Q: ऐसा कि अशोक के अभिलेखों से ज्ञात होता है, ‘प्रतिकारक’, ‘राजुक’ और ‘युक्त’ किस स्तर पर महत्वपूर्ण अधिकारी थे?
(a)ग्राम-स्तरीय प्रशासन
(b)जिला-स्तरीय प्रशासन
(c)प्रान्तीय प्रशासन
(d)केन्द्रीय प्रशासन स्तर
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Ancient History — UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions (1995–2025)
90 questions across 13 sub-topics. Practice all Ancient History PYQs with detailed explanations, or explore specific sub-topics below.
90
Total Questions
13
Sub-topics
28
Years
Ancient History is one of the highest-yield but often underestimated segments of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. A granular study of Past Year Questions (PYQs) from 1995-2025 shows that out of the 90 Ancient History questions asked, nearly 60% clustered around ten recurring sub-topics. Understanding this trend can dramatically sharpen your preparation and eliminate last-minute guesswork.
What does UPSC actually ask? The Commission rarely seeks mere dates or ruler–successor lists. Instead, questions centre on processes (e.g., how Mauryan land-revenue was assessed), interconnections (e.g., trade routes linking the Indus cities to Mesopotamia), and source criticism (matching inscriptions, coins or foreign accounts with the dynasty involved). UPSC also loves statement-type questions where eliminating one wrong statement scores you the mark, proving that conceptual clarity beats rote learning.
Key patterns from 30 years of PYQs
• Mauryan Empire (12 questions): emphasis on Ashokan edicts, administrative divisions, Megasthenes’ descriptions and economic reforms.
• Buddhism & Jainism (10): focus on councils, sect splits, canonical literature and philosophical doctrines.
• Post-Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties (8): Pallavas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas and their art & temple architecture.
• Vedic & later Vedic period (7): societal stratification, political assemblies, literature differentiation (Shruti vs Smriti).
• Gupta Empire (7): golden age debate, scientific advancements, numismatics and land grants.
• Trade, Economy & Coinage (7): Roman trade, guilds (shrenis), punch-marked coins, Silk Route.
• Science & Technology (7): Aryabhata, Sushruta, metallurgy (Iron Pillar, Wootz steel).
• Indus Valley Civilization (7): urban planning, craft specialisation, decline theories, recent excavations.
• Archaeology & Epigraphy (6): decipherment milestones, script types, important inscriptions.
• Mahajanapadas & Early Kingdoms (6): sixteen mahajanapadas map-based questions, rise of Magadha, republican clans.
Preparation Strategy That Works in Prelims
1. Begin with PYQ mapping: Before opening a book, scan the last 30 years’ PYQs to internalise UPSC’s favourite angles.
2. Layered resources: Start with NCERTs (Class 6-12 old & new), move to RS Sharma, then selectively read Upinder Singh chapters on Mauryas, Guptas and early medieval South India.
3. Create inter-topic linkages: Connect polity (sabha, samiti) with economy (cattle-based tribute) in the Vedic age, or art (stupa, chaitya) with religion (Buddhism) and polity (Mauryan patronage). These linkages help eliminate options.
4. Timeline-plus-theme notes: For every century, list rulers, literature, inscriptions, trade items and scientific advances side by side. This makes multi-statement questions easier.
5. Revision by test drills: After every chapter, attempt topic-wise PYQs and high-quality mock questions. Focus on why an option is wrong, not just why the correct one is right.
6. Map & picture practice: UPSC has lately asked site-location pairs (e.g., Lothal-dockyard) and image-based questions (terracotta figurines, temple gopurams). Revise archaeological sites on an outline map and flip through Nitin Singhania’s art & culture plates.
The take-home message: mastering Ancient History for UPSC Prelims is less about covering everything and more about covering what UPSC repeatedly tests. Use the PYQ trend above as your roadmap, and every additional fact you read will slot neatly into a question that could appear in the next exam.
Sub-topic Breakdown
Mauryan Empire12Buddhism & Jainism10Post-Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties8Science & Technology7Indus Valley Civilization7Trade & Economy7Gupta Empire7Vedic Period7Mahajanapadas & Early Kingdoms6Archaeology & Epigraphy6Post-Mauryan & Foreign Invasions5Foreign Travellers & Accounts4Society, Law & Administration4
Year-wise Question Distribution
All Ancient History Questions
Mauryan Empire(12 questions)
Q: निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए : अशोक के प्रमुख शिलालेखों के स्थान — वह स्थान जिस राज्य में हैं 1. धौली — ओडिशा 2. एर्रगुडी — आंध्र प्रदेश 3. जौगाड — मध्य प्रदेश 4. कन्नल्ली — कर्नाटक उपरोक्त युग्मों में से कितने सही सुमेलित हैं ?
(a)केवल एक युग्म
(b)केवल दो युग्म
(c)केवल तीन युग्म
(d)सभी चारों युग्म
Q: Which one of the following rulers advised his subjects through an inscription thus: "Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely."
(a)Ashoka
(b)Samudragupta
(c)Harshavardhana
(d)Krishnadeva Raya
Q: Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
(a)Georg Bühler
(b)James Prinsep
(c)Max Müller
(d)William Jones
Q: The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt has its subject on
(a)a conflict between Gods and Demons of ancient Hindu lore
(b)a romantic story of an Aryan prince and a tribal woman
(c)the story of the power struggle between two Aryan tribes
(d)the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya
Q: Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India.
(a)Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b)Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c)A is true, but R is false
(d)A is false, but R is true
Q: Assertion (A): According to Asoka’s edicts, social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.
(a)Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b)Both A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
(c)A is true, but R is false
(d)A is false, but R is true
Q: Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilised during the crises in the country?
(a)Sohagaura Copper-plate
(b)Rumminidei pillar-edict of Asoka
(c)Prayaga-Prasasti
(d)Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Q: The given map relates to
(a)Kaniska at the time of his death
(b)Samudragupta after the close of his South Indian campaign
(c)Asoka towards the close of his reign
(d)Empire of Thanesar on the eve of Harsha’s accession
Q: The Asokan major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts
(a)I and X
(b)I and XI
(c)II and XIII
(d)II and XIV
Q: Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Asoka?
(a)Kalsi
(b)Rummindei
(c)Special Kalinga Edict
(d)Maski
Q: The name by which Asoka is generally referred to in his inscriptions is
(a)Chakravarti
(b)Dharmadeva
(c)Dharmakirti
(d)Priyadarshini
Buddhism & Jainism(10 questions)
Q: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs : 1. Parivrajak — Renunciant and Wanderer 2. Shramana — Priest with a high status 3. Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals
(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times ? 1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism. 2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists. 3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)1 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Ikshvaku rulers of southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism. 2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a)Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu
(b)The Jains who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Svetambaras after the Council held at Pataliputra
(c)Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC
(d)In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jains worshipped images unlike Buddhists
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka. 2. Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Kosha-lan dynasty. 3. Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras. Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a)Only 1
(b)Only 2
(c)2 and 3
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
(a)Parsva
(b)Nagarjuna
(c)Sudraka
(d)Vasumitra
Q: Assertion (A): The emphasis of Jainism on non-violence (ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism. Reason (R): Cultivation involved killing of insects and pests.
(a)Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b)Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c)A is true, but R is false
(d)A is false, but R is true
Post-Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties(8 questions)
Q: Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara’?
(a)Mahendravarman I
(b)Simhavishnu
(c)Narasimhavarman I
(d)Simhavarman
Q: From the decline of the Gupta Empire until the rise of Harshavardhana, which of the following dynasties ruled over North India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 4. The Maukharies of Kanauj 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Gurjara-Pratiharas of Jodhpur Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1, 2 and 5
(b)1, 3, 4 and 6
(c)2, 3 and 4
(d)5 and 6
Q: Consider the following events in the history of India: 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman I 3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka I 4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
(a)2 – 1 – 4 – 3
(b)3 – 1 – 4 – 2
(c)2 – 4 – 1 – 3
(d)3 – 4 – 1 – 2
Q: Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire?
(a)Amoghavarsha I
(b)Dantidurga
(c)Dhruva
(d)Krishna I
Q: Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by
(a)Pulakesin-I
(b)Pulakesin-II
(c)Vikramaditya-I
(d)Vikramaditya-II
Q: Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly. Reason (R): He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism.
(a)Both A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b)Both A and R are individually true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
(c)A is true, but R is false
(d)A is false, but R is true
Q: Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon?
(a)Aditya I
(b)Rajaraja I
(c)Rajendra
(d)Vijayalaya
Q: One consistent feature found in the history of southern India was the growth of small regional kingdoms rather than large empires because of
(a)the absence of minerals like iron
(b)too many divisions in the social structure
(c)the absence of vast areas of fertile land
(d)the scarcity of manpower
Science & Technology(7 questions)
Q: The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was
(a)a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley
(b)a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
(c)a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
(d)a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand
Q: With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? 1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD. 2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD. 3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD. 4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)3 and 4 only
(c)1, 3 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: What does Baudhayana theorem (Baudhayana Sulva Sutra) relate to?
(a)Lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle
(b)Calculation of the value of pi
(c)Logarithmic calculations
(d)Normal distribution curve
Q: Match List – I with List – II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List – I ( Finding / Invention / Calculation ) A. Time taken by the Earth to orbit the Sun B. Calculation of the value of ‘pi’ C. Invention of the digit zero D. The game of snakes and ladders List – II ( Ancient Indian Scholar ) 1. Aryabhatta 2. Bhaskaracharya 3. Budhayana 4. Gyandev Code:
(a)A 2 B 4 C 1 D 3
(b)A 2 B 3 C 1 D 4
(c)A 1 B 3 C 2 D 4
(d)A 1 B 4 C 2 D 3
Q: Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period?
(a)Saumilla
(b)Sudraka
(c)Shaunaka
(d)Susrutha
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Visakhadatta II. Varahamihira III. Charaka IV. Brahmagupta List II A) Medicine B) Drama C) Astronomy D) Mathematics
(a)I – A, II – C, III – D, IV – B
(b)I – B, II – A, III – C, IV – D
(c)I – B, II – C, III – A, IV – D
(d)I – C, II – B, III – A, IV – B
Q: Zero was invented by
(a)Aryabhata
(b)Varahamihira
(c)Bhaskara I
(d)an unknown Indian
Indus Valley Civilization(7 questions)
Q: मोहनजोदड़ो से प्राप्त “नाचती हुई लड़की” नामक प्रतिमा किस धातु की बनी है?
(a)कांसा (Bronze)
(b)ताम्र (Copper)
(c)पीतल (Brass)
(d)स्वर्ण (Gold)
Q: Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management where a series of bunds created check-dams and canals carried the water to connected reservoirs?
(a)Dholavira
(b)Kalibangan
(c)Rakhigarhi
(d)Ropar
Q: निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा एक हड़प्पा स्थल नहीं है?
(a)चन्द्रुडी
(b)कोट डीजी
(c)सोथी
(d)देसलपुर
Q: Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization? 1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 only
(c)1, 2 and 3
(d)None of the statements given above is correct
Q: Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements : 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. 2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: Match List I (Ancient site) with List II (Archaeological finding) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Ancient site) A. Lothal B. Kalibangan C. Dholavira D. ——— (site with Banawali inscription) List II (Archaeological finding) 1. Ploughed field 2. Dockyard 3. Terracotta replica of a plough 4. An inscription comprising ten large-sized signs of the Banawali Harappan script Codes:
(a)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b)A-2, B-1, C-2, D-4
(c)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(d)A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
Q: Which one of the following animals was NOT represented on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?
(a)Cow
(b)Elephant
(c)Rhinoceros
(d)Tiger
Trade & Economy(7 questions)
Q: प्राचीन दक्षिण भारत के संदर्भ में, कोल्हई, सेम्पूरार और सुगीरी किस वस्त्र में प्रसिद्ध थे?
(a)राजाओं का नर
(b)पट्ट
(c)लोर और रसभाष निर्माण के केन्द्र
(d)सभी बुनकरों के वस्त्र
Q: Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
(a)An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
(b)A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
(c)A bill of exchange
(d)An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
Q: With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country's economy, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them. 2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild. 3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?
(a)As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times
(b)The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context
(c)Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
(d)Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context
Q: From the third century AD when the Hun invasion ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the
(a)African trade
(b)West European trade
(c)Southeast Asian trade
(d)Middle Eastern trade
Q: Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India?
(a)Chaturvedi Mangalam
(b)Parishad
(c)Ashtadikgaja
(d)Manigrama
Q: The term Yavanapriya, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts, denoted
(a)a fine variety of Indian muslin
(b)ivory
(c)damsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
(d)pepper
Gupta Empire(7 questions)
Q: With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as
(a)ports handling foreign trade
(b)capitals of powerful kingdoms
(c)places of exquisite stone art and architecture
(d)important Buddhist pilgrimage centres
Q: गुप्त काल के दौरान भारत में बलात् श्रम (विष्टि) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन सही है?
(a)इसे राज्य की आय के लिए जनता द्वारा दिया जाने वाला एक प्रकार का कर माना जाता था।
(b)यह मुख्यतः मध्य प्रदेश तथा काठियावाड़ क्षेत्रों में पूर्णतः अनुपस्थित था।
(c)बलात् श्रम सामाजिक मर्यादा का प्रतीक माना जाता था।
(d)मजदूर के छोटे पुत्र को बलात् श्रमिक के रूप में भेज दिया जाता था।
Q: The Allahabad Pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following?
(a)Mahapadma Nanda
(b)Chandragupta Maurya
(c)Ashoka
(d)Samudragupta
Q: Assertion (A): The origin of feudal system in ancient India can be traced to military campaigns. Reason (R): There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period.
(a)Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b)Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c)A is true, but R is false
(d)A is false, but R is true
Q: Which one of the following ports handled the north Indian trade during the Gupta period?
(a)Tamralipti
(b)Broach
(c)Kalyan
(d)Cambray
Q: The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called
(a)rupaka
(b)karshapana
(c)dinara
(d)pana
Q: In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta Period women and sudras speak
(a)Sanskrit
(b)Prakrit
(c)Pali
(d)Sauraseni
Vedic Period(7 questions)
Q: सभ्यता-कालीन आर्य और सिन्धु घाटी के लोगों की संस्कृति के बीच अंतर के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं ? 1. सभ्यता-कालीन आर्यों ने कवच और शिरस्त्राण (helmet) का उपयोग किया जबकि सिन्धु घाटी सभ्यता के लोगों में इनके उपयोग का कोई साक्ष्य नहीं मिलता है। 2. सभ्यता-कालीन आर्य स्वर्ण, चाँदी तथा ताँबे को जानते थे, जबकि सिन्धु घाटी के लोगों को केवल ताँबा और लोहा ज्ञात था। 3. सभ्यता-कालीन आर्यों ने घोड़े को पालतू बना लिया था, जबकि सिन्धु घाटी के लोगों के इस पशु को जानने का कोई साक्ष्य नहीं है। नीचे दिये गये कूट का उपयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए :
(a)केवल 1
(b)केवल 2 और 3
(c)केवल 1 और 3
(d)1, 2 और 3
Q: With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of
(a)Bhakti
(b)image worship and Yajnas
(c)worship of nature, and Yajnas
(d)worship of nature and Bhakti
Q: The "dharma" and "rita" depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one's duties to oneself and to others. 2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: The term ‘Aryan’ denotes
(a)an ethnic group
(b)a nomadic people
(c)a speech group
(d)a superior race
Q: The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is
(a)Sindhu
(b)Sutudri
(c)Sarasvati
(d)Ganga
Q: Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas?
(a)Lopamudra
(b)Gargi
(c)Leelavati
(d)Savitri
Mahajanapadas & Early Kingdoms(6 questions)
Q: प्राचीन भारत (600–322 ईसा पूर्व) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए : प्राचीनक क्षेत्र — इस क्षेत्र में बहने वाली नदी I. अश्मक : गोदावरी II. कम्बोज : विपाशा III. अवन्ती : महानदी IV. कोसल : सरयू उपर्युक्त में से कितने युग्म सही सुमेलित हैं?
(a)केवल एक
(b)केवल दो
(c)केवल तीन
(d)सभी चार
Q: Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1, 2 and 3
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1, 3 and 4
(d)3 and 4 only
Q: Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1, 2 and 3
(b)2 and 4
(c)3 and 4 only
(d)1, 3 and 4
Q: Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three?
(a)Bimbisara
(b)Gautama Buddha
(c)Milinda
(d)Prasenjit
Q: Which one of the following was initially the most powerful city state of India in the 6th century B.C.?
(a)Gandhar
(b)Kamboj
(c)Kashi
(d)Magadh
Q: The following map shows four of the sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India. The places marked A, B, C and D respectively are
(a)Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga
(b)Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha
(c)Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga
(d)Surasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha
Archaeology & Epigraphy(6 questions)
Q: निम्नलिखित सूची पर विचार कीजिए : प्रागैतिहासिक स्थल राज्य विवरण 1. चंद्रकेतुगढ़ ओड़िशा व्यापार बंदरगाह शहर 2. इनामगाँव महाराष्ट्र तात्पाषाण स्थल 3. मुंडु केरल महापाषाण स्थल 4. सालीहुण्ड आंध्र प्रदेश शैलचित्र गुफा मंदिर उपर्युक्त में से कौन-सी युग्मों में दी गई सूचना सही सुमेलित है ?
(a)1 और 2
(b)2 और 3
(c)3 और 4
(d)1 और 4
Q: Consider the following pairs: (Historical place) : (Well-known for) 1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines 2. Chandraketugarh : Terracotta art 3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2
(c)3 only
(d)2 and 3
Q: Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located?
(a)Indus and Jehelum
(b)Jhelum and Chenab
(c)Chenab and Ravi
(d)Ravi and Beas
Q: What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? I. Gold coins II. Punch-marked silver coins III. Iron plough IV. Urban culture Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a)III, IV, I, II
(b)III, IV, II, I
(c)IV, III, I, II
(d)IV, III, II, I
Q: The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be
(a)601
(b)300
(c)330
(d)407
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Eras) I. Vikrama era II. Saka era III. Gupta era IV. Kali era List II (Reckoned from) A) 3102 B.C. B) 320 A.D. C) 78 A.D. D) 58 B.C. E) 248 A.D.
(a)I-B, II-D, III-E, IV-A
(b)I-A, II-C, III-B, IV-D
(c)I-D, II-E, III-B, IV-C
(d)I-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
Post-Mauryan & Foreign Invasions(5 questions)
Q: With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order?
(a)Greeks – Sakas – Kushans
(b)Greeks – Kushans – Sakas
(c)Sakas – Greeks – Kushans
(d)Sakas – Kushans – Greeks
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga. 2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne. 3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhra’s. Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a)1 and 2
(b)Only 2
(c)Only 3
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the
(a)Greeks
(b)Shakas
(c)Parthians
(d)Mughals
Q: Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander's invasion?
(a)Nanda
(b)Maurya
(c)Sunga
(d)Kanva
Q: The Indo-Greek kingdom set up in north Afghanistan in the beginning of the second century BC was
(a)Bactria
(b)Scythia
(c)Zedrasia
(d)Aria
Foreign Travellers & Accounts(4 questions)
Q: Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of
(a)Samudragupta
(b)Chandragupta II
(c)Kumaragupta I
(d)Skandagupta
Q: The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka. 2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism. Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: The following persons came to India at one time or another: I. Fa-Hien II. I-Tsing III. Megasthenes IV. Hieun-Tsang The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:
(a)III, I, II, IV
(b)III, I, IV, II
(c)I, III, II, IV
(d)I, III, IV, II
Society, Law & Administration(4 questions)
Q: According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following are correct ? 1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment. 2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. 3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: प्राचीन भारत के इतिहास के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं? 1. मिताक्षरा व्यवस्था किसी जाति की सर्वत्र लागू विधि थी और दायभाग व्यवस्था एक क्षेत्र-विशिष्ट विधि थी। 2. मिताक्षरा व्यवस्था में, पुत्र अपने पिता के जीवित रहते ही सम्पत्ति पर अधिकार पा सकता था, जबकि दायभाग व्यवस्था में पिता की मृत्यु के उपरान्त ही पुत्र सम्पत्ति पर अधिकार पा सकता था। 3. मिताक्षरा व्यवस्था किसी परिवार के केवल पुरुष सदस्यों के सम्पत्ति-संबंधी मामलों पर विचार करती है, जबकि दायभाग व्यवस्था पुरुष और महिला, दोनों सदस्यों के सम्पत्ति-संबंधी मामलों पर विचार करती है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।
(a)1 और 2
(b)केवल 2
(c)1 और 3
(d)केवल 3
Q: With reference to the history of India, the terms ‘Kuliyavapa’ and ‘Dronavapa’ denote
(a)measurement of land
(b)coins of different monetary values
(c)classification of urban land for revenue purposes
(d)religious grants
Q: In the context of ancient Indian society, which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three?
(a)Kula
(b)Vamsa
(c)Kosa
(d)Gotra
Frequently Asked Questions
Which book is best for Ancient History for UPSC Prelims?▼
Start with NCERT Class 11 ‘Themes in World History’ (old & new editions) for basics, then follow up with RS Sharma’s ‘India’s Ancient Past’. For deeper insights, use Upinder Singh’s ‘A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India’. Supplement with NCERT Class 6-8 for quick revisions.
How many questions from Ancient History come in UPSC Prelims every year?▼
On average 3–4 questions appear annually, but in some years the count has spiked to 6–7. Over the 1995-2025 period, 90 questions were asked, showing that Ancient History consistently carries 6–8% weightage.
Is it necessary to remember all dates for UPSC Ancient History?▼
Memorising every date is neither feasible nor required. Focus on relative chronology (e.g., Maurya before Shunga, Gupta before Harsha) and landmark years such as the Third Buddhist Council (c. 250 BCE). UPSC tests contextual understanding, not date-dumping.
How can I link Ancient History with Art & Culture for Prelims?▼
Create combined notes: list each dynasty, its patronised religion, architectural style, inscriptions and coins. For example, associate Ashokan pillars (art) with Dhamma policy (history) or Satavahana punch-marked coins (economy) with Amaravati stupas (culture).
Are mock tests important for Ancient History preparation?▼
Yes. Mock tests help you master UPSC’s statement-elimination pattern and highlight factual blind spots. Attempt section-wise mocks first, then full-length tests. Always review explanations to strengthen weak sub-topics.