BPSC CCE Prelims
Ancient History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for Ancient History in BPSC CCE Prelims in English & Hindi Medium.
Chapter Breakdown: Scroll →
In ancient times, the area to the south of the Ganga was known as
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Correct Answer: None of the above
The area to the south of the Ganga in ancient times was known as Magadha (modern-day Bihar and parts of Jharkhand). Anarta was located in Gujarat (Saurashtra region), Takshashila was in the northwest (modern-day Pakistan), and Chola was in the far south (Tamil Nadu region). None of these kingdoms/regions were specifically identified as the area immediately south of the Ganga.
When did the use of iron begin in Indian subcontinent?
Detailed Explanation:
Iron Age in the Indian subcontinent began around 1800–1200 BCE (approximately 3,000–3,800 years ago). Earliest evidence comes from sites like Atranjikhera (Uttar Pradesh) and Hallur (Karnataka).
Options suggest 9000, 12000, or 6000 years ago—all significantly overstated timelines that do not match archaeological evidence of iron smelting in India.
Therefore, none of the given options are correct, making Option 5 the correct answer.
According to the rock inscription in Sanskrit, composed around second century CE, Sudarshan Lake, an artificial reservoir, was repaired by
Detailed Explanation:
Sudarshan Lake was an artificial reservoir built during the Mauryan period near Girnar, Gujarat.
Rudradaman I (130–150 CE), the Saka (Western Kshatrapa) ruler, repaired the lake around 150 CE after it was damaged by floods. This is recorded in the famous Junagadh Rock Inscription (also called Girnar Inscription) in chaste Sanskrit prose, one of the earliest major Sanskrit inscriptions.
The lake was originally constructed by Pushyagupta, a provincial governor under Chandragupta Maurya, and later renovated by Tushaspha under Ashoka. Rudradaman's inscription is particularly significant as it demonstrates the use of classical Sanskrit in official records during the second century CE.
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The temple of Deogarh near Jhansi and the sculptures in the temple at Garhwa near Allahabad are the important remains of the
Detailed Explanation:
The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (near Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) and sculptures at Garhwa near Allahabad are classic examples of Gupta art (5th-6th century CE).
The Deogarh temple showcases early Nagara-style architecture with iconic relief panels depicting Anantashayana Vishnu, Gajendramoksha, and Nara-Narayana, representing the pinnacle of Gupta sculptural tradition.
Which one of the following Harappan sites is in Gujarat?
Detailed Explanation:
Lothal is a major Harappan site located in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. It is renowned for its ancient dockyard, bead-making industry, and evidence of maritime trade, making it one of the most significant Indus Valley Civilization sites in the region.
Dabarkot (Balochistan, Pakistan), Kalibangan (Rajasthan), and Rakhigarhi (Haryana) are located outside Gujarat.
Therefore, only Lothal is in Gujarat, making Option 1 the correct answer.
Who was the founder of the Chola Dynasty?
Detailed Explanation:
Vijayalaya founded the medieval Chola Dynasty around 850 CE by capturing Thanjavur from the Muttaraiyar chiefs and establishing it as his capital.
Karikala was an early Sangam-era Chola king (c. 2nd century CE), not the founder of the medieval dynasty. Aditya I was Vijayalaya's son who expanded the kingdom, and Rajaraja I was a later emperor who built the Brihadeeswara Temple.
Therefore, Vijayalaya being the founder of the medieval Chola Dynasty makes Option 1 the correct answer.
Who was the President of the First Buddhist Council?
Detailed Explanation:
Mahakashyapa (or Mahakassapa) presided over the First Buddhist Council held at Rajagriha in 483 BCE, immediately after Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, to compile and preserve his teachings.
Vasumitra presided over the Fourth Council, Moggaliputta Tissa led the Third Council, while Sangharaksha and Parshvaka are not associated with any major Buddhist Council presidency.
Therefore, Mahakashyapa presided over the First Buddhist Council, making Option 2 the correct answer.
Who had attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya?
Detailed Explanation:
Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (Bodhi) in Bodh Gaya (modern-day Bihar) under the Bodhi tree around 528 BCE, becoming the founder of Buddhism.
Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) attained Kevala Jnana in Jrimbhikagrama, Parshvanath (23rd Tirthankara) on Mount Parasnath, and Simandhar Swami is a revered figure in Jain cosmology—none associated with Bodh Gaya.
Therefore, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, making Option 2 the correct answer.
Who established trade relations with Roman empire?
Detailed Explanation:
Both Kushanas and Cheras established extensive trade relations with the Roman Empire during the early centuries CE. The Kushanas, ruling from Gandhara and northwestern India, facilitated overland trade via the Silk Route, while their ports on the western coast enabled maritime commerce.
The Cheras of southern India traded actively through ports like Musiri and Tondi, exporting spices, pearls, and textiles to Rome. Archaeological evidence includes Roman coins found in both Kushana and Chera territories, confirming these commercial links.
Therefore, more than one dynasty established trade relations with Rome, making Option 5 the correct answer.
Where was the first Buddhist Council convened?
Detailed Explanation:
The First Buddhist Council was convened in 483 BCE at Sattapanni caves in Rajagriha (modern Rajgir, Bihar) immediately after Buddha's death. King Ajatashatru patronized the council, and Mahakasyapa presided over it to compile Buddha's teachings into Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
Pataliputra hosted the Third Council under Ashoka, Vaishali the Second Council, while Amaravati and Kanganhalli are important Buddhist sites but never hosted councils.
Therefore, Rajagriha is the correct location, making Option 1 the correct answer.
Which Gupta ruler assumed the throne after killing his elder brother?
Detailed Explanation:
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) assumed the Gupta throne by killing his elder brother Ramagupta, who had surrendered to the Shakas and dishonored the kingdom.
Samudragupta was his father and succeeded peacefully, Skandagupta later restored Gupta power against the Huns, and Shri Gupta was the dynasty's founder—none committed fratricide.
Therefore, Chandragupta II is the only Gupta ruler who killed his elder brother to seize power, making Option 2 the correct answer.
Who laid the foundation of Vardhana dynasty?
Detailed Explanation:
Pushyabhuti founded the Vardhana dynasty (also called Pushyabhuti dynasty) in the 6th century CE with its capital at Thaneswar (Haryana).
Prabhakarvardhana was his grandson and the first prominent ruler who expanded the kingdom. Rajyavardhana and Adityavardhana (Harshavardhana) were Prabhakarvardhana's sons who succeeded him.
Therefore, Pushyabhuti laid the foundation of the Vardhana dynasty, making Option 4 the correct answer.
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