Ancient History — Set 2
Bihar GK · प्राचीन इतिहास · Questions 11–20 of 80
Who was the patron of the First Buddhist Council held at Rajgir?
Correct Answer: C. Ajatashatru
The First Buddhist Council was patronized by King Ajatashatru of the Haryanka dynasty. It was held in the Saptaparni Cave in Rajgir shortly after the Buddha's death. The council aimed to preserve the teachings of the Buddha.
Who laid the foundation of the city of Pataliputra?
Correct Answer: D. Udayin
Udayin, the son of Ajatashatru, laid the foundation of the city of Pataliputra. He shifted the capital of Magadha from Rajgir to Pataliputra due to its strategic location. The city was situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers.
Which dynasty destroyed the power of the Pradyotas of Avanti?
Correct Answer: A. Shishunaga Dynasty
The Shishunaga dynasty is credited with destroying the power of the Pradyotas of Avanti. King Shishunaga defeated Avanti and annexed it into the Magadha empire. This victory ended the hundred-year rivalry between Magadha and Avanti.
During whose reign was the Second Buddhist Council held at Vaishali?
Correct Answer: B. Kalashoka
The Second Buddhist Council was held during the reign of King Kalashoka. It took place in Vaishali approximately 100 years after the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana. The council was convened to settle disputes over monastic discipline.
Who was the founder of the Nanda Dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Mahapadma Nanda
Mahapadma Nanda was the founder of the Nanda Dynasty in Magadha. He is often called the first empire builder of India and was known as 'Sarvakshatrantaka' (destroyer of all Kshatriyas). He established a vast empire with a huge army.
Who was the ruler of Magadha when Alexander invaded India?
Correct Answer: D. Dhana Nanda
Dhana Nanda was the ruler of Magadha at the time of Alexander's invasion of India. Greek historians referred to him as Agrammes or Xandrames. His immense wealth and powerful army deterred Alexander's soldiers from advancing further east.
Which Jain monk accompanied Chandragupta Maurya to South India?
Correct Answer: A. Bhadrabahu
The Jain monk Bhadrabahu accompanied Chandragupta Maurya to Shravanabelagola in South India. Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne to follow the Jain path of asceticism. He is said to have performed 'Sallekhana' (voluntary fasting to death) there.
Megasthenes was the ambassador of which Greek ruler?
Correct Answer: B. Seleucus Nicator
Megasthenes was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator, the Greek ruler of West Asia. He was sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. His observations were recorded in his book 'Indica'.
The 'Arthashastra' written by Kautilya is primarily a treatise on?
Correct Answer: C. Statecraft and Polity
The Arthashastra is primarily a treatise on statecraft, polity, and military strategy. It was written by Kautilya (Chanakya), the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya. The book provides detailed instructions on how to rule a kingdom effectively.
Which Mauryan king was known to the Greeks as 'Amitrochates'?
Correct Answer: D. Bindusara
Bindusara was known to the Greeks as 'Amitrochates', which is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Amitraghata'. The term translates to 'Slayer of Enemies'. He extended the Mauryan empire further south during his reign.