Ancient History — Set 8
Bihar GK · प्राचीन इतिहास · Questions 71–80 of 80
Who first deciphered the inscriptions of Ashoka?
Correct Answer: C. James Prinsep
James Prinsep first deciphered the inscriptions of Ashoka in 1837. He was an official of the British East India Company. This breakthrough helped reconstruct the history of the Mauryan empire.
According to Buddhist texts, how many Mahajanapadas were there?
Correct Answer: D. 16
According to the Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya, there were 16 Mahajanapadas (great states). These states existed in ancient India during the 6th century BC. Three of them—Magadha, Anga, and Vajji—were in Bihar.
Which symbol represents the birth of Gautama Buddha?
Correct Answer: A. Lotus and Bull
The Lotus and Bull symbolize the birth of Gautama Buddha. These symbols are frequently found in Buddhist art and architecture. The Lotus represents purity, while the Bull represents his zodiac sign Taurus.
The Bodhi Tree symbolizes which event in Buddha's life?
Correct Answer: B. Enlightenment
The Bodhi Tree symbolizes the Enlightenment (Nirvana) of Buddha. He attained enlightenment while meditating under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya. This event transformed Prince Siddhartha into the Buddha.
The 'Dharmachakra' (Wheel) represents which event?
Correct Answer: C. First Sermon
The 'Dharmachakra' or Wheel represents Buddha's First Sermon. He delivered this sermon at Sarnath to his first five disciples. This event is known as Dharmachakrapravartana.
Which symbol represents the Mahaparinirvana (Death) of Buddha?
Correct Answer: D. Stupa
The Stupa represents the Mahaparinirvana or death of Buddha. Stupas were originally built to house the relics of the Buddha. They became central objects of worship in Buddhism.
What was the childhood name of Lord Mahavira?
Correct Answer: A. Vardhamana
The childhood name of Lord Mahavira was Vardhamana. It means 'one who grows' or 'prosperous'. He was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
What was the childhood name of Gautama Buddha?
Correct Answer: B. Siddhartha
The childhood name of Gautama Buddha was Siddhartha. It means 'he who has achieved his goal'. He was born as a prince in the Shakya clan of Kapilavastu.
The early Buddhist scriptures were primarily written in which language?
Correct Answer: C. Pali
The early Buddhist scriptures (Tripitaka) were primarily written in Pali. Pali was the common language of the masses in the Magadha region. Buddha chose this language to make his teachings accessible to everyone.
Which language was primarily used for Jain scriptures?
Correct Answer: D. Prakrit
Jain scriptures (Agamas) were primarily written in Prakrit (specifically Ardhamagadhi). This was the language spoken by the common people in ancient eastern India. Mahavira preached in this language to reach a wider audience.