UP History — Set 1
UP GK · UP इतिहास · Questions 1–10 of 200
Which ancient Mahajanapada had its capital at Varanasi?
Correct Answer: B. Kashi
Kashi was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas with Varanasi as its capital. It was a powerful kingdom during the 6th century BCE and was eventually absorbed by the Kosala kingdom. Varanasi remains one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
What was the capital of the Kosala Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: B. Shravasti
Shravasti (modern Sahet-Mahet in Uttar Pradesh) was the capital of the Kosala Mahajanapada. King Prasenajit was its most famous ruler and a contemporary of Gautam Buddha. Shravasti was also an important Buddhist centre where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons.
Kaushambi was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: C. Vatsa
Kaushambi, near modern Allahabad (Prayagraj), was the capital of the Vatsa Mahajanapada. Its most famous ruler was King Udayana. Kaushambi was also an important centre of trade and Buddhism, and Ashoka erected a pillar there.
Which Mahajanapada had Ahichhatra and Kampilya as its two capitals?
Correct Answer: B. Panchala
The correct answer is Panchala. Panchala was divided into Northern Panchala (capital Ahichhatra, modern Ramnagar in Bareilly) and Southern Panchala (capital Kampilya). The Panchala region roughly corresponds to the modern Rohilkhand and central Doab region of Uttar Pradesh. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Mathura was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: C. Shurasena
Mathura was the capital of the Shurasena Mahajanapada. It is associated with Lord Krishna in Hindu tradition. Shurasena became an early centre of Buddhism, and its king Avantiputra was among the first royal disciples of the Buddha.
Hastinapur and Indraprastha were associated with which Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: B. Kuru
The Kuru Mahajanapada had its capital at Hastinapur (in modern Meerut district) and later at Indraprastha. The Kuru kingdom is central to the Mahabharata epic. Archaeological excavations at Hastinapur have revealed Painted Grey Ware culture remains.
Where did Gautam Buddha deliver his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana)?
Correct Answer: C. Sarnath
Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (near Varanasi) around 528 BCE. This event is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana or 'Turning of the Wheel of Law'. He preached to five ascetics (Pancha Vargiya Bhikshu) in the Deer Park at Sarnath.
In which city of Uttar Pradesh did Gautam Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
Correct Answer: C. Kushinagar
Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (passed away) at Kushinagar around 483 BCE. Kushinagar is located in the Kushinagar district of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The Mahaparinirvana Temple and a large reclining Buddha statue mark this sacred site.
Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent most of his rainy seasons, is located at which place in UP?
Correct Answer: B. Shravasti
Jetavana Monastery is located at Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh. It was donated to the Buddha by the wealthy merchant Anathapindika. Buddha is believed to have spent 24 rainy season retreats at Shravasti, making it one of the most important Buddhist sites.
According to Buddhist tradition, Sankissa (Sankasya) in UP is famous for which event?
Correct Answer: B. Buddha's descent from Trayastrimsa heaven
The correct answer is Buddha's descent from Trayastrimsa heaven. Sankissa, located in Farrukhabad district of UP, is traditionally believed to be the place where Buddha descended from Trayastrimsa heaven after preaching to his mother. It is one of the eight great pilgrimage sites of Buddhism and Ashoka erected a pillar here. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.