Test: Bihar Specific (Ancient History and Culture of Bihar) - Software Development MCQ

The correct answer is Sujani.

• Sujani (or Sujini) is one of the most famous forms of traditional art and craft prevailing in Bihar.
• It is a conventional puff made in the rural stretches of the state.

Important Points 

• Nowadays the creation of Sujini embroidery is done largely in 15 villages adjoining village named Bhusura in Ghaighatti block of Muzaffarpur district in Bihar and also in some areas of Madhubani.
• The Sujani craftswomen create furnishings such as bedspreads, wall hangings, cushion and bolster covers, as well as clothing items like saris, dupaattas, and kurtas and more importantly quilt– to wrap the newborn.

The correct answer is Fourth.

• The fourth Buddhist Council was not organized in Bihar.
• The fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kundalavan Kashmir during the period of Kanishka in 72 AD.
• The Council was headed by Vasumitra, the vice-president was Ashwaghosh.
• This council distinctly divided Buddhism into 2 sects Mahayana & Hinayana.

Additional Information

• The first Buddhist Council was a gathering of senior monks of the Buddhist order convened just after Gautama Buddha's death in 400 BCE in Rajgrih( Present Rajgir) under the patronage of King Ajat Shatru.
• The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali approximately one hundred years after the Buddha's parinirvāṇa. 
• The third Buddhist council was convened in about 250 BCE at Asokarama in Pataliputra, supposedly under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka.

• Mithila, also known as Tirhut and Tirabhukti, is located in the Indian state of Bihar.
• The name Mithila is commonly used to refer to Videha Kingdom. The Kings of this kingdom where called Janakas. Gargi, also known as Vidhushi or Vachaknavi, was the daughter of sage Vachaknu.
• Maitreyi was the wife of Sage Yajnavalkhia. Kapila was the son of Sage Kardama and Devahuti, and considered as an incarnation of Mahavishnu.

The correct answer is Bihar

Important Points

• Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist temple which is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
• It was built by Emperor Ashoka.
• It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely from bricks.
• It was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2002.

• Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha located on the Indo-Nepal border.
• This is the fourth main site, apart from Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar, related to the life of Buddha.
• Lumbini became a major Buddhist shrine after the Mahaparinirvana of Buddha.
• Emperor Ashoka arrived here in 249 BC.
• During this journey, Emperor Ashoka waived 87.5 per cent of Lagni village from Lumbini village, i.e. 1/ 8th of total production as rent and waived the remaining.

Option 3 is correct,

About Mahajanpadas-

• The total 16 Mahajanapadas are - Kashi, Kosala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Machcha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboja.
• Prakrits and Sanskrit languages were spoken in Mahajanapadas kingdoms.
• Vedas and Upanishads are written in Sanskrit and continued during the Mahajanpada period.
• It is the language spoken by the educated i.e Priests and Pundits.
• Prakrit along with Pali is the language of the common masses during this time period.
• It is said that Lord Buddha preached his teachings in the Prakrit language and Tripitakas were in the Pali language.

Maurya Empire-

• The Maurya Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya. He reigned from 321-297 BCE.
• Bindusara was the second emperor of the Mauryan Empire.
• He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya. He reigned from 297-273 BCE
• Ashoka, the most famous ruler was the son of Bindusara. He succeeded his father, Bindusara.
• He reigned from 273-232 BCE.
• Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Maurya dynasty.
• He reigned from 187-180 BCE. He was killed by Pushyamitra Shunga who then established the Shunga dynasty.

The Correct answer is Bhagalpur and Munger.

• The Literal meaning of Mahajanapadas is great kingdoms.
• They Flourished in the north/northwestern parts of India before the rise of Buddhism.
• Aryans have migrated into India a long time back and there was regular friction between them and the non-Aryan tribes concerning, cattle, fodder, land, etc.

Important Points

• These tribes of Aryan were called Janas by many Vedic texts.
• Later on, there was a merger of the Vedic Janas into Janapadas.
• Many Janapadas by 600 BCE further developed into Bigger Political bodies.
• These Kingdome came to be Known as Mahajanapadas in the Buddhist Traditions.
• Sixteen great Kingdoms as they are referred to by Buddhist and other text.
• The sixteen Mahajanapadas includes;
  • Kasi, Kosala, Anga, Magadh, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Machcha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara, and Kamboja
• List of the Mahajanapads and their capitals located in Bihar:-

The correct answer is Kumhrar.

 Confusion Points

• Rajgir is also an important site associated with the Mauryan period in Bihar, India.
  • Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha Empire before Pataliputra, and it was an important center of learning and religion during the time of the Buddha.
  • The Mauryan king Bindusara is believed to have built a fort at Rajgir, and several rock-cut caves and inscriptions from the Mauryan period have been found in and around the town.
• However, Kumhrar is more specifically associated with the Mauryan period and the city of Pataliputra, which was the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
  • Excavations at Kumhrar have uncovered several structures from the Mauryan period, including a palace, pillared hall, and Buddhist monastery, providing important insights into the Mauryan architecture, art, and culture.
• Therefore, Kumhrar is often considered the more important site for Mauryan period excavations in Bihar.

Important Points Excavations at Kumhrar, which is believed to be the site of ancient Pataliputra, have revealed a wealth of information about the Mauryan period.

• One of the most significant discoveries at Kumhrar is the remains of a pillared hall, which is believed to have been part of a royal palace.
  • This hall had rows of pillars that supported the roof and was likely used for important state functions and ceremonies.
• Another important discovery at Kumhrar is a hypostyle hall, which is a hall with columns that support the roof.
  • This hall is believed to have been used as a public assembly hall or a court of justice.
• Excavations at Kumhrar have also revealed the remains of a circular Buddhist shrine, which is believed to be one of the earliest Buddhist shrines in India.
  • This shrine is believed to date back to the time of Ashoka the Great and provides important insights into the spread of Buddhism in ancient India.

Key Points

• The traditional Rod puppet of Bihar is known as Yampuri.
• These puppets are made of wood. 
• Puppetry is one of the traditional art forms which is used as an effective medium of entertainment and communication.
• It is an art form, not only provides entertainment but also conveys a meaningful and useful message.

​Additional Information

• Puppetry of: