Ancient History — Set 1
Bihar GK · प्राचीन इतिहास · Questions 1–10 of 80
Which Neolithic site in Bihar is famous for the discovery of bone tools?
Correct Answer: A. Chirand
Chirand is a significant Neolithic site located in the Saran district of Bihar. It is famous for the discovery of a large number of bone tools and antlers. This site provides evidence of early human settlement near the confluence of rivers.
The first mention of the Magadha region is found in which Veda?
Correct Answer: B. Atharvaveda
The first literary mention of the Magadha region appears in the Atharvaveda. It refers to the people of this region as Vratyas who did not follow Vedic rituals. This text provides early insights into the non-Aryan culture of the area.
Which text describes the story of Videha Madhava and the arrival of Aryans in Bihar?
Correct Answer: C. Satapatha Brahmana
The Satapatha Brahmana contains the legend of Videha Madhava carrying the sacred fire eastward. This story symbolizes the expansion of Aryan culture into the Mithila region of Bihar. It is a key text for understanding the Vedic period in eastern India.
Who was the most famous philosopher-king of the Videha kingdom?
Correct Answer: D. Janaka
Janaka was the most renowned king of the Videha kingdom mentioned in Vedic texts. He was a great patron of philosophy and organized debates among scholars like Yajnavalkya. His court was a center of intellectual activity in ancient Mithila.
What was the capital of the ancient Anga Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: A. Champa
Champa was the capital of the Anga Mahajanapada. It corresponds to the modern-day Bhagalpur and Munger regions of Bihar. Champa was also a major trade center on the river route.
The Vajji confederacy consisted of how many clans?
Correct Answer: B. Eight
The Vajji confederacy was composed of eight different clans, known as the Ashtakula. The most prominent among them were the Lichchhavis, the Videhans, and the Jnatrikas. This confederacy is an early example of a republican form of government.
Which city served as the capital of the Vajji confederacy?
Correct Answer: C. Vaishali
Vaishali was the capital of the powerful Vajji confederacy. It was a thriving city and a center of political power in ancient Bihar. The city is also significant for its association with both Buddhism and Jainism.
Who is considered the real founder of the Magadha empire under the Haryanka dynasty?
Correct Answer: D. Bimbisara
Bimbisara is considered the real founder of the Magadhan imperial power under the Haryanka dynasty. He expanded his kingdom through both matrimonial alliances and military conquests. He was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha.
Jivaka, the famous royal physician, was in the court of which King?
Correct Answer: A. Bimbisara
Jivaka was the celebrated royal physician in the court of King Bimbisara. He was sent by the king to treat Avanti King Pradyota when he suffered from jaundice. Jivaka also provided medical care to Gautama Buddha.
Which war engines were used by Ajatashatru against the Lichchhavis?
Correct Answer: B. Mahashilakantaka and Rathamusala
Ajatashatru used two innovative war engines named Mahashilakantaka and Rathamusala. The Mahashilakantaka was a large stone-throwing machine, while the Rathamusala was a chariot with attached blades. These weapons helped him defeat the powerful Vajji confederacy.