op anc ind Flashcards
1.The home of Gargi, Maitrey and Kapila was at (A) Vidisha (B) Ujjain (C) Pataliputra (D) Mithila
(D) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 1997] Exp: Gargi, Maitrey and Kapila all were great philosophers of Vedic Age. They all belonged to Mithila (present-Bihar).
2.Which of the following Vedas provides information about the civilization of the Early Vedic Age? (A) Rig-veda (B) Yajur-veda (C) Atharva-veda (D) Sama-veda
(A) [SSC CGL 1999] Exp: Rigveda is the oldest of four Vedas. It is a collection of thousands of hymns (mantras).
3.The most important text of vedic mathematics is: (A) Satapatha Brahman (B) Atharva Veda (C) Sulva Sutras (D) Chhandogya Upanishad
(C) Exp: The sulva Sutras are the part of Shrauta sutras. It contains geometry related to the altar construction. Major sulva sutras are: Baudhyana, Manava, Apastamba and Katyayana.
4.Which of the following Craftsmanship was not practised by the Aryans? (A) Pottery (B) Jewellery (C) Carpentry (D) Blacksmith
(D) [SSC CPO SI 2003] Exp: Iron metal was not known to Aryans who belonged to Vedic Age. The people of post - Vedic age used Iron.
“5.The words ““Satyameva Jayate”” in the State Emblem of India were taken from- (A) Upanishads (B) Sama Veda (C) Rig Veda (D) Ramayana”
“(A) [SSC CPO SI 2003] Exp: The words ““Satyameva Jayate”” were taken from Mundka - Upanishad.”
“6.Who is hailed as the ““God of Medicine”” by the practitioners of Ayurveda? (A) Susruta (B) Chyavana (C) Dhanwantari (D) Charaka”
(C) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 2005] Exp: 1. Dhanwantari was believed as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 2. He was the physician of the Vedic Gods. 3. He wrote ‘Dhanvantari Nighantu’-the oldest medical glossaries in the world. 4. He is also known as God of Medicine.
7.The word ‘Veda’ means- (A) Knowledge (B) Wisdom (C) Skill (D) Power
“(A) [SSC Tax Asst. (IncomeTax) 2007] Exp: Veda means ““knowledge””. These were composed by Aryans in Vedic Age. There are four Vedas-Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda.”
8.Which metal was first used by the Vedic people? (A) Silver (B) Gold (C) Iron (D) Copper
(D) [SSC Tax Asst. (Income Tax) 2007] Exp: Copper was first metal used by the vedic people
9.The caste system of India was created for: (A) Immobility of labour (B) Recognization of the dignity of labour (C) Economic uplift (D) Occupational division of labour
(D) [FCI Assistant 2012] Exp: The cast system in vedic period was occupational division of labour but in post vedic on the behalf of the birth.
10.The origins of Indian music could be traced to (A) Rigvedic Samhita (B) Yajurvedic Samhita (C) Samavedic Samhita (D) Atharvavedic Samhita
(C) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2000] Exp: The Samaveda (Song knowledge) is a collection (samhita) of hymns taken from sakala sakha of Rigveda. These verses were sung by Udgatar priests at sacrifices. The Indian Classical music has one of its root in Samveda.
11.The crop which was not known to Vedic people is (A) Barley (B) Wheat (C) Rice (D) Tobacco
(D)Exp: Wheat, Barley and Rice were the major food grains consumed of Vedic People.
- The staple food of the Vedic Aryans was (A) Barley and rice (B) Milk and its products (C) Rice and pulses (D) Vegetables and fruits
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2006] Exp: The staple food of the vedic Aryans was milk and its products
12.The tax which the kings used to collect from the people in the Vedic period was called - (A) Bali (B) Vidatha (C) Varman (D) Kara
(A) [SSC DEO 2008] Exp: In Vedic age the king used to collect Bali from the people which is an offering made to king or God. It was voluntarily paid in Rig-Vedic Period but later it was made compulsory.
13.Which one of the following stages of the life of man in Aryan Society, in ascending order of age, is correct? (A) Brahmacharya - Grihashta-Vanaprastha - Sanyasa (B) Grihastha-Brahmacharya-Vanaprashta- Sanyasa (C) Brahmacharya-Vanprastha-Sanyasa- Grihastha (D) G r i h a s t h a - S a n y a s a - V a n a p r a s t h a - Brahmacharya
(A) [SSC DEO 2009] Exp: Ashram system of Vedic period were the four stages of life. The four Ashramas are: (i) Brahmacharya (Student life) (ii) Grihastha (family life) (iii)Vanaprastha (Retired life) (iv) Sanyasa (life of renunciation)
14.The Rig-Vedic Aryans were a pastoral people is born out by the fact that- (A) There are many references to the cow in the Rig-Veda (B) Most of the wars were fought for the sake of cows. (C) Gifts made to priests were usually cows (D) All of the above
(D) [SSC CHSL 2010] Exp: The economy of Rig. Vedic Aryan was dependent on pastoralism and agriculture. Cattle was as the measure of wealth. The wealthy man was called Gomat. They used the term ‘Aghanya’ for cow which means not to be killed.
15.The Aryans succeeded in their conflicts with the pre-Aryans because (A) They used elephants on a large scale (B) They were taller and stronger (C) They were from an advanced urban culture (D) They used chariots driven by horses
(D) [SSC CHSL 2010] Exp: The success of Aryans over pre- Aryans can be attributed to the fact that the former had more advanced Bronze and Iron tools, ox-carts and horse carts with light spoked wheels.
16.Who among the following was the pioneer of Yoga? (A) Patanjali (B) Banabhatta (C) Atreya (D) Vrudukanta
(A) [SSC CISF Cont. GD 2011] Exp: Patanjali was pioneer of yoga. He wrote ‘Yoga sutras’ collection of 196 sutras which are the foundational texts of Raja Yoga.
17.Who among the following was not a physician? (A) Sushruta (B) Charaka (C) Charvaka (D) Dhanvantari
(C) [SSC CHSL 2011] Exp: Charvaka (originally known as Lokayata was an ancient school of philosophy and Indian materialism it rejected the notion karma, moksha and the authority of the vedas.
18.The first grammarian of the Sanskrit language was (A) Kalhana (B) Maitreyi (C) Kalidasa (D) Panini
(D) [SSC CHSL 2012] Exp: Panini was the first grammarian of the Sanskrit language. He wrote ASHTADHYAYI.
19.Which one of the following Vedas contains sacrificial formulae? (A) Sama Veda (B) Rig Veda (C) Yajur Veda (D) Atharva Veda
(C) [SSC CHSL 2012] Exp: The Yajur Veda is a ritual veda. Yajur Veda means knowledge of sacrifice of sacrificial texts and formulas.
20.Subject matter which Manu Smriti deals with is related to: (A) Economics (B) Politics (C) Law (D) Arts
(C) [SSC CGL 2012] Exp: Manusmriti (Manav Dharmasastra) was an ancient Indian legal text. It is the most important Hindu Law Book. It was used to lay foundation of Hindu Law and first prudence of ancient Indian scanty.
21.Name the temple in Combodia where scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharatha are depicted- (A) Borobudur (B) Kailashnath (C) Angkor Wat (D) Brihadeshwara
(C) [SSC FCI Asst. 2012] Exp: The Angkor Wat temple (Combodia) have scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is UNESCO world of heritage site. Primary deity of this temple is Vishnu.
22.The term ‘Upanishad’ Literally implies- (A) Knowledge (B) Wisdom (C) Sitting near (D) Recitation
(C) [SSC CAPFs SI, CISF ASI & 2014] Exp: The term ‘Upanishad’ means to sit near. It is used in context of disciples sitting near their guru.
23.The Sage who is said to have Aryanised South India, was- (A) Yagnavalkya (B) Vashistha (C) Agastya (D) Vishwamitra
(C) [[SSC CAPFs SI, CISF ASI & 2014] Exp: Agastya was the first to write grammar of Tamil language. He spread the Aryan culture and literature in South India.
24.The origin of Indian music can be traced to which of the following Vedic Samhitas? (A) Rigveda (B) Samaveda (C) Yajurveda (D) Atharvaveda
(B) [SSC CAPFs SI, CISF ASI & 2014] Exp: The origin of Indian music can be traced to Samaveda.
25.The Earliest Settlements of Aryan tribes were at (A) Uttar Pradesh (B) Bengal (C) Sapta Sindhu (D) Delhi
(C) [SSC CGL 2014] Exp: The earliest settlements of Aryan tribes were at ‘Sapta-Sindhu’ (land of seven, sacred).
“26.Who compiled the tales of ““The Panchatantra””? (A) Valmiki (B) Veda Vyasa (C) Vishnu Sharma (D) Tulsidas”
“(C) [SSC CHSL 2014] Exp: ““The Panchatantra”” was written by Vishnu Sharma.”
27.The first to invade India were the- (A) Aryans (B) Greeks (C) Persians (D) Arabs
(A) [SSC CHSL 2014] Exp: Aryans are believed to first invade India, during the time of Indus valley civilization.
28.Find the odd one: (A) Samveda (B) Yajurveda (C) Vishnu Purana (D) Rigveda
(C) (SSC CHSL LDC, DEO & PA/SA 2015) Exp: The four Vedas are Rigveda, Samaveda, Atharva veda and Yajur Veda. Vishnupurana - is one of the eighteen puranas written by sage Veda Vyasa.
29.The Veda which deals with the rituals is known as- (A) Rigveda (B) Yajurveda (C) Samaveda (D) Atharvaveda
(B) (SSC CGL Tier-I 2016) Exp: Yajurveda deals with the rituals.
30.From where the famous ‘Gayatri Mantra’ has been taken? (A) Yajurveda (B) Atharva Veda (C) Rig Veda (D) Sama Veda
(C) [SSC CHSL 2012] Exp: ‘Gayatri Mantra’ is taken from 3rd mandal of Rig Veda, it aslo known as Savitri mantra (dedicated to Savitr, the Sun deity)
31.Recognize the medicinal trio of ancient India from the following options- (A) Charaka, Sushruta, and Bharata (B) Charak, Sushruta and Patanjali (C) Charak, Sushruta, and Banabhatta (D) Charak, Vatsyayana, and Banabhatta.
(B) [SSC C.P.O 2012] Exp: The great medical trio of ancient India is Charak Sushruta and Patanjali.
32.The Upanishads are the _______. (A) Great Epics (B) Story Books (C) Source of Hindu Philosophy (D) Law Books
(C) [SSC CGL 2016] Exp: Upanishads are collection of text, of spiritual and philosophical learning of Hinduism, written in Sanskrit language. These are also known as ‘Vedanta’. There are 108 Upanishads, out of which 11 are predominant, these are called ‘Mokhya Upanishads’.
33.Who was the eldest brother among the Pandavas?(A) Yudhishthira (B) Bhima (C) Sahadeva (D) Nakula
(A) Exp: Yudhishthira was the eldest brother among the Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva)
.1. Which area of India was known as Avantika in ancient times? (A) Avadh (B) Ruhelkhand (C) Bundelkhand (D) Malwa
(D) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 1997] Exp: • Avanti was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas. • It was located at present day Malwa. • It was divided into two parts by Vindhyas • Northern Part with its capital Ujjaiyini • Southern part with its capital Mahismati
2.The ‘Ajivikas’ were- (A) Sect contemporary to the Buddha (B) Breakaway branch of the Buddhists (C) Sect founded by Charvaka (D) Sect founded by Shankaracharya
(A) [SSC Tax Asst. (Income Tax) 2004] Exp: • The Ajivika were the Indian sect of naked wandering ascetics who were heterodox Hindus. • They belonged to Mahajanpadas period. • They became prominent during reign of Mauryan emperor Bindusara.
3.Which ruler murdered his father, Bimbisara to ascend the throne? (A) Ashoka (B) Ajatshatru (C) Kanishka (D) Simukha
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2002] Exp: Bimbisara was the first ruler of Haryanka dynasty of the Magadha (Capital-Rajgriha). His son Ajatshatru imprisoned him and killed him to ascend the throne.
4.Alexander and the army of Porus camped on the opposite bank of which river? (A) Ravi (B) Jhelum (C) Sutlej (D) Chenab
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2000] Exp: The Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexander the Great and Porus of the Paurvan Kingdom is 326 BC on the banks of river Hydaspes (now known as Jhelum).
5.Arrange the following Magadhan dynasties in chronological order: I. Nandas II. Shishu nagas III.Mauryas IV. Haryankas (A) IV, II, III and I (B) II, I, IV and III (C) IV, II, I and III (D) III, I, IV and II
(C) [SSC MTS 2011] Exp: MAGADHA EMPIRE Haryankas (544-412 BC) Shishunagas (412-344 BC) Nandas (344-322 BC) Mauryans (323-184) BC 6. King Kharvela was the greatest ruler of the Chedi Dynasty of (A) Cholamandalam (B) Kalinga (C) Kannauj (D) Purushpur (B) [SSC CGL 2013] Exp: King Kharvela was the great ruler of the Chedi dynasty of Kalinga. Hatimgumpha inscription tells about King Kharvela
6.Name the kingdom which first used elephants in wars- (A) Kosala (B) Magadha (C) Champa (D) Avanti
(B) [SSC CAPFs SI, CISF ASI & ASI 2015] Exp: Magadha was the first kingdom to use elephants in war.
7.Whose army did Alexander the Greek ruler confront on the banks of the river Jhelum? (A) Chandragupta Maurya (B) Ambi (C) Dhanananda (D) Porus
(D) (SSC CHSL LDC, DEO & PA/SA 2015) Exp: Explained above (Q.no. 4)
8.Name of Republic which was a confederacy to tribes in the 6th century B.C.- (A) Gandhara (B) Vajji (C) Koushal (D) Avanti
(B) (SSC CHSL LDC, DEO & PA/SA 2015) Exp: Vajji (Vrijji) was one of the sixteen. Mahajanapadas. It was the earliest democracy in India It was confederacy of the Licchavis, the Jnatreckas, the Videhas and the others.
9.Which one of the following scholar, challenged Invincible Yajnavalkya for debate? (A) Ghosha (B) Apala (C) Maitreyi (D) Gargi
(D) [SSC CHSL Exam, 2014] Exp: Gargi Vachaknavi sage Yajnavalkya for debate at Rajasuya Yagya held by king Janaka.
10.Which of the following ruler was responsible for the rise of Magadha? (A) Bindusara (B) Ajatshatru (C) Bimbisara (D) Vasudeva
(C) [SSC CHSL 2008] Exp: King Bimbisara of Haryanka dynasty was responsible for the rise of Magadha the most powerful Mahajanapada during (6th and 4th century B(C). His matrimonial alliances with different princely family led to the expansion of the Magadha Empire.
11.Which dynasty ruled over ‘Magadha’ after Mauryan Dynasty? (A) Satavahan (B) Shunga (C) Nanda (D) Kanva
(B) [SSC CHSL 2013] Exp: Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder of Shunga dynasty.
12.Nalanda Mahavira site is in (A) Rajasthan (B) Assam (C) Bihar (D) Gujarat
(C) Exp: Nalanda Mahavira is situated in Bihar (98 kms from Patna).It is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
1.The first Tirthankara of the Jains was: (A) Arishtanemi (B) Parshvanath (C) Ajitanath (D) Rishabha
(D) [SSC CGL 1999] Exp: i) Tirthankaras are Jain spiritual Gurus. ii) Rishabhanatha is 1st out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras. iii) His other names are Adinatha, Adishvara, Yugadideva, Prathamaraja and Nebhya. iv) Parshvanatha was 23rd Tirthankara. v) Vardhmana Mahavira was the last (24th) Tirthankara.
“2.With which of the following is the classic ““Jivaka Chintamani”” in Tamil associated? (A) Jainism (B) Buddhism (C) Hinduism (D) Christianity”
(A) [SSC CGL 2002] Exp: Jivaka Chintamani is a Jain epic poem of Sangam Literature written by Jain saint Tiruttakkatevar. It is about the life of prince Jivaka and is also known as ‘Mana Nool’ (Book of marriages).
3.Where did Lord Buddha breathe his last? (A) Raajgir (B) Bodh Gaya (C) Sarnath (D) Kushinagar
(D) [SSC CGL 2002] Exp: (i) Buddha breathed his last at Kushinagar (UP) near the Hiranyavati river. (ii) He attained ‘Parinirvana’ Final Nirvan after he fell ill of food poisoning.
4.Gandhara school of art came into existence in (A) Hinayana sect (B) Mahayana sect (C) Vaishnava sect (D) Shaiva sect
(B) [SSC CPO 2003] Exp: (i) Mahayana sect believes in idols worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. (ii) Gandhara school of Art was established during Kushan era. (iii) It was the first to sculpturally represent the Buddha in human form as ‘Man-God’.
5.Who, according to the Budhists, is believed to be the next incarnation of Gautam Buddha? (A) Atreya (B) Maitreya (C) Nagarjuna (D) Kalki
(B) [SSC CPO SI 2003] Exp: According to the Buddhist scripture Maitreya is considered ‘future Buddha’. He is a Budhisatva, In Amitabha Sutra and Lotus Sutra he referred as ‘Ajita’.
6.Which among the following ‘MATH’ is related with Buddhism? (A) Dakhma (B) Chaitya (C) Khangah (D) Angeri
(B) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 2003] Exp: Chaitya is a Buddhist worship hall with stupa at its one end. Rock-cut Karla caves in Maharashtra are the largest Chaitya-griha in India.
7.Which among the following is the sacred book of the Buddhists? (A) Upanishad (B) Vedas (C) Tripitaka (D) Jatakas
(C) [SSC CGL 2005] Exp: Tripitaka is the sacred book of Buddhists. Three Pitakas are Vinaya Pitaka (discipline from monks) Sutta Pitaka (basket of discourse) Abhidhamma pitaka (Basket of special doctrine).
8.Ashoka called the Third Buddhist Council at- (A) Pataliputra (B) Magadha (C) Kalinga (D) Sarnath
(A) [SSC CGL 2005] Exp: The third Buddhist Council was held at Patliputra in 250 BC. It was convened by Mauryan King Ashoka. Trick to remember four Buddhist Councils:- RA VA PA KA Rajgriha - Ajatshatru Vaishali - Kalashoka Pataliputra - Ashoka Kashmir - Kanishka
9.The tutor of Alexander, the Great was (A) Darius (B) Cyrus (C) Socrates (D) Aristotle
(D) [SSC CGL 2005] Exp: Greek Philosopher Aristotle was the tutor of Alexander the Great. King Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander) invited Aristotle to teach Alexander.
10.Who propounded the ‘Eight-Fold Path’ for the end of misery of mankind? (A) Mahavir (B) Gautam Buddha (C) Adi Shankaracharya (D) Kabir
(B) [SSC CGL 2005] Exp: Buddha gave the Eight fold path to end the misery of lifeThese Are (a) Right View (b) Right Resolve (c) Right Speech (d) Right Conduct (e) Right Livelihood (f) Right effort (g) Right Mindfulness (h) Right Samadhi This eight-fold path leads to ‘Nirvana’.
11.Buddhism made an important impact by allowing two sections of society into its fold. They were (A) Merchants and Priests (B) Moneylenders and Slaves (C) Warriors and Traders (D) Women and Sudras
(D) [SSC CPO SI 2006] Exp: Buddha considered the caste system unjust. He asserted that morality and deed should be determined the cast of a person instead of birth.
12.’Buddha’ means- (A) The Enlightened one (B) The Religious Preacher (C) The Genius (D) The Powerful
(A) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 2006,CGL 2014] Exp: The term ‘Buddha’ means ‘The enlightened one’ i.e. the one who has attained ‘Bodhi’ (wisdom). Siddhartha Gautama the founder of Buddhism was later known as Gautam Buddha.
13.Name the clan Buddha belonged to- (A) Gnathrika (B) Maurya (C) Shakya (D) Kuru
(C) [SSC CGL 2008] Exp: Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal who was the leader of Shakya clan.
14.Which of the following is not one of the animals carved on the Sarnath Pillar? (A) Humped Bull (B) Deer (C) Elephant (D) Horse
(B) [SSC Investigator 2010] Exp: Sarnath Pillar was built by Ashoka to mark the site of Buddha’s first sermon. It was adopted as the National Emblem of India. On the top there are four lions which rest on a drum carved with four animals a horse (west), an Ox (east), an elephant (south) and a lion (north) on the base of a lotus flower.
15.Mention the place where Buddha attained enlightenment- (A) Sarnath (B) Bodh Gaya (C) Kapilavastu (D) Rajgriha
(B) [SSC CGL 2011] Exp: Buddha attained enligtenment at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) the Bank of River Niranjana.
16.Which one of the following was the last Buddhist text produced In India? (A) Divya Vandana (B) Dohakosa (C) Vjrachedika (D) Vamsathapakasini
(D) [SSC CPO SI 2011] Exp: Vamsathapakasini was the last Buddhist text produced in India it has given the account of origin of the Mauryas.
17.Identify the Buddhist Literature from the following: (A) Tripitakas (B) Upanishads (C) Angas (D) Aranyakas
(A) [FCI Assistant 2012] Exp: Explained above (Q.no. 7)
18.The early Buddhist scriptures were composed in: (A) Prakrit texts (B) Pali texts (C) Sanskrit texts (D) Pictographical texts
(B) [FCI Assistant 2012] Exp: The early Buddhist scriptures were composed in Pali texts.
19.Gautama Buddha was born at (A) Kusinagar (B) Sarnath (C) Bodha Gaya (D) Lumbini
(D) [FCI Assistant 2012] Exp: Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal to king Suddhodana (the leader of Shakya clan) and Mahamaya (Princess of Kollia republic).
20.Who was the mother of Mahavira? (A) Yasoda (B) Anojja (C) Trishala (D) Devanandi
(C) [SSC Combined Matric Level 1999] Exp: Mahavira was born in Kundgram near Vaishali (Bihar) at 599B.C His father was Siddhartha (head of Jnathrika Kshatriya clan) and Trishala (Sister of Chetaka the king of Vaishali).
21.The paintings of Ajanta depict the stories of (A) Ramayana (B) Mahabharta (C) Jataka (D) Panchatantra
(C) [SSC Combined Matric Level 1999, CHSL 2011] Exp: Jataka is releated to the birth of Buddha.
22.Lord Mahavira died at (A) Saravana Belagola (B) Lumbini Garden (C) Kalugumalai (D) Pavapuri
(D) [SSC Combined Matric Level 1999] Exp: Lord Mahavira died at Pavapuri at 527 B.C
- Which language was mostly used for the propogation of Buddhism? (A) Sanskrit (B) Prakrit (C) Pali (D) Sauraseni
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 1999] Exp: Prakrit was mostly used for propagation of Buddhism.
23.Buddha gave his first religious message at- (A) Rajagriha (B) Pataliputra (C) Gaya (D) Sarnath
(D)Exp: Buddha gave his first sermon to five monks at Sarnath (deer park) and this incident is called Dhammachakkapavattan Sutta.
24.Mahavira was born in a Kshatriya clan by the name of- (A) Shakya (B) Janatrika (C) Mallas (D) Lichhavis
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2000] Exp: Mahavira was born in 6th century BC to Siddhartaha (he was a Kshatriya from Ikshvaku dynasty he was chief of the Janatrika clan under Vaishali) and Trishala (sister of Chetaka- the king of Vaishali).
25.The Third Buddhist Council was patronised by- (A) Kanishka (B) Ashoka (C) Mahakashyap Upali(D) Sabakarni
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2002] Exp: Explained above (Q.No - 8)
26.In which language were the Buddhist-texts ‘Pitakas’ composed? (A) Sanskrit (B) Ardhamagadhi (C) Pali (D) Prakrit
(C) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2002] Exp: Tripitakas (three baskets) are the Sacred scriptures of Buddhist. These are written in Pali language. The three tripitakas are Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
27.Buddhism in Nepal was introduced during the reign of- (A) Samudragupta (B) Ashoka (C) Chandragupta (D) Harshavardhana
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2002] Exp: The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka put up a pillar at Lumbini Nepal, birth place of Buddha.
28.Which ruler founded the famous Vikramshila University for the Buddhists? (A) Mahipala (B) Devapala (C) Gopala (D) Dharampala
(D) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2002] Exp: The Vikramashila University was a great Buddhism learning centre it was founded by the Pala king Dharamapala in the late 8th century. Tantrism was one of the important branch of learning. Its remains are located at Antichak in Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
29.During whose reign did the Gandhara School of Art blossom? (A) Harsha (B) Ashok (C) Kanishka (D) Chandragupta II
(C) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2006] Exp: Gandhara School of Art blossom in the reign of Kanishka
30.Vaishakha Poornima has a great significance because it was on this day- (A) Buddha was born (B) Buddha got enlightened (C) Buddha died (D) All of the above
(D) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2006] Exp: Vaishakha poornima is the full moon day in the month of Vaishakha (May). It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary. Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana (Death anniversary) of Gautama Buddha.
31.Which of the following are beliefs of Buddhism? (A) The world is full of sorrows. (B) People suffer on account of desires. (C) If desires are conquered, nirvana will be attained. (D) The existence of God and Soul must be recognised. (A) A, B, C and D (B) B and C (C) A, B and C (D) B, C and D
(C) [SSC MTS 2011] Exp: The four Noble Truths of Buddhism are: - The world is full of sorrows. - Desire is root cause of sorrow. - If desire is conquered all sorrows can be removed. - Desire can be removed by following the eight-fold path.
“32.Which of the following is not the ““Tri Ratna”” of Jainism? (A) Right faith (B) Right knowledge (C) Right view (D) Right conduct”
(C) [SSC CISF Cont. GD 2011] Exp: Tri Ratna (Three Gems) of Jainism are: (A) Samyak Shradha (Right Faith) (B) Samyak Jann (Right Knowledge) (C) Samyak Karma (Right conduct)
33.’Prince of Piligrims’ was the name attributed to (A) Fa-Hien (B) Hiuen - tsang (C) I-tsing (D) Megasthenes
(B) [SSC CHSL 2011] Exp: The Chinese traveller and Buddhist monk Hiuen Tsang is called the ‘Prince of pilgrims’. He came India in the reign of Harshavardhan.
34.The Jaina literature is known as- (A) Tripitakas (B) Epics (C) Aryasutras (D) Angas
(D) [SSC MTS 2013] Exp: The Jain literature is known as Angas
- Where was the first Buddhist Council held? (A) Vaishali (B) kashmir (C) Rajagriha (D) Pataliputra
(C) [SSC MTS 2013] Exp: The first Buddhist Council held at Rajagriha.
37.Which of the following ruler was a contemporary of Buddha? (A) Udayin (B) Bimbisara (C) Ajatshatru (D) Mahapadma Nanda
(B)Exp: Bimbisara the founder of Haryanka dynasty of Magadha empire was the contemporary of lord Buddha. Buddha was born in 563 BC. Bimbisara was born in 558 BC.
38.What is ‘Milind panho’? (A) A Buddhist place (B) One of the names of Buddha (C) A Buddhist Specimen of Art (D) Buddhist text
(D) [SSC MTS 2013] Exp: Milind Panho is an ancient Buddhist text. It is a record of dialogue between Buddhist monk Nagasena and the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milind in Pali)
39.Which one of the following is not a sect of Buddhism? (A) Mahayana (B) Hinayana (C) Digambar (D) Theravad
(C) [SSC CGL 2013] Exp: Mahayana, Hinayana, Theravad are the parts of Buddhism.
40.Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha together are known as- (A) Triratna (B) Trivarga (C) Trisarga (D) Trimurti
(A) [SSC CGL 2013] Exp: Buddha Dhamma and Sangha together are known as Triratna.
41.Mahavira’s first disciple was- (A) Bhadrabahu (B) Sthulabhadra (C) Charvaka (D) Jamali
(D) [SSC Constable GD 2013] Exp: Jamali son-in-law of Mahavira was his first disciple.
42.Vardhman Mahavira is also known as (A) Jina (B) Great teacher (C) Great preacher (D) Jain
(A) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2000] Exp: Vardhamana Mahavira is Called ‘Jina’ which means great conqueror, the one who has conquered the inner enemies (anger, greed, passion, ego, hate). The word Jain is derived from ‘Jina’ which means follower of Jina.
43.Which one of the following is not included in the ‘Eight Fold Path’ of Buddhism? (A) Right Speech (B) Right Effort (C) Right Desire (D) Right Conduct
(C) [SSC Constable GD 2013] Exp: The Noble eight-fold path of Buddhism are (i) Right View (ii) Right Resolve (iii) Right Speech (iv) Right Conduct (v) Right livelihood (vi) Right effort (vii) Right mindfulness (viii) Right Samadhi
44.The Buddhist monk who spread Buddhism in Tibet was- (A) Nagarjuna (B) Ananda (C) Asanga (D) Padmasambhava
(D) [SSC CGL 2013] Exp: Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rimpoche the Indian Buddhist monk spread the Buddhism in Tibet. He even helped in the construction of first Buddhist monastery in Tibet.
“45.The site of birth (nativity) of Gautam Buddha is marked by: (A) a monastery (B) a ““Rummindei Pillar”” of Ashok Maurya (C) a statue (D) a Peepal Tree”
“(B) [SSC CGL 2014] Exp: Mauryan Emperor Ashoka inscribed ““Rummindei Pillar”” during his pilgrimage to Lumbini (Birth place of Gautama Buddha). Rummindei Pillar inscription tells about Ashoka’s visit to Lumbini and exemption of Lumbini from tax.”
46.Chinese travellers visited India primarily because- (A) They were interested in Buddhism (B) They were invited by ten Indian kings (C) They were interested to study Indian culture (D) They were interested to stay in India
(A) [SSC CAPFs SI, CISF ASI & 2014] Exp: Chinese travellers visited India because they were interested in Buddhism.
47.Which of the Kushana ruler patronised Buddhism? (A) Ashoka (B) Vikramaditya (C) Kanishka (D) Kautilya
(C) (SSC CHSL LDC, DEO & PA/SA 2015) Exp: Kanishka was the great patron of Buddhism.
48.A collective term used by the Jains for their sacred books is- (A) Prabandhas (B) Angas (C) Nibandhas (D) Chartis
(B) (SSC CGL Tier-I 2016) Exp: Angas (also known as Agams) are 45 sacred texts of Jainism based on the discourse of the Thirthankara.
49.In which of the following mudra did Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at Saranath? (A) Abhaya Mudra (B) Dhyana Mudra (C) Dharmchakra Mudra (D) Bhumisparasa Mudra
“(C) (SSC CPO SI, ASI 2016) Exp: Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath in ‘Dharamchakra mudra’. This mudra is called the ““Gesture of Teaching””.”
50.With which religion is Kaivalya associated? (A) Buddhism (B) Jainism (C) Hinduism (D) Sikhism
(B) (SSC CGL Tier-I 2016) Exp: ‘Kaivalya’ (detachment) is the- Jain ‘concept of salvation’. It is the liberation from rebirth
51.To which Ganarajya Gautam Buddha belonged? (A) Shibi (B) Shakya (C) Saurasena (D) Shabara
(B) (SSC CGL Tier-I 2016) Exp: Gautam Buddha was belong to Shakya Ganrajya.
- In Buddhism, ‘Bull’ is related to what incident of Buddha’s life? (A) Birth (B) Mahabhimiskramana (C) Enlightenment (D) Mahaparinirvana
(A) [SSC tax asst. 2006] Exp: Birth-bull, Dharmachakrapravartna- wheel, Mahaparinirvana- Stupa
“52.”“Desire is the cause of all sufferings””. Which religion promoted this? (A) Buddhism (B) Jainism (C) Sikhism (D) Hinduism”
(A) [SSC CHSL 2013] Exp: Explained above (Q.no. 34)
53.Which one of the following ruler was not contemporary to ‘Buddha’- (A) Udayn (B) Bimbisara (C) Ajat Shatru (D) Mahapadmananda
(D) [SSC MTS 2013] Exp: Mahapadmananda (400-329 B(C), the founder of Nanda dynasty. He was not contemporary to Buddha.
54.Who was Mahavira? (A) 21st Tirthankara (B) 24th Tirthankara (C) 23rd Tirthankara (D) 22nd Tirthankara
(B) [SSC CGL (T-I 2012] Exp: Mahavira Vardhamana the 24th tirthankara of Jains founded Jainism in India. First Tirthankara was Rishabha deva and 23rd was Parshwnath.
55.Who was the founder of Jainism in India? (A) Gautama (B) Mahavira (C) Chandra Gupta (D) Ashoka
(B) [SSC CHSL 2014] Exp: Mahavira Vardhamana the 24th tirthankara of Jains founded Jainism in India.
56.Which of the following is Parinirvana place of Mahavira? (A) Pava (B) Sarnath (C) Vaishali (D) Shravanabelagola
(A) [SSC CHSL 2015] Exp: Lord Mahavira at the age of 72 attained ‘Parinirvana’ at Pawapuri Pava in the Nalanda district of Bihar.
57.Who was the last ruler of India that adopted Jainism in his last days? (A) Samudra Gupta (B) Bidusara (C) Chandra Gupta Maurya (D) Ashoka
(C) [SSC CHSL 2011] Exp: Chandra Gupta Maurya adopted Jainism in his last days. He lost his life by Salekhina Jain practice.
58.The first Buddhist Council was held at_______. (A) Kashmir (B) Rajagriha (C) Pataliputra (D) Vaisali
(B) [SSC CGL 2016] Exp: The first Buddhist council was held at Rajagriha, three months after the Death of Buddha. It was organised by King Ajatshatru of Haryanka dynasty. Place King Chairman Rajagriha - Ajatshatru - Mahakassapa Vaishali - Kalashoka - Sabbakami Pataliputra - Ashoka - Mogaliputta tissa Kashmir - Kanishka - Vasumitra
59.’Tripitakas’ are sacred books of_______. (A) Hindus (B) Jains (C) Parsis (D) Buddhists
(D) [SSC CGL 2016] Exp: Tripitaka means ‘three baskets’. Tripitakas are sacred Buddhist scriptures. The Tripatakas are Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pittaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
60.A collective term used by the Jains for their sacred books is- (A) Prabandhas (B) Angas (C) Nibandhas (D) Charits
(B) [SSC CGL 2016] Exp: Angas are the sacred text of jainism based on teachings of Tirthankaras. The Angas are composed of 46-texts. Out of which there are 12 Angas
61.The language in which Buddha preached? (A) Hindi (B) Urdu (C) Pali (D) Hebrew
(C) Exp: Buddha preached in Pali language which was vernacular language of the Magadha Kingdom.
62.From which monument, Gautama Buddha propagated his divine knowledge of Buddhism to the world? (A) Humayun’s Tomb (B) Mahabodhi Temple Complex (C) Qutub Minar (D) Red Fort Complex
(B) Exp: The Mahabodhi Temple is located at Bodhgaya, Bihar. Buddha propagated his divine knowledge of Buddhism from this Temple It is also known. as ‘Great Enlightenment Temple’. It was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
63.In which Indian Religion, there are 24 tirthankaras? (A) Jainism (B) Buddhism (C) Hinduism (D) Sikhism
(A) Exp: Tirthankaras means spiritual guru of dharma. There are 24 tirthankaras (guru) in Jainism. Rishabha nath was the first tirthankaras.
64.Santhara is a religious ritual of ______ community (A) Sikhs (B) Jews (C) Jain (D) Buddhists
(C) Exp: Santhara is a religious ritual of Swetambara Jain. Santhara means the fast into death. It is also knwon as Samadhi marana Emperor Chandragupta Maurya died of Santhara (Salikhna).
65.Chandragupta Maurya was an ardent follower of __________. (A) Sikhism (B) Jainism (C) Buddhism (D) Jewism
(B) Exp: During last days of his life he went to Chandragiri Hill at Sravan belagola (Karnataka) and died of salekhna (slow staralim).
1.Which among the following is the oldest dynasty? (A) Maurya (B) Gupta (C) Kushan (D) Kanva
(A) [SSC CGL 2002] Exp: The Mauryan dynasty is the oldest of four. • Mauryan (322 BC) • Gupta (320 AD) • Kanva (73 BC) • Kushans 1st century AD
2.Who amongst the following also had the name ‘Devanama Piyadassi’? (A) Mauryan King Ashoka (B) Mauryan King Chandragupta Maurya (C) Gautam Buddha (D) Bhagwan Mahavira
(A) [SSC CGL 2003] Exp: In the inscriptions excavated at Raichur (Karnataka) and Datia (Madhya Pradesh), Mauryan King Ashoka is referred as ‘Devanampiyadassi’ (beloved servant of the God).
3.Upto where did Chandragupta Maurya’s empire extend in the north west? (A) Ravi river (B) Indus river (C) Satluj river (D) Hindukush range
(D) [SSC Stat. Investigators 2005] Exp: Chandragupta Maurya empire extended to Hindukush rang
4.Which of the following could be the most accurate description of the Mauryan monarchy under Ashoka? (A) Enlightened despotism (B) Centralised autocracy (C) Oriental despotism (D) Guided democracy
(A) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 2006] Exp: The Mauryan monarchy under Ashoka was Enlightened despotism.
5.The illustrious names of Aryabhatta and Varahamihir are associated with the age of the (A) Guptas (B) Kushanas (C) Mauryas (D) Palas
(A) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 2006] Exp: Aryabhatta the great scientist and Mathematician and Varahamihira - the astronomer, mathematician and astrologer both were the scholars in the court of Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty.
6.In Mauryan dynasty Kalinga war took place in the year- (A) 260 BC (B) 261 BC (C) 126 BC (D) 232 BC
(B) [SSC Sec. Officer (Audit) 2008,CHSL 2011] Exp: Rock discription XIII describes about the war of kalinga. The war took place in 261 B.C
7.Which event brought about a profound change in Ashoka’s administrative policy? (A) The third Buddhist Council (B) the Kalinga War (C) His embracing of Buddhism (D) His sending missionary to Ceylon
(B) [SSC Tax Assistant (Income Tax) 2009] Exp: The Kalinga war was fought between Ashoka and the state of Kalinga 261 BC. The massive bloodshed filled Ashoka with remorse and he adopted Buddhism under the Buddhist Monk Upagupta and abandoned the policy. of physical conquest and adopted the policy of cultural conquest.
8.The monk who influenced Ashoka to embrace Buddhism was- (A) Vishnu Gupta (B) Upagupta (C) Brahma Gupta (D) Brihadratha
(B) [SSC CGL 2010] Exp: Explained above (Q.no. 7)
9.The Greek ambassador sent to Chandragupta Maurya’s Court was: (A) Kautilya (B) Seleucus Nicator (C) Megasthenes (D) Justin
(C) [SSC CGL 2011] Exp: Megasthenes was a greek historian and diplomat. He was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator to Mauryan King Chandragupta (Pataliputra, India). He wrote ‘Indica’ which is an account of Mauryan India.
10.Arthasastra was written by- (A) Dhanananda (B) Kautilya (C) Bimbisara (D) Pushyamitra
“(B) [SSC CPO SI 2011] Exp: Arthasastra was written by Kautilya (Chankaya). The book is related to Adminstration and gives ““THE SAPTANG THEORY””.”
11.Alexander and Porus fought a battle at- (A) Hydaspes (B) Jhelum (C) Panipat (D) Train
(*)Exp: Alexander and Porus fought a battle on the bank of river Hydaspes which is known as battle of Hydaspes. River Jhelum is called as Hydaspes at that time, hence this battle is known as battle of Hydaspes.
12.Seleucus Nicator was defeated by- (A) Ashoka (B) Chandragupta Maurya (C) Bindu Sara (D) Brihadratha
(B) [FCI Assistant 2012] Exp: A war was fought between the Mauryan King Chandragupta Maurya and the Seleucus Nicator who was the leading officer of Alexander- the Great’s League of Coronith. Seleucus Nicator was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya won all of the Macedonian region in the Indus Valley and Seleucus was given 500 war elephant as a part of peace deal.
13.After Alexander’s death the Eastern part of his empire came under- (A) Seleucus Nicator (B) Menander (C) Rudradaman (D) Kanishka
(A) [FCI Assistant 2012] Exp: Seleucus Nicator was one of the diadochi (successor Alexander- the Great). He was earlier infantry General under Alexander- the Great. He established Seleucid Empire on the eastern part of Alexander’s territory.
14.Bindusara sent Ashoka to quell the rebellion in- (A) Swarnagiri (B) Taxila (C) Ujjain (D) Tosali
(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 1999] Exp: The people of Taxila declared the war on the Magadha Empire. Susheema (Bindusara’s eldest son) was not able to put down the rebellion. So Bindusara decided to send Ashoka to quell the rebellion.
15.Who, among the following, was not a part of the Mauryan dynasty? (A) Ajatsatru (B) Bindusara (C) Chandragupta Maurya (D) None of these
(A) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2000] Exp: Ajatshatru was the second ruler of Haryanka dynasty of Magadha. He convened the first Buddhist Council at Rajgriha.
16.Who among the following foreigners was the first to visit India? (A) Hiuen Tsang (B) Magasthenese (C) I-Tsing (D) Fahien
“(B) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2006] Exp: Magasthenese was the first foreigner to visit India in the reign of Chandra Gupta Maurya. He wrote the famous book ““INDICA”””
17.Who amidst the following was a wife of emperor Ashoka who influenced him? (A) Chandalika (B) Charulata (C) Gautami (D) Karuwaki
(D) [SSC Combined Matric Level 2002] Exp: Karuwaki was the second queen of Mauryan emperor Ashoka. She was the daughter of a fisherman she converted into Buddhism and become sanyassni. She guided Ashoka to his religious learning.
18.The Greeks were driven out of India by- (A) Chandragupta Maurya (B) Chandragupta Vikramaditya (C) Ashoka (D) Bindusara
(A) [SSC Steno. Grade C and D 2011] Exp: Seleucus Nicator the leading officer of Alexander the great. He was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya in Stucid Mauryan war.