NDA General Studies · History · 37 questions · 2017 to 2026
NDA Ancient India previous year questions with solutions
Ancient India is about one General Studies question in thirty, and rising: the Harappan cities have given a question in nearly every sitting since 2021, straight from NCERT's Class 12 Themes. Dynasties, texts and inscriptions come as single facts. Every question UPSC has set on it since 2017, solved. Grouped by the method each needs, newest first; open a question for its answer and worked solution.
20.1 The Harappan civilisation: sites, crafts, trade and agriculture (9)20.2 The Vedic age and the texts of ancient India (7)20.3 Mahajanapadas, the rise of Magadha and Alexander's invasion (6)20.4 Buddhism and Jainism; the Mauryan empire and Ashoka's edicts (6)20.5 Post-Mauryan India and the Sangam south: Indo-Greeks, Kushanas, Satavahanas, Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas (4)20.6 The Guptas and after; inscriptions, prashastis and foreign travellers (5)
20.1 The Harappan civilisation: sites, crafts, trade and agriculture
1. NDA 2026 (II)
Shortughai, a Harappan trading post in Afghanistan, was important to the Harappans for the possible supply of:
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Lapis lazuli and camel
Method. Shortughai
Shortughai in Badakhshan lay near the source of lapis lazuli, the reason for the trading post (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 1; Upinder Singh). Conch shells came from the coast, copper from Khetri/Oman, iron is later. Option d is the only one with lapis lazuli.
Option d adds camel, which the standard references do not mention for Shortughai; chosen as the only option with lapis lazuli.
2. NDA 2026 (I)
The large well supplying water to the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro was located
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) in one of the adjoining rooms on the eastern side
Method. Great Bath water supply
NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 1: the tank had rooms on three sides, in one of which was a large well; Marshall's report places this well-room on the eastern side. Water drained out through a huge drain.; water drained out through a huge drain.
3. NDA 2026 (I)
Consider the following statements with regard to bead production in Harappan towns:
I. The materials used to make beads included carnelian, quartz and steatite.
II. The beads were cylindrical, barrel-shaped and disc-shaped.
III. Specialized stone drills were used for making holes through the beads.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
I. The materials used to make beads included carnelian, quartz and steatite.
II. The beads were cylindrical, barrel-shaped and disc-shaped.
III. Specialized stone drills were used for making holes through the beads.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) I, II and III
Method. Harappan bead making
NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 1: beads of carnelian, jasper, crystal, quartz, steatite; shapes disc, cylindrical, spherical, barrel, segmented; specialised drills found at Chanhudaro. All three true.
4. NDA 2025 (II)
In the Harappan Civilization, traces of canals have been found at
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Shortughai
Method. Harappan irrigation
NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 1: traces of canals found at Shortughai in Afghanistan; Dholavira had reservoirs and Lothal a dockyard, not canals.
5. NDA 2025 (I)
Which among the following materials was used in making the Harappan seals?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Steatite
Method. Harappan seals
Harappan seals were made chiefly of steatite, a soft stone (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 1).
6. NDA 2023 (II)
Consider the following statements:
1. Terracotta models of the plough have been found at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana).
2. There is evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan associated with the mature phase of the Harappan civilization.
3. The ploughed field at Kalibangan had two sets of furrows crossing at right angles to each other suggesting two different crops were grown together in it.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. Terracotta models of the plough have been found at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana).
2. There is evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan associated with the mature phase of the Harappan civilization.
3. The ploughed field at Kalibangan had two sets of furrows crossing at right angles to each other suggesting two different crops were grown together in it.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Method. Harappan agriculture (NCERT)
NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 1: terracotta plough models at Cholistan and Banawali (1 true). The ploughed field at Kalibangan belongs to the early (pre-mature) Harappan phase, so 2 is false. Crossed furrows suggest two crops grown together (3 true). Hence 1 and 3 only.
7. NDA 2022 (II)
At which among the following Harappan sites are fire altars found?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Kalibangan
Method. Fire altars at Harappan sites
Fire altars were found at Kalibangan (and Lothal) (standard result; Upinder Singh). Harappa and Mohenjo-daro are known for granary, citadel and Great Bath, not fire altars.
8. NDA 2021 (I)
Which one of the following Harappan sites was a specialised centre for making shell objects?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Balakot
Method. Harappan craft centres
Balakot (and Nageshwar) specialised in shell objects, near the coast and raw material (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 1). Lothal is known for beads/bead-making, Chanhudaro for beads; Amri and Kot Diji are not shell centres.
9. NDA 2017 (II)
In the Mesopotamian records, which one of the following terms was used for the Indus Valley (Harappans)?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Meluha
Method. Mesopotamian names for Indus land
Mesopotamian texts call the Indus region Meluha (standard result; NCERT Class 12 Themes in Indian History Part I, ch. 1). Dilmun is Bahrain, Magan is Oman, Failaka is an island off Kuwait.
20.2 The Vedic age and the texts of ancient India
10. NDA 2026 (II)
Consider the following statements with regard to the types of land listed in the Amarakosha.
I. Devamatrika refers to land watered by rain.
II. Aprahata refers to fallow land.
III. Pankila refers to highly fertile land.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
I. Devamatrika refers to land watered by rain.
II. Aprahata refers to fallow land.
III. Pankila refers to highly fertile land.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) I and II only
Method. Amarakosha land types
Amarakosha: devamatrika is rain-fed land (I true), aprahata is fallow land (II true), pankila is muddy land, not highly fertile (urvara is fertile) (III false). I and II only (Upinder Singh).
11. NDA 2024 (I)
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I (Unit in use in early India)
A. Muhurta
B. Raktika
C. Angula
D. Pada
List-II (Content)
1. Measure of weight
2. Measure of time
3. Metre of poetry
4. Measure of length
Code:
A B C D
List-I (Unit in use in early India)
A. Muhurta
B. Raktika
C. Angula
D. Pada
List-II (Content)
1. Measure of weight
2. Measure of time
3. Metre of poetry
4. Measure of length
Code:
A B C D
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 2 1 4 3
Method. Early Indian units
Muhurta is time (2), raktika is a weight (1), angula is length (4), pada is a poetic metre (3): code 2 1 4 3 (standard result).
12. NDA 2023 (II)
Arrange the following in correct chronological order
1. Charak Samhita
2. Bharat’s Natyashastra
3. Sangam Literature
4. Ashtadhyayi
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Charak Samhita
2. Bharat’s Natyashastra
3. Sangam Literature
4. Ashtadhyayi
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 4 − 3 − 1 − 2
Method. Chronology of texts
Ashtadhyayi (Panini, about 5th-4th century BCE), Sangam literature (about 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE), Charaka Samhita (about 1st-2nd century CE), Natyashastra (about 2nd century BCE to 2nd-3rd CE, usually placed after Charaka); order 4-3-1-2 (standard result; Upinder Singh).
13. NDA 2022 (I)
Arthashastra, the classical work of Indian political thought, focuses primarily on
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) statecraft
Method. Subject matter of Arthashastra
Kautilya's Arthashastra is a treatise on statecraft: administration, law, diplomacy (mandala theory), war, spies and revenue (standard result). Economy is one topic within it, not its main focus.
14. NDA 2022 (I)
When did Charaka Samhita originate?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 3rd to 2nd Century BCE
Method. Dating of the Charaka Samhita
Standard references (Upinder Singh, Meulenbeld) place the Charaka Samhita's compilation in the last centuries BCE to early centuries CE (c.300 BCE-200 CE), Agnivesha's older core redacted by Charaka and completed by Dridhabala; tradition links Charaka with Kanishka. Of the options only 3rd-2nd century BCE falls within that range; 6th, 5th and 4th century BCE are too early.
15. NDA 2019 (I)
In the Manusmriti which form of marriage results from the “Voluntary union of a maiden and her lover”?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Sixth form
Method. Eight forms of marriage in Manusmriti
Manusmriti's order: Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, Prajapatya, Asura, Gandharva (sixth), Rakshasa, Paishacha. Gandharva is the voluntary union of maiden and lover (standard result; NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 3 lists the eight forms).
16. NDA 2018 (I)
Which of the following is/are NOT historical biography/biographies?
1. Dipavamsa
2. Harshacharita
3. Vikramankadevacharita
4. Prithvirajavijaya
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
1. Dipavamsa
2. Harshacharita
3. Vikramankadevacharita
4. Prithvirajavijaya
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 1 only
Method. Chronicle versus charita biography
Dipavamsa is a Pali chronicle of Sri Lanka, not a biography. Harshacharita (Bana, on Harsha), Vikramankadevacharita (Bilhana, on Vikramaditya VI) and Prithvirajavijaya (Jayanaka, on Prithviraj Chauhan) are historical biographies (standard result). So only 1 is NOT a biography.
20.3 Mahajanapadas, the rise of Magadha and Alexander's invasion
17. NDA 2025 (I)
Which one among the following mahajanapadas in ancient India was an oligarchy?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Vajji
Method. Gana-sanghas
Vajji (Vrijji) was a gana-sangha, an oligarchic republic; Kosala, Gandhara and Magadha were monarchies (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 2).
18. NDA 2024 (II)
Taxila was the capital of which one among the following Mahajanapadas of ancient India?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Gandhar
Method. Mahajanapada capitals
Taxila (Takshashila) was the capital of Gandhara (standard result).
