Post Views: 14
1. Which among the following is not among Ashtamahasthanas?
[A] Rajgriha
[B] Taxila
[C] Vajrayana
[D] Lumbini
Correct Answer: B [ Taxila ]
Notes:
The sacred sites associated with the four significant events in the life of the Buddha include Lumbini, where he was born; Bodh Gaya, where he attained Enlightenment; Sarnath, where he delivered his First Sermon; and Kusinagar, where he passed away. In addition to these four locations, there are four other revered sites: Sravasti, Rajgriha, Vaishali, and Vajrayana. Collectively, these eight sacred sites are referred to as the Ashtamahasthanas.
2. Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
[A] Tarai rock edict
[B] Kalinga rock edict
[C] Barabar cave rock edict
[D] Bhabru rock edict
Correct Answer: D [ Bhabru rock edict ]
Notes:
The Bhabru rock edict provides insights into Asoka’s embrace of Buddhism. It articulates his unwavering belief in the Buddha, the Sangha, and the Dhamma.
3. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held ________?
[A] Kaveripattnam
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kural
[D] Madurai
Correct Answer: D [ Madurai ]
Notes:
The first Tamil Sangam was held in the vicinity of Madurai, under the patronage of Makeerthy, the ruler of the Pandyas. Agastya was appointed as the president of this initial gathering. Unfortunately, no literary works from this assembly have been preserved. The second Tamil Sangam was convened in Kapatpuram, which served as the second capital of the Pandyas. The third Tamil Sangam took place in Madurai, with the Tamil poet Nakkirar presiding over the proceedings.
4. Who among the following were known as Tocharians?
[A] Kushans
[B] Shakas
[C] Hunas
[D] Kalabhras
Correct Answer: A [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushanas, also known as Tocharians or Yuechis, successfully toppled the Parthian Empire, leading to the establishment of the Kushana Empire. Kujula Kadphises was the first ruler of this dynasty. It is generally acknowledged that the Kushana dynasty attained its peak during the rule of Kanishka, who followed as the next monarch.
5. Which among the following sites in Haryana, is the place as per legends where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita?
[A] Shahabad
[B] Pehowa
[C] Jyotisar
[D] Ladwa
Correct Answer: C [Jyotisar]
Notes:
Jyotisar is located 5 kilometers from the town of Kurukshetra in the state of Haryana. This site is historically significant as it is where Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, earning it the designation of “Gitopadesha.”
6. Who among the following is the author of Dharmasastra?
[A] Manu
[B] Gautama
[C] Kasyapa
[D] Several authors
Correct Answer: D [Several authors]
Notes:
The treatises of Hinduism concerning dharma are numerous, with estimates of Dharmashastras ranging from 18 to approximately 100. There are many authors for Dharmasastras.
7. At which among the following places, Chandragupta Maurya spent his last days?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Ujjain
[C] Nagarjunakonda
[D] Shravana Belgola
Correct Answer: D [Shravana Belgola]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire. During his last days Chandragupta Maurya accepted Jainism and spent his last days at Sravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu.
8. Which among the following statements is incorrect regarding Ajanta Caves?
[A] Paintings of Padmapani and Vajrapani have been found in Ajanta
[B] These caves are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983
[C] These paintings are Buddhist , Jain and Hinduism religious art
[D] They were rediscovered in 1819
Correct Answer: C [These paintings are Buddhist , Jain and Hinduism religious art]
Notes:
The paintings and rock sculptures in the Ajanta caves which is a Buddhist monastic complex in the Maharashtra . It is testimony to the golden age of Buddhism in India and a unique artistic achievement. The had only Buddhist paintings.
9. What is Ettuthokai?
[A] A dynasty during sangam era
[B] A collection of poems
[C] A series of sports plays during Sangam Era
[D] A writing tool during sangam Era
Correct Answer: B [A collection of poems]
Notes:
Ettuthokai is a collection of eight books of classical Tamil poetry. It is part of the Pathinen Melkanakku series, which is a collection of 11 anthologies of songs with more lines. The eight books in Ettuthokai are: Ainkurnuru, Akananuru, Purananuru, Kaliththokai, Kuruntokai, Natrinai, Paripaatal, Pathirruppaththu. Ettuthokai is part of the Sangam Literature, which is some of the oldest available Tamil literature. It is dated to between 200 BCE and 200 CE.
10. The Harappans used intaglio seals, made mostly of carved and fired steatite :
[A] As an export commodity.
[B] As a medium of exchange in place of coins.
[C] For marking their goods and property.
[D] As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits.
Correct Answer: C [For marking their goods and property.]
Notes:
The seals of the ancient Harappan’s were probably used in much the same way they are today, to sign letters or for commercial transactions. The Harappan seals were used for marking goods and bales of merchandise.