SSC GD – Ancient India History

Jagdeep Singh
Jagdeep Singh
Published: 28 Dec, 2025

Notes made by universityscope.com

Table of Contents

Ultimate SSC GD Ancient India History Notes 2026

Welcome to the comprehensive guide for SSC GD Ancient India History Notes. This material is specifically designed by Senior Faculty to help you ace the 2026 Constable examination. We focus on simple language and high-yield facts crucial for SSC GD aspirants.

Detailed Theory: SSC GD Ancient India History Notes

This section covers the entire syllabus, presented in an easy-to-read, bullet-point format, ensuring maximum retention for your SSC GD preparation.

Unit 1: Prehistoric India

  • The Prehistoric period is the time before the invention of writing.
  • We rely on archaeological sources like tools and pottery to study this era.

Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age)

  • This period lasted until about 10,000 BCE.
  • Humans were primarily nomadic hunters and gatherers.
  • Tools were crude, large, and made of quartzite stone.
  • The most significant achievement was the discovery of fire.

Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age)

  • This period spanned from 10,000 BCE to 6,000 BCE.
  • It is a transitional phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages.
  • Tools were smaller, sharper, and known as microliths.
  • Early evidence of animal domestication began in this age.

Neolithic Age (New Stone Age)

  • This period started around 6,000 BCE.
  • The most important development was the beginning of agriculture (food production).
  • Humans started living in settled communities and villages.
  • The invention of the wheel and the use of polished stone tools marked this age.
  • Important sites include Burzahom (Kashmir), known for pit dwellings.

Unit 2: Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)

  • The IVC is also known as the Harappan Civilization.
  • It flourished around 2500 BCE to 1750 BCE.

Discovery and Major Sites

  • The first site discovered was Harappa in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni.
  • Mohenjo-daro (Mound of the Dead) was discovered in 1922 by R.D. Banerjee.
  • Lothal was an important port city in Gujarat.
  • Dholavira is known for its unique water management system.

Town Planning and Social Life

  • IVC cities followed a highly organized Grid System.
  • Cities were divided into the Citadel (West) and the Lower Town (East).
  • The Great Bath and the Great Granary are key structures found at Mohenjo-daro.
  • The society was generally peaceful and possibly matriarchal.
  • The primary occupation was agriculture, supplemented by trade.

Religion and Decline

  • The Harappans worshipped the Mother Goddess (fertility).
  • They also worshipped a male deity, identified as Pashupati Mahadeva (Proto-Shiva).
  • The decline of the IVC is attributed to various reasons, including floods, Aryan invasion, or climate change.

Unit 3: Vedic Period

  • The Vedic Period (c. 1500 BCE – 600 BCE) is named after the Vedas.
  • The people who settled here were known as Aryans.

Early Vedic Period (Rigvedic Period)

  • This period is covered by the Rigveda.
  • The Aryans lived in the region of Sapta Sindhu (Seven Rivers).
  • Society was tribal, based on kinship, and the chief was called the Rajan.
  • Political assemblies were Sabha (elders) and Samiti (general assembly).

Later Vedic Period

  • This period saw the composition of the Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda.
  • The focus shifted eastward to the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
  • The Varna System became rigid, based on birth rather than occupation.
  • The importance of the Rajan increased, leading to large kingdoms (Mahajanapadas).

Vedas and Important Terms

  • Rigveda: Collection of 1028 hymns; the oldest religious text in the world.
  • Upanishads: Philosophical texts known as Vedanta.
  • Gau: Term used for cow; considered the most important form of wealth.
  • Ashrama System: Four stages of life (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sanyasa).

Unit 4: Religious Movements (6th Century BCE)

  • The 6th century BCE was a period of intellectual and religious awakening.
  • This led to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.

Jainism

  • Founded by Rishabhanatha (First Tirthankara).
  • The most important figure was Vardhamana Mahavira (24th Tirthankara).
  • Mahavira was born at Kundagrama near Vaishali.
  • Core philosophy is based on Triratna (Three Jewels): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.
  • The principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) is central to Jainism.

Buddhism

  • Founded by Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha).
  • Buddha was born in Lumbini (Nepal) in 563 BCE.
  • He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya under the Bodhi tree.
  • He delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, known as Dharmachakra Pravartana.
  • The core teachings are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
  • The Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering (Nirvana).

Unit 5: Maurya Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE)

  • The Maurya Empire was the first large empire in Ancient India.

Chandragupta Maurya

  • He founded the empire by overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty.
  • He was guided by his mentor, Chanakya (Kautilya).
  • Chanakya wrote the famous treatise on statecraft, the Arthashastra.
  • Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador, visited his court and wrote the book Indica.

Ashoka the Great

  • Ashoka is the most famous Mauryan ruler.
  • He fought the Kalinga War in 261 BCE.
  • The brutality of the war led him to convert to Buddhism.
  • He propagated Dhamma, a moral code based on social responsibility and non-violence.
  • His edicts (inscriptions) were written in Brahmi script and were deciphered by James Prinsep.

Unit 6: Gupta Period (c. 320 CE – 550 CE)

  • The Gupta Period is often called the Golden Age of Ancient India.

Gupta Rulers and Administration

  • Chandragupta I is considered the real founder of the Gupta era.
  • Samudragupta was known as the Napoleon of India due to his military conquests.
  • Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) ruled during the peak of the empire.
  • The Chinese traveler Faxian visited India during his reign.

Art, Culture, and Science

  • The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is a classic example of Gupta temple architecture.
  • The Ajanta Caves paintings flourished during this time.
  • Great scholars like Kalidasa (Shakuntala) and Aryabhata (Zero and Decimal System) belonged to this era.
  • Aryabhata calculated the value of Pi ($\pi$) and explained the rotation of the Earth.

Unit 7: Sangam Age (South India)

  • The Sangam Age refers to the period in South India (c. 300 BCE to 300 CE).
  • It is named after the Sangams (assemblies) of Tamil poets held in Madurai.

The Three Kingdoms

  • Cheras: Controlled the western coast (Kerala). Their symbol was the Bow and Arrow.
  • Cholas: Controlled the Kaveri delta region. Their symbol was the Tiger.
  • Pandyas: Controlled the southernmost tip (Madurai). Their symbol was the Fish.

Literature and Culture

  • Tolkappiyam is the earliest surviving work of Sangam literature (a treatise on grammar and poetry).
  • Trade was highly developed, especially with the Roman Empire.
  • The main port was Puhar (Kaveripattinam).

Unit 8: Art, Culture, and Literature

  • Ancient India developed unique forms of art and architecture.

  • Stupas: Dome-shaped structures housing the relics of Buddha or Buddhist monks. The Sanchi Stupa is the most famous.

  • Cave Architecture: The Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Maharashtra) showcase Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu art.

  • Nalanda University: A major center of Buddhist learning in Bihar, established during the Gupta period.

  • Panchatantra: A collection of animal fables written by Vishnu Sharma.

These SSC GD Ancient India History Notes cover all essential topics required for the 2026 examination.

50 SSC GD Previous Year Questions (2000-2025)

This table provides crucial PYQs related to SSC GD Ancient India History Notes, helping you understand the exam pattern.

QuestionYear (SSC GD)Answer
1. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?2015Chandragupta Maurya
2. The Great Bath was found at which IVC site?2018Mohenjo-daro
3. The term ‘Aryan’ literally means?2013Of noble birth
4. Who wrote the Arthashastra?2021Kautilya (Chanakya)
5. In which year did the Kalinga War take place?2019261 BCE
6. The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent comes from?2016Mehrgarh
7. Which Veda deals with magic spells and charms?2017Atharva Veda
8. Who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism?2023Vardhamana Mahavira
9. Where did Gautama Buddha deliver his first sermon?2014Sarnath
10. The famous Chinese traveler Faxian visited India during the reign of which Gupta ruler?2022Chandragupta II
11. Which metal was unknown to the Indus Valley people?2012Iron
12. The word ‘Veda’ means?2010Knowledge
13. The capital of the Magadha Empire before Pataliputra was?2018Rajgir (Girivraja)
14. Which Mauryan ruler was known as ‘Amitraghata’ (Slayer of Enemies)?2020Bindusara
15. The concept of ‘Triratna’ (Three Jewels) is associated with which religion?2019Jainism
16. The Sanchi Stupa was originally built by?2016Ashoka
17. The most important deity in the Rigveda was?2015Indra
18. Lothal was an ancient port of which civilization?2021Indus Valley Civilization
19. Who is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?2023Samudragupta
20. The Neolithic site of Burzahom is located in?2017Kashmir
21. Which script was used in most of Ashoka’s inscriptions?2014Brahmi
22. The earliest evidence of the use of the wheel comes from which age?2018Neolithic Age
23. The term ‘Jina’ in Jainism means?2019Conqueror
24. The famous physician during the time of Kanishka was?2022Charaka
25. The Sangam literature was primarily written in which language?2020Tamil
26. Who deciphered Ashoka’s inscriptions for the first time?2016James Prinsep
27. The famous book ‘Indica’ was written by?2015Megasthenes
28. The division of the Vedic society into four Varnas is mentioned in which part of the Rigveda?2021Purusha Sukta (10th Mandala)
29. The main occupation of Paleolithic man was?2013Hunting and Gathering
30. Which city was known for its sophisticated water management system in IVC?2023Dholavira
31. The first Buddhist Council was held at?2017Rajagriha
32. The concept of Zero and the Decimal System was invented during which period?2019Gupta Period
33. The capital of the Pandya Kingdom during the Sangam Age was?2018Madurai
34. The term ‘Gau’ in the Rigveda refers to?2016Cow
35. The founder of the Nanda Dynasty was?2022Mahapadma Nanda
36. Ajanta Caves are primarily associated with which religion?2020Buddhism
37. The Harappan site of Kalibangan is located in which state?2015Rajasthan
38. The philosophical essence of the Vedas is found in the?2021Upanishads
39. What was the symbol of the Chola Kingdom?2023Tiger
40. The earliest evidence of rice cultivation in India is found at?2014Koldihwa
41. The term ‘Pashupati’ seal was found at?2018Mohenjo-daro
42. Who was the author of ‘Shakuntala’?2017Kalidasa
43. The first metal used by man was?2019Copper
44. Which dynasty succeeded the Mauryas?2022Shunga Dynasty
45. The famous Sun Temple is located at Konark, built by which dynasty?2020Eastern Ganga Dynasty
46. The famous center of learning, Nalanda University, was established by?2016Kumaragupta I
47. The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) is the core teaching of?2015Buddhism
48. The transition from food gathering to food production occurred in which age?2021Neolithic Age
49. The rock-cut caves of Elephanta are dedicated primarily to which deity?2023Shiva
50. The capital of Ashoka was?2018Pataliputra

50 Important Practice MCQs for 2026

These high-probability practice questions are essential SSC GD Ancient India History Notes for the upcoming 2026 exam.

QuestionOptions (A, B, C, D)Correct Answer & Logic
1. Which of the following sites provides the earliest evidence of settled life?A) Dholavira B) Mehrgarh C) Harappa D) KoldihwaB) Mehrgarh – Logic: Located in Balochistan, it shows evidence of agriculture and settled life from the Neolithic period.
2. The term ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’ are mentioned in the context of:A) Gupta administration B) Mauryan military C) Vedic political organization D) Jain councilsC) Vedic political organization – Logic: These were two important popular assemblies during the Early Vedic Period.
3. The famous ‘Dancing Girl’ bronze statue was recovered from:A) Kalibangan B) Lothal C) Mohenjo-daro D) RoparC) Mohenjo-daro – Logic: It is one of the most iconic artifacts proving the artistic skill of the IVC people.
4. Which Gupta ruler performed the Ashwamedha Yajna?A) Chandragupta I B) Skandagupta C) Samudragupta D) Kumaragupta IC) Samudragupta – Logic: His coins depict him performing the horse sacrifice, signifying his vast conquests.
5. The concept of ‘Anekantavada’ is a core theory of:A) Buddhism B) Shaivism C) Jainism D) AjivikasC) Jainism – Logic: It means ‘non-one-sidedness’ or the doctrine of manifold aspects.
6. Who among the following was the author of the ‘Mudra Rakshasa’?A) Banabhatta B) Vishakhadatta C) Shudraka D) HarisenaB) Vishakhadatta – Logic: This Sanskrit play describes the rise of Chandragupta Maurya.
7. The most distinguishing feature of the Neolithic Age was:A) Use of fire B) Domestication of animals C) Use of polished tools D) Microlithic toolsC) Use of polished tools – Logic: The shift to polished, ground tools defines the New Stone Age.
8. The official language of the Mauryan Court was:A) Sanskrit B) Pali C) Prakrit D) ArdhamagadhiC) Prakrit – Logic: Ashoka’s edicts were predominantly written in Prakrit, using the Brahmi script.
9. Which of the following is NOT a part of the Buddhist ‘Triratna’?A) Buddha B) Dhamma C) Sangha D) AhimsaD) Ahimsa – Logic: The Buddhist Triratna are Buddha, Dhamma (teaching), and Sangha (community).
10. The famous Iron Pillar, which has resisted rust for centuries, is located at:A) Sanchi B) Udayagiri C) Mehrauli (Delhi) D) MathuraC) Mehrauli (Delhi) – Logic: It was erected by Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta Dynasty.
11. The term ‘Dasarajna’ (Battle of Ten Kings) is mentioned in:A) Yajur Veda B) Rigveda C) Atharva Veda D) UpanishadsB) Rigveda – Logic: It describes a battle fought on the banks of the River Parushni (Ravi).
12. The main reason for the decline of the Harappan Civilization is widely accepted as:A) Administrative failure B) Repeated Floods C) Aryan Invasion Theory D) Ecological imbalanceD) Ecological imbalance – Logic: Modern research favors environmental factors like climate change and river shifts over invasion.
13. The rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built by the rulers of which dynasty?A) Cholas B) Pandyas C) Pallavas D) CherasC) Pallavas – Logic: These temples, including the famous Ratha temples, were built under the Pallava dynasty.
14. Which of the following places is associated with the death of Mahavira?A) Sarnath B) Pavapuri C) Kundagrama D) VaishaliB) Pavapuri – Logic: Mahavira attained Mahaparinirvana at Pavapuri.
15. The concept of ‘Dhamma’ propagated by Ashoka was:A) A new religion B) A moral code C) A political strategy D) A military allianceB) A moral code – Logic: Dhamma was a code of conduct based on respect, tolerance, and non-violence.
16. The most important port city during the Sangam Age was:A) Arikamedu B) Madurai C) Puhar (Kaveripattinam) D) UraiyurC) Puhar (Kaveripattinam) – Logic: It was the major Chola port for trade with the Roman Empire.
17. The famous physician Charaka was associated with the court of:A) Ashoka B) Kanishka C) Chandragupta Maurya D) HarshaB) Kanishka – Logic: Kanishka was a Kushana ruler; Charaka wrote the Charaka Samhita.
18. The earliest Buddhist literature was written in:A) Sanskrit B) Pali C) Magadhi D) TeluguB) Pali – Logic: The Tripitakas, the primary Buddhist texts, were composed in Pali.
19. The term ‘Yavanika’ (curtain) used in ancient Indian theatre was introduced by:A) Greeks B) Shakas C) Kushanas D) GuptasA) Greeks – Logic: This term signifies Greek influence on Indian dramatic arts.
20. The first historical evidence of Sati (widow burning) is found in which inscription?A) Allahabad Pillar B) Eran Inscription C) Junagadh Inscription D) Aihole InscriptionB) Eran Inscription – Logic: Dated 510 CE, it records the death of a chieftain and his wife committing Sati.
21. Which river is most frequently mentioned in the Rigveda?A) Ganga B) Saraswati C) Sindhu (Indus) D) YamunaC) Sindhu (Indus) – Logic: Though Saraswati was considered the holiest, Sindhu is mentioned most often.
22. The system of land grants to Brahmins (Agrahara) started during the:A) Mauryan period B) Satavahana period C) Gupta period D) Vedic periodB) Satavahana period – Logic: The Satavahanas were the first to grant tax-free land to Brahmins and Buddhist monks.
23. The ‘Tolkappiyam’ is a famous work on:A) Astronomy B) Medicine C) Tamil Grammar D) Mauryan administrationC) Tamil Grammar – Logic: It is the earliest surviving work of Sangam literature.
24. The concept of the ‘Golden Age’ is primarily associated with which dynasty?A) Mauryas B) Kushanas C) Guptas D) ShungasC) Guptas – Logic: Due to unparalleled advancements in science, art, and literature.
25. The site of Harappa is located on the bank of which river?A) Indus B) Ravi C) Sutlej D) GhaggarB) Ravi – Logic: Harappa is on the bank of the Ravi river, while Mohenjo-daro is on the Indus.
26. Who was the founder of the Shunga Dynasty, which succeeded the Mauryas?A) Vasudeva B) Pushyamitra Shunga C) Agnimitra D) SimukaB) Pushyamitra Shunga – Logic: He was the Mauryan commander-in-chief who assassinated the last Mauryan king.
27. The term ‘Nirvana’ in Buddhism means:A) Rebirth B) The highest knowledge C) Extinction of the flame of desire D) SalvationC) Extinction of the flame of desire – Logic: It is the ultimate goal, ending the cycle of suffering.
28. The famous astronomical work ‘Surya Siddhanta’ was written by:A) Varahamihira B) Aryabhata C) Brahmagupta D) Bhaskara IIB) Aryabhata – Logic: A key text from the Gupta period, dealing with astronomy and mathematics.
29. The Chera kingdom’s emblem was the:A) Fish B) Tiger C) Bow and Arrow D) ElephantC) Bow and Arrow – Logic: The Cheras controlled the western coast (Kerala).
30. The earliest rock-cut caves in India belong to the:A) Gupta period B) Mauryan period C) Kushana period D) Satavahana periodB) Mauryan period – Logic: The Barabar Caves, dedicated to Ajivika monks, were built by Ashoka.
31. Which of the following is known as the ‘Vedanta’?A) Brahmanas B) Aranyakas C) Upanishads D) SamhitasC) Upanishads – Logic: They contain the philosophical end (anta) of the Vedas.
32. The first metal used by humans in India was:A) Iron B) Gold C) Copper D) BronzeC) Copper – Logic: The Chalcolithic Age (Copper-Stone Age) precedes the Bronze Age (IVC).
33. The capital of Kanishka (Kushana Empire) was:A) Mathura B) Pataliputra C) Purushapura (Peshawar) D) TaxilaC) Purushapura (Peshawar) – Logic: Kanishka was the most famous ruler of the Kushana dynasty.
34. The concept of ‘Digambara’ and ‘Shvetambara’ is associated with:A) Buddhism B) Shaivism C) Jainism D) VaishnavismC) Jainism – Logic: These are the two major sects of Jainism (sky-clad and white-clad).
33. The most important feature of Harappan drainage system was:A) Open drains B) Underground covered drains C) Use of wood D) Use of stone slabs onlyB) Underground covered drains – Logic: This highlights the advanced civic planning of the IVC.
36. Which Mauryan ruler adopted Jainism towards the end of his life?A) Ashoka B) Bindusara C) Chandragupta Maurya D) DasharathaC) Chandragupta Maurya – Logic: He abdicated the throne and went to Shravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu.
37. The famous poet Kalidasa was a contemporary of:A) Ashoka B) Samudragupta C) Chandragupta II D) HarshaC) Chandragupta II – Logic: Kalidasa was one of the ‘Nine Jewels’ (Navaratnas) in his court.
38. The term ‘Grama’ in the Vedic period referred to:A) A large city B) A group of families C) A type of tax D) A military unitB) A group of families – Logic: The smallest unit was Kula (family), followed by Grama (village/group of families).
33. The site of Dholavira is unique for its:A) Tripartite division of the city B) Absence of a citadel C) Extensive use of copper D) Evidence of rice cultivationA) Tripartite division of the city – Logic: Unlike the usual bipartite division, Dholavira was divided into three parts.
40. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of:A) Ashoka B) Ajatashatru C) Kanishka D) KalasokaC) Kanishka – Logic: Held in Kashmir, it resulted in the division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana.
41. The Varna system became hereditary during the:A) Early Vedic Period B) Later Vedic Period C) Mauryan Period D) Gupta PeriodB) Later Vedic Period – Logic: In the Early Vedic period, Varna was based on occupation.
42. The most famous example of Mauryan art is the:A) Ajanta paintings B) Sanchi Stupa C) Lion Capital of Sarnath D) Ellora CavesC) Lion Capital of Sarnath – Logic: This is the national emblem of India.
43. The author of the ‘Panchatantra’ was:A) Tulsidas B) Vishnu Sharma C) Kalidasa D) ValmikiB) Vishnu Sharma – Logic: A collection of animal fables written during the Gupta period.
44. The Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms are collectively known from the records of the:A) Gupta Age B) Sangam Age C) Mauryan Age D) Kushana AgeB) Sangam Age – Logic: The literature of this age details the rule of these three major South Indian powers.
44. The practice of burying the dead along with pet dogs is found at which Neolithic site?A) Chirand B) Burzahom C) Maski D) BrahmagiriB) Burzahom –

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