If you are preparing Sources of Indian History MCQ and looking for exam-oriented, easy-to-understand questions, this post is designed especially for you. Questions based on the sources of Indian history are frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, State PCS, Railway, Defence, and other competitive exams.
In this post, we have covered Sources of Indian History MCQs based on archaeological sources, literary sources, inscriptions, coins, and accounts of foreign travellers. The content is structured to help students revise quickly and improve accuracy in objective-type questions.
1. Why are inscriptions considered an important source of Indian history?
- A. They contain imaginary stories
- B. They provide contemporary political and administrative information
- C. They are based on oral traditions
- D. They focus only on religious rituals
Explanation: Inscriptions were issued by rulers of the time, making them reliable sources of political and administrative history.
2. Coins are useful in the study of Indian history mainly because they provide information about?
- A. Folk traditions
- B. Literary development
- C. Economic system and rulers
- D. Religious beliefs only
Explanation: Coins mention rulers’ names, titles, metal used and dates, which help understand economic and political conditions.
3. Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas are classified under which source of Indian history?
- A. Archaeological sources
- B. Literary sources
- C. Foreign accounts
- D. Oral traditions
Explanation: These texts are written records that provide information about ancient social, religious and cultural life.
4. Accounts of Megasthenes, Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang are known as?
- A. Religious texts
- B. Indian literary sources
- C. Foreign travellers’ accounts
- D. Archaeological evidence
Explanation: These travellers visited India and described its society, economy and administration in their writings.
5. Copper plates are mainly associated with which aspect of Indian history?
- A. War descriptions
- B. Land grants and administrative orders
- C. Religious ceremonies
- D. Folk songs
Explanation: Copper plates record land donations, tax exemptions and official orders issued by kings.
6. Which of the following is an archaeological source of Indian history?
- A. Manuscripts
- B. Coins
- C. Travelogues
- D. Religious texts
Explanation: Coins are archaeological remains that provide evidence about rulers, economy and trade of a particular period.
7. Manuscripts are mainly important for studying which source of Indian history?
- A. Archaeological sources
- B. Literary sources
- C. Foreign accounts
- D. Oral traditions
Explanation: Manuscripts contain written texts such as historical records, religious works and literature.
8. Which source helps historians to understand ancient Indian trade relations?
- A. Folk tales
- B. Inscriptions and coins
- C. Mythological stories
- D. Oral traditions
Explanation: Inscriptions mention trade activities while coins indicate commercial contacts and economic conditions.
9. Which of the following is NOT a literary source of Indian history?
- A. Vedas
- B. Puranas
- C. Coins
- D. Smritis
Explanation: Coins are archaeological sources, whereas Vedas, Puranas and Smritis are literary sources.
10. Why are foreign travellers’ accounts considered important in Indian history?
- A. They focus only on mythology
- B. They provide an external and unbiased view of Indian society
- C. They are based on oral traditions
- D. They describe only religious rituals
Explanation: Foreign travellers observed Indian life directly and recorded valuable details about society, economy and administration.
11. Which source of Indian history provides information through physical remains?
- A. Literary sources
- B. Archaeological sources
- C. Oral traditions
- D. Folk literature
Explanation: Archaeological sources include material remains like monuments, tools, pottery and coins.
12. Pottery discovered from ancient sites mainly helps in understanding?
- A. Religious beliefs only
- B. Daily life and culture
- C. Political administration
- D. Mythological stories
Explanation: Pottery reflects food habits, lifestyle and artistic skills of ancient people.
13. Which of the following texts is a Buddhist literary source?
- A. Arthashastra
- B. Tripitakas
- C. Manusmriti
- D. Ramayana
Explanation: Tripitakas are Buddhist religious texts providing information on teachings and society of that period.
14. Arthashastra is mainly useful for studying which aspect of Indian history?
- A. Art and architecture
- B. Political and economic administration
- C. Religious rituals
- D. Folk traditions
Explanation: Arthashastra by Kautilya discusses governance, economy, taxation and administration.
15. Which material was commonly used for writing manuscripts in ancient India?
- A. Stone slabs
- B. Palm leaves and birch bark
- C. Copper plates
- D. Clay tablets
Explanation: Ancient manuscripts were written on palm leaves and birch bark before the use of paper.
16. Which foreign traveller visited India during the reign of Harsha?
- A. Megasthenes
- B. Fa-Hien
- C. Hiuen Tsang
- D. Al-Biruni
Explanation: Hiuen Tsang visited India during Harsha’s reign and described social and religious life.
17. Which source is most useful for knowing ancient Indian religious practices?
- A. Coins
- B. Inscriptions only
- C. Religious texts
- D. Pottery
Explanation: Religious texts describe rituals, beliefs and philosophies followed in ancient India.
18. Which of the following is a Jain literary source?
- A. Tripitakas
- B. Agamas
- C. Puranas
- D. Vedas
Explanation: Agamas are sacred Jain texts that provide insight into Jain philosophy and society.
19. Which of the following sources gives information about ancient Indian architecture?
- A. Monuments
- B. Folk songs
- C. Oral traditions
- D. Mythological tales
Explanation: Monuments like temples, stupas and caves show architectural styles and techniques.
20. Why are inscriptions written in different languages important for historians?
- A. They show artistic writing only
- B. They help trace linguistic and regional diversity
- C. They focus only on religion
- D. They are based on myths
Explanation: Inscriptions in different languages and scripts help understand regional history and language development.
We hope this Sources of Indian History MCQ post helps you strengthen your exam preparation. Regular practice of topic-wise MCQs plays a crucial role in scoring well in the history section.
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