1. Vaishali – Bihar
2. Dhauli – Rajasthan
3. Rampurva – Uttar Pradesh
4. Amaravati – Karnataka

Answer: Vaishali – Bihar

Vaishali is correctly located in Bihar and is associated with Mauryan pillar remains. The other pairs are incorrect because Dhauli is in Odisha, Rampurva is in Bihar, and Amaravati is in Andhra Pradesh.

Q3. In ancient Indian administration, the term ‘Nagaraka’ referred to:

1. Village headman
2. City superintendent
3. Military commander
4. Chief priest

Answer: City superintendent

In ancient Indian administration, a Nagaraka was an official associated with city administration. The term refers to a city superintendent or urban magistrate. Hence, the correct answer is City superintendent.

Q4. Read the following statements carefully: Statement 1: The dockyard at Lothal indicates maritime trade activity. Statement 2: Harappans used standardized weights for commerce. Which of the following is/are correct?

1. Only S1
2. Only S2
3. Both S1 and S2 are correct
4. Neither S1 nor S2 is correct

Answer: Both S1 and S2 are correct

Lothal is widely regarded as an important Harappan port site, indicating maritime trade. The Harappans also used standardized weights and measures, which supported commerce.

Q5. With reference to administrative offices in early historic India, which of the following officer–function pairs is correctly matched?

1. Ayuktaka — Provincial revenue officer
2. Senapati — Chief judicial authority
3. Nagaraka — Head of temple rituals
4. Dandapala — Supervisor of trade guilds

Answer: Ayuktaka — Provincial revenue officer

Ayuktaka was an administrative officer connected with revenue and local administration in early historic India. The other options mismatch the known functions of Senapati, Nagaraka, and Dandapala. Therefore, the correct pair is Ayuktaka — Provincial revenue officer.

Q6. Harappan houses were notable for:

1. Glass windows
2. Attached granaries
3. Private wells and bathrooms
4. Iron pillars

Answer: Private wells and bathrooms

Harappan houses are well known for their planned layout, drainage system, and provision of private wells and bathrooms. This reflects the advanced urban sanitation of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Q7. Which Mahajanapada was located in the region of present-day eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and became the nucleus of the Mauryan Empire?

1. Kosala
2. Magadha
3. Vajji
4. Malla

Answer: Magadha

Magadha was located in parts of present-day Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It became the most powerful Mahajanapada and later formed the core of the Mauryan Empire.

Q8. The famous Ashokan Lion Capital is located at which site?

1. Sanchi
2. Sarnath
3. Bodh Gaya
4. Amaravati

Answer: Sarnath

The Ashokan Lion Capital is famously located at Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. It is also the national emblem of India.

Q9. In the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal was especially famous for:

1. Dockyard and maritime trade
2. Stone sculpture workshops
3. Iron smelting industries
4. Large agricultural granaries

Answer: Dockyard and maritime trade

Lothal is known for its dockyard, which suggests maritime trade and port activity. It is one of the most important sites of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Q10. Which unique feature was discovered at the Harappan site of Dholavira, setting it apart from other Harappan cities?

1. Evidence of rice cultivation
2. A sophisticated water conservation system with reservoirs
3. Remains of a horse
4. Discovery of a stone plough

Answer: A sophisticated water conservation system with reservoirs

Dholavira is famous for its highly developed water management system, including reservoirs and channels. This feature distinguishes it from many other Harappan sites.

Q11. Which of the following options is the correct order of the prehistoric periods?

1. Mesolithic, Paleolithic, Neolithic, Metal Age
2. Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Metal Age
3. Paleolithic, Neolithic, Mesolithic, Metal Age
4. Neolithic, Mesolithic, Paleolithic, Metal Age

Answer: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Metal Age

The prehistoric sequence progresses from the earliest stone age to later developments: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and then the Metal Age. This reflects the broad evolution of human tools and lifestyle.

Q12. Which among the following is NOT true about the Harappan culture?

1. They worshipped a male deity called Pashupati
2. Women wore ornaments made of gold, silver, copper, and bronze
3. There is clear evidence for the practice of sati
4. Wheat and barley were the main crops grown

Answer: There is clear evidence for the practice of sati

The Harappan civilization provides evidence of worship, ornaments, and agriculture, but there is no clear evidence that sati was practiced. Hence, that statement is not true.

Q13. Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?

1. Parshvanath
2. Rishabhadev
3. Sambhavnath
4. Chandraprabha

Answer: Rishabhadev

Rishabhadev, also called Rishabhanatha or Adinatha, is considered the first Tirthankara of Jainism. Parshvanath was the 23rd Tirthankara.

Q14. Which of the following Harappan sites is known for a unique water-harnessing system and storm-water drainage?

1. Lothal
2. Dholavira
3. Kalibangan
4. Banawali

Answer: Dholavira

Dholavira is renowned among Harappan sites for its advanced water management, including reservoirs, channels, and storm-water drainage. This makes it stand out from other Indus Valley sites. Hence, Dholavira is the correct answer.