If the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka had territorial control over approximately 2 million square kilometers, what percentage of ancient India did this represent, assuming ancient India was approximately 3.2 million square kilometers?
A58.5%
B62.5%
C65.5%
D70%
Correct Answer: B. 62.5%
Explanation:
Calculation: (2 million / 3.2 million) × 100 = (2/3.2) × 100 = 0.625 × 100 = 62.5%. The Mauryan Empire under Ashoka controlled approximately 62.5% of ancient India.
The Sarnath pillar, an Ashokan edict site, is located outside Bihar. Which famous Ashokan site is located within Bihar?
ASanchi Stupa
BBarabar Caves region
CTaxila University
DDhamekh Stupa
Correct Answer: B. Barabar Caves region
Explanation:
The Barabar Caves and surrounding areas contain rock-cut caves with Ashokan edicts, representing significant