Ancient history is a fascinating subject that covers the earliest civilizations, empires, rulers, and cultural advancements that shaped human history. It is an important topic for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, State PSCs, and other government exams.
In this article, we have compiled a list of important Ancient History GK questions and answers that will help you in your exam preparation. Let’s dive into the world of ancient civilizations!
🏺 Ancient Civilizations GK Questions and Answers
- Which is the oldest known civilization in the world?
Answer: Mesopotamian Civilization - Which civilization is known for its pyramids and mummies?
Answer: Egyptian Civilization - Which river is associated with the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: Indus River - What was the main occupation of the people in the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: Agriculture - Which was the largest city of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: Mohenjo-Daro - Who is known as the “Father of History”?
Answer: Herodotus - Which script was used by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: The Indus Script (Undeciphered) - Which civilization is famous for the invention of the wheel?
Answer: Mesopotamian Civilization - The Great Bath was found in which Indus Valley city?
Answer: Mohenjo-Daro - Which metal was first used by humans?
Answer: Copper
📜 Vedic and Early Indian History GK Questions
- Which is the oldest Veda?
Answer: Rigveda - Who were the Aryans?
Answer: A group of Indo-European people who migrated to India around 1500 BC - What was the main occupation of Vedic people?
Answer: Agriculture and cattle rearing - What is the term for the four social classes in the Vedic period?
Answer: Varna system (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) - What was the language of the Vedic literature?
Answer: Sanskrit - Which two epics are considered the greatest literary works of ancient India?
Answer: Ramayana and Mahabharata - Who is the author of Mahabharata?
Answer: Ved Vyasa - Who is the author of Ramayana?
Answer: Valmiki - Which river is mentioned the most in Rigveda?
Answer: Saraswati River - What was the main feature of the Later Vedic Period?
Answer: The rise of kingdoms (Mahajanapadas) and expansion of agriculture
🏛️ Ancient Indian Dynasties GK Questions
- Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya - Which Mauryan emperor converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War?
Answer: Emperor Ashoka - Which book was written by Kautilya (Chanakya) on statecraft and governance?
Answer: Arthashastra - Which ancient Indian king was known as “Napoleon of India”?
Answer: Samudragupta - Which Gupta ruler was known as the “Golden Age of India”?
Answer: Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) - Who was the first woman ruler of India?
Answer: Razia Sultana (Delhi Sultanate) - Which famous university was established during the Gupta period?
Answer: Nalanda University - Which dynasty built the famous rock-cut caves at Ajanta and Ellora?
Answer: Rashtrakuta Dynasty - Which ruler defeated Alexander’s general Seleucus and expanded his empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya - Which dynasty is famous for temple architecture like the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
Answer: Chola Dynasty
🛕 Religion and Culture in Ancient India GK Questions
- Who was the founder of Jainism?
Answer: Mahavira - Who was the founder of Buddhism?
Answer: Gautama Buddha - Where did Gautama Buddha attain enlightenment?
Answer: Bodh Gaya - What are the sacred texts of Buddhism called?
Answer: Tripitaka (Three Baskets) - What are the sacred texts of Jainism called?
Answer: Agamas - Which ruler is known for spreading Buddhism outside India?
Answer: Emperor Ashoka - Which temple is known as the “Sun Temple” of India?
Answer: Konark Sun Temple - What is the main philosophy of Jainism?
Answer: Non-violence (Ahimsa) - Who built the famous Sanchi Stupa?
Answer: Emperor Ashoka - Which Indian text explains the principles of Yoga?
Answer: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
🏹 Famous Wars and Events in Ancient History
- Which battle allowed Alexander the Great to enter India?
Answer: Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC) - Which king fought against Alexander the Great?
Answer: King Porus - Which war led to Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
Answer: Kalinga War - What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: Pataliputra - Which empire was known for its naval power in South India?
Answer: Chola Empire - Who introduced the first coins in India?
Answer: Mauryan Empire (Punch-marked coins) - Who was the famous Chinese traveler who visited India during Harsha’s reign?
Answer: Hiuen Tsang - Which Greek ambassador visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
Answer: Megasthenes - What was the main cause of the decline of the Maurya Empire?
Answer: Weak successors and administrative inefficiency - Which king performed the Ashwamedha Yajna (Horse Sacrifice)?
Answer: Samudragupta
📢 Why Learning Ancient History is Important?
Ancient history is essential for understanding the roots of civilization, governance, culture, and religion. It is a key topic in competitive exams and a great way to expand your general knowledge.
✅ Keep practicing these Ancient History GK questions to improve your performance in exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and more!
💬 How many did you get right? Drop your score in the comments! 😊📚