Test: The Post- Mauryan Period - Class 6 MCQ

The concept of "Bhakti" emphasizes pure devotion to God and is characterized by its inclusivity, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to engage in worship. This movement emerged as a response to ritualistic practices and focused on a personal connection with the divine.

The statement that the Pandya capital was at Uraiyur is incorrect. The capital of the Pandya dynasty was Madurai, which became a cultural and political center. Uraiyur was actually the capital of the Chola dynasty.

The Silk Route is famed for being a major trade network that connected the East and West, enabling the exchange of silk, spices, and cultural ideas. It played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism as well, as traders and monks traveled along these routes.

The Bamiyan Buddha statues, carved into the cliffs of Afghanistan, are significant cultural monuments that exemplify the artistic expression of Buddhism. Located in Afghanistan, they were important pilgrimage sites and reflected the influence of Buddhist art in the region until their destruction in 2001.

The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art were significantly influenced by Greek styles during the Indo-Greek period. This cultural amalgamation led to unique artistic expressions that combined Indian themes with Hellenistic techniques, particularly in sculpture.

Gautamiputra Satakarni is known for expanding the Satavahana empire through conquests, establishing its prominence in southern India. His achievements are noted in inscriptions by his mother, Gautami Balashri, highlighting his role in strengthening the dynasty’s cultural and economic influence.

Saint Thomas is traditionally credited with introducing Christianity to India, particularly in Kerala. He is revered as one of the apostles who spread the teachings of Jesus, establishing one of the oldest Christian communities in the region.

King Karikala Chola, recognized for his military conquests, played a crucial role in expanding the Chola territory by defeating both the Cheras and Pandyas and even extending his rule to parts of Sri Lanka. His reign is significant for promoting trade and infrastructure development within the kingdom.

The Pandya kingdom was renowned for its pearl exports to Rome, establishing trade routes that linked India to the Roman Empire. The economic activities of the Pandyas significantly influenced their cultural and political standing in ancient India.

Under King Kanishka, the Kushana Empire flourished in its support for Buddhist art and literature. His reign is marked by significant cultural developments, including the promotion of the Gandhara School of Art, which blended Indian and Greek artistic traditions, and patronage of scholars like Ashvaghosha, who wrote the Buddhacharita.

The primary mode of trade along the Silk Route was through overland caravans. These caravans traveled across vast distances, facilitating the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious stones between East and West, significantly impacting global trade.

The term "Muvendar" translates to "three crowned kings" and refers to the Chola, Chera, and Pandya dynasties that dominated the region of Tamilakam. This term highlights the significance of these three dynasties in shaping the early political landscape of South India.

Gautamiputra Satakarni is considered the most significant ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. His leadership marked a period of prosperity, with accomplishments in conquests, trade, and cultural development, as noted in inscriptions by his mother, Gautami Balashri.

The term "Bhakti" is derived from the Sanskrit word "bhaj," which means to divide or share. This reflects the essence of a reciprocal relationship between the devotee and the divine, highlighting the personal nature of devotion in Hinduism.

The Chera kingdom is recognized for its trade links with the Romans and Greeks, particularly through its chief port Muziris. These connections facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between ancient India and the Mediterranean world.

Buddhism split into Hinayana and Mahayana branches as it evolved. Hinayana, often referred to as the "Lesser Vehicle" and including Theravada, emphasizes individual enlightenment, while Mahayana, the "Greater Vehicle," promotes the concept of Bodhisattvas who seek enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This split reflects differing philosophies within Buddhism regarding the path to enlightenment.

Muziris served as the chief port of the Cheras and was a significant hub for trade with the Romans and Greeks. Its strategic location facilitated maritime trade, contributing to the economic prosperity of the Chera dynasty.

Afghan territories served as significant transit points along the Silk Route, facilitating the spread of Buddhism into Central Asia and beyond. The presence of cultural monuments like the Bamiyan Buddha statues underscores Afghanistan’s role in disseminating Buddhist teachings through the movement of traders and monks.

King Kanishka is notable for organizing the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which was pivotal in discussing and standardizing Buddhist teachings and texts. His support for Buddhism significantly influenced its development and spread.

Kaveripattinam was destroyed by a tsunami around 1500 years ago, as noted in the Tamil text Manimekalai. This catastrophic event was attributed to the failure of King Karikala Chola to conduct a festival, which angered the sea goddess, illustrating the cultural significance of rituals in ancient society.