19. NDA 2024 (I)
Consider the following statements about the emergence of urban centres in India from circa 6th Century BCE:
1. All of them developed away from the capitals of mahajanpadas.
2. Major towns were located along routes of communication.
3. Many were bustling centres of commercial, cultural and political activity.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
1. All of them developed away from the capitals of mahajanpadas.
2. Major towns were located along routes of communication.
3. Many were bustling centres of commercial, cultural and political activity.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 2
Method. Early urban centres (NCERT)
NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 2: many towns were mahajanapada capitals (1 false); major towns lay on communication routes (2 true) and were bustling centres of commerce, culture and politics (3 true). Two statements are correct; option b is '2'.
20. NDA 2023 (II)
Which one of the following was NOT a way in which kings in ancient India attempted to claim a higher status?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Imposing high taxes
Method. Strategies for kingly status
Kings claimed status by identifying with deities, taking titles such as devaputra and maharajadhiraja, and conquest (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 2). Imposing high taxes was not a way of claiming status.
21. NDA 2023 (I)
Which one among the following rulers established Pataliputra as the capital of the Magadhan Empire?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Ajatashatru
Method. Founding of Pataliputra
Standard texts: Buddhist tradition (Mahaparinibbana Sutta) has Ajatashatru fortify Pataligrama against the Vajjis, which became Pataliputra; Puranic/Jain tradition credits Udayin with making it the capital, but Udayin is not offered. Bimbisara's capital was Rajagriha; Bindusara and Ashoka only inherited it. Ajatashatru is the only defensible option (Upinder Singh; R. S. Sharma).
Udayin (Puranas) is the stricter 'capital' founder but not offered; Ajatashatru chosen as the founder of the fortress-town.
22. NDA 2022 (II)
Which one of the following rivers in India was not crossed by Alexander and his army?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Hyphasis
Method. Alexander's campaign, Punjab rivers
Alexander crossed the Hydaspes (Jhelum), Acesines (Chenab) and Hydraotes (Ravi). At the Hyphasis (Beas) his army refused to go on and he turned back, so he did not cross it (standard result).
20.4 Buddhism and Jainism; the Mauryan empire and Ashoka's edicts
23. NDA 2025 (I)
Which one of the following sculptures found at Sanchi Stupa is NOT directly inspired by Buddhist ideas?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Shalbhanjika
Method. Sanchi symbolism
Empty seat, tree (Bodhi) and wheel (dharmachakra) are Buddhist symbols of the Buddha. Shalabhanjika (woman holding a tree branch) came from earlier popular, auspicious traditions and is not directly Buddhist (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 4).
24. NDA 2023 (II)
Consider the following statements regarding Sanchi and its archaeological findings:
1. When Sanchi was discovered in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen
2. Animals depicted at Sanchi include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. When Sanchi was discovered in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen
2. Animals depicted at Sanchi include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Method. Sanchi facts
NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 4: Sanchi found in 1818 with three of four gateways standing and the fourth fallen on the spot (statement 1 true); the sculptures show elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle (statement 2 true). Both correct.
25. NDA 2023 (II)
Which one of the following Ashokan Minor Rock Edicts, contains the personal name of the king − Ashoka?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Maski
Method. Ashoka's name in Minor Rock Edicts
Only Maski (with Gujarra, Nittur, Udegolam) names 'Devanampiya Asoka' (standard result). Bahapur, Bairat and Sahasram give 'Devanampiya' only.
26. NDA 2022 (II)
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I (Mahamatta)
A. Anta-mahamatta
B. Ithijhakha-mahamatta
C. Dhamma-mahamatta
D. Nagalaviyohalaka-mahamatta
List-II (Function)
1. Women’s welfare
2. Spread of Dhamma
3. Associated with city administration
4. In-charge of frontier areas
Code:
A B C D
List-I (Mahamatta)
A. Anta-mahamatta
B. Ithijhakha-mahamatta
C. Dhamma-mahamatta
D. Nagalaviyohalaka-mahamatta
List-II (Function)
1. Women’s welfare
2. Spread of Dhamma
3. Associated with city administration
4. In-charge of frontier areas
Code:
A B C D
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 4 1 2 3
Method. Ashokan officials
Anta-mahamatta: frontier areas (4); Ithijhakha-mahamatta: women's welfare (1); Dhamma-mahamatta: spread of Dhamma (2); Nagalaviyohalaka-mahamatta: city administration (3). Code 4 1 2 3 (standard result; Ashokan edicts, Upinder Singh).
27. NDA 2021 (I)
Which one of the following was not a part of the dhamma of King Ashoka?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Honouring the king
Method. Content of Ashoka's dhamma
Dhamma: tolerance of all sects, respect to Brahmanas and shramanas, welfare of subjects, kindness to elders and servants (standard result; NCERT Class 6 Our Pasts I / Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 2). Honouring the king was not part of it.
28. NDA 2017 (II)
Ashoka's connection with Buddhism is evident from which one of the following edicts?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Minor Rock Edict 1
Method. Ashoka's Buddhism in his own edicts
Minor Rock Edict 1 (Sahasram/Rupnath/Maski copies) has Ashoka say he became a lay follower (upasaka) of the Buddha's order; this is the edict that shows his link to Buddhism (standard result: Upinder Singh, Ashoka and his edicts). RE 13 records the Kalinga war and conversion to dhamma; RE 6 is about reporting and administration; PE 4 about rajukas and justice.
20.5 Post-Mauryan India and the Sangam south: Indo-Greeks, Kushanas, Satavahanas, Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas
29. NDA 2025 (II)
Senguttuvan is the name of
Answer and solution
No correct option. This question is defective as printed in UPSC's paper.
Method. Sangam rulers
Cheran Senguttuvan was a Chera king of Sangam tradition (hero of the Silappadikaram); none of the options (Pandya ruler, Chola king, Satavahana minister, Chera capital) is correct.
Senguttuvan was a Chera king of the Sangam age (the Silappadikaram's patron-hero), but no option offers a Chera ruler: a and b name the wrong dynasties, c the wrong kingdom, and d is a city, not a person. No option is correct, so no answer is printed.
30. NDA 2024 (I)
First coins in Indian history bearing the names and images of rulers were issued by the:
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Indo-Greeks
Method. Early Indian coinage
Indo-Greek kings issued the first coins that can be attributed to rulers, with names and portraits (NCERT Class 12 Themes Part I, ch. 2). Punch-marked coins before them carry no names.
31. NDA 2023 (I)
Which one of the following statements about Rabatak inscription is not correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) The 23-line inscription is written in Gandhari language.
Method. Rabatak inscription
The Rabatak inscription (Afghanistan) is in Bactrian written in Greek script, not Gandhari; so c is incorrect. It gives Kushana genealogy, calls Kanishka king of kings/son of god (devaputra), and lists cities of his empire (standard result; Nicholas Sims-Williams).
32. NDA 2023 (I)
Near which one of the following cities in India have large statues of Kushana rulers been discovered?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Mathura
Method. Kushana sculpture
Large statues of Kushana rulers (Kanishka headless statue, Vima Kadphises) were found at Mat near Mathura (standard result).
20.6 The Guptas and after; inscriptions, prashastis and foreign travellers
33. NDA 2026 (II)
Which one of the following inscriptions records the history of a guild of silk weavers?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) The Mandasor inscription
Method. Guild inscriptions
The Mandasor inscription (Kumaragupta I and Bandhuvarman, 5th century CE) records the silk weavers' guild migrating from Lata and building a sun temple (standard result).
34. NDA 2024 (I)
Consider the following statements about ancient Indian inscriptions:
1. The earliest inscriptions are in Sanskrit.
2. Kharosthi script, used in inscriptions in the north-west, was deciphered with the help of coins of Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the area.
3. Most of the inscriptions mention grand, unique events, and routine agricultural practices do not find mention.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
1. The earliest inscriptions are in Sanskrit.
2. Kharosthi script, used in inscriptions in the north-west, was deciphered with the help of coins of Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the area.
3. Most of the inscriptions mention grand, unique events, and routine agricultural practices do not find mention.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 2
Method. Inscriptions (NCERT)
Earliest inscriptions are in Prakrit, not Sanskrit; Sanskrit inscriptions begin about the 1st century CE (1 false). Kharosthi was deciphered from the Greek-and-Kharosthi legends on Indo-Greek coins (2 true). NCERT: inscriptions are about grand, unique events; routine agricultural practices and daily life find no mention (3 true). Two statements are correct, option b.
35. NDA 2023 (I)
Who among the following composed the ‘Prayag Prashasti’ of Samudragupta?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Harishena
Method. Authorship of Prayag Prashasti
Harishena composed it; Chand Bardai wrote Prithviraj Raso, Vishakhadatta Mudrarakshasa, Kalidasa Raghuvamsha etc. (standard result).
36. NDA 2022 (II)
Which one of the following was composed by Harishena?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta
Method. Authorship of Prayaga Prashasti
Harishena, court poet and minister of Samudragupta, composed the Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad pillar inscription) (standard result). Others: Nashik (Gautami Balashri, Satavahana), Deopara (Vijayasena, Sena), Hathigumpha (Kharavela).
37. NDA 2022 (I)
Which Chinese traveller in ancient India wrote the diary called ‘Records of the Travels to Middle India’?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Wang Xuance
Method. Chinese travellers' works
'Records of the Travels to Middle India' (Zhong Tianzhu guo xingji) was written by Wang Xuance, Tang envoy to Harsha's India/Magadha (standard result). Xuanzang wrote Si-yu-ki (Great Tang Records of the Western Regions); Yijing wrote the Record of Buddhist Practices.