Q1. The archaeological evidence suggests that the Sakyas had built a stupa over the bodily remains of Gautama Buddha at:
(1) Lumbini
(2) Nigliva
(3) Piprahwa
(4) Sahet-Mahet
Correct Answer: (3) Piprahwa
Explanation:
Piprahwa (U.P.) revealed a stupa containing a reliquary with inscriptions referring to Buddha’s relics, confirming that Sakyas built the stupa there.
Q2. Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
(Ancient city) — (Location)
(1) Pushkalavati – Charasadda
(2) Sakala – Sialakota
(3) Tamralipti – Tamluk
(4) Tagara – Deccan
Correct Answer: (2) Sakala – Sialakota
Explanation:
Sakala refers to Sialkot, not Sialakota.
Q3. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer.
| List-I (Rulers) | List-II (Dynasty) |
|—|—|
| (a) Menander | (i) Saka |
| (b) Azes | (ii) Indo-Greek |
| (c) Lohana | (iii) Satavahana |
| (d) Gautamiputra Satakarni | (iv) Nahapana |
Options:
(1) (ii), (i), (iv), (iii)
(2) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i)
(3) (iii), (iv), (i), (ii)
(4) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
Correct Answer: (1)
Explanation:
Menander – Indo-Greek; Azes – Saka ruler; Lohana – Nahapana; Gautamiputra Satakarni – Satavahana king.
Q4. Who among the following questioned the Mauryan centralized bureaucracy by advocating a segmentary model of polity?
(1) R.S. Sharma
(2) Burton Stein
(3) D.D. Kosambi
(4) Romila Thapar
Correct Answer: (2) Burton Stein
Explanation:
Stein developed the Segmentary State theory, arguing that politico-administrative control weakened beyond the center.
Q5. The Ashokan inscriptions were written in which script mainly in North-West India?
(1) Brahmi
(2) Tamil–Brahmi
(3) Kharosthi
(4) Gupta-Brahmi
Correct Answer: (3) Kharosthi
Explanation:
North-West Ashokan inscriptions employ Kharosthi under Indo-Greek cultural influence.
Q6. With which ruler is Hathigumpha inscription associated?
(1) Kharavela
(2) Menander
(3) Rudradaman
(4) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Correct Answer: (1) Kharavela
Explanation:
It records military expeditions and public works by Jain King Kharavela of Kalinga.
Q7. The correct chronological order of Post-Mauryan dynasties is:
(a) Sungas
(b) Satavahanas
(c) Indo-Greeks
(d) Kushanas
Options:
(1) (a), (c), (b), (d)
(2) (a), (b), (c), (d)
(3) (c), (a), (b), (d)
(4) (a), (c), (d), (b)
Correct Answer: (1) (a), (c), (b), (d)
Explanation:
Sequence: Sungas → Indo-Greeks → Satavahanas → Kushanas after Mauryan decline.
Q8. Which ruler issued coins with the image of Buddha, indicating rise of Mahayana influence?
(1) Nahapana
(2) Menander
(3) Kanishka
(4) Rudradaman
Correct Answer: (3) Kanishka
Explanation:
Kanishka of Kushan dynasty promoted Mahayana Buddhism, minted coins with Buddha’s figure, and convened the Fourth Buddhist Council.
Q9. Excavations at which site show the earliest evidence of stone-fortification in India?
(1) Taxila
(2) Rajgir
(3) Pataliputra
(4) Sisupalgarh
Correct Answer: (4) Sisupalgarh
Explanation:
Sisupalgarh fortification belongs to 3rd century BCE and is considered one of the earliest surviving city defenses.
Q10. Which Buddhist Council led to division into Hinayana and Mahayana?
(1) First Council – Rajgir
(2) Second Council – Vaishali
(3) Third Council – Pataliputra
(4) Fourth Council – Kashmir
Correct Answer: (2) Second Council – Vaishali
Explanation:
Internal disputes on monastic discipline resulted in Sthaviravadins vs Mahasanghikas, the beginning of doctrinal splits.
UNIT-2 Revision Points (as per the Syllabus)
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Rise of Magadha – Factors, dynasties
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Alexander’s invasion & impact
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Mauryan polity, economy, Ashoka’s Dhamma, Art & architecture
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Decline of Mauryan empire
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Sungas, Satavahanas, Kushanas, Sakas & Indo-Greeks
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Emergence of Mahayana, trade with Roman world
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Gandhara, Mathura & Amaravati art schools