Ancient History — Set 6
Bihar GK · प्राचीन इतिहास · Questions 51–60 of 80
At which place did Lord Mahavira attain Nirvana?
Correct Answer: C. Pavapuri
Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pavapuri, located near Nalanda. He passed away at the age of 72. A marble temple, Jal Mandir, now stands in the middle of a tank at this site.
Who is considered the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
Correct Answer: D. Rishabhanatha
Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) is considered the first Tirthankara of Jainism. Though born in Ayodhya, his teachings influenced the religious landscape of eastern India. He is a pivotal figure in Jain cosmology.
Champapuri was the birthplace of which Jain Tirthankara?
Correct Answer: A. Vasupujya
Champapuri (modern Bhagalpur) was the birthplace of the 12th Tirthankara, Vasupujya. He is unique among Tirthankaras as his birth, consecration, and nirvana all took place in Champa. It is a major pilgrimage site for Jains.
Makkhali Gosala was the founder of which sect?
Correct Answer: B. Ajivika
Makkhali Gosala was the founder of the Ajivika sect. He was a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha. The sect believed in 'Niyati' (destiny) and had a significant following in ancient Bihar.
The stone used for Mauryan pillars was primarily quarried from?
Correct Answer: C. Chunar
The monolith Mauryan pillars were primarily made of sandstone quarried from Chunar (near Varanasi). These huge stones were transported to various parts of the empire including Bihar. They are famous for their lustrous polish.
What was the ancient name of Rajgir?
Correct Answer: D. Girivraja
The ancient name of Rajgir was Girivraja. The name implies a city surrounded by hills. It served as the capital of Magadha before it was moved to Pataliputra.
Who offered milk-rice (kheer) to Buddha just before his enlightenment?
Correct Answer: A. Sujata
A village girl named Sujata offered milk-rice to Gautama shortly before his enlightenment. This meal gave him the strength to meditate under the Bodhi tree. A stupa in Bakraur commemorates this event.
The world-famous 'Lion Capital' of Ashoka (national emblem) is made of?
Correct Answer: B. Sandstone
The Lion Capital is made of polished sandstone. It originally sat atop an Ashokan pillar at Sarnath. It reflects the high artistic achievement of the Mauryan empire centered in Bihar.
Which Chinese traveler studied at Nalanda for ten years?
Correct Answer: C. I-Tsing
I-Tsing visited India in the late 7th century and stayed at Nalanda for about ten years. He translated many Buddhist texts into Chinese. His records give details about the monastic life at Nalanda.
The Bull Capital of Ashoka was found at which place in Bihar?
Correct Answer: D. Rampurva
The Bull Capital of Ashoka was found at Rampurva in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It is one of the finest examples of Mauryan animal sculpture. It is now housed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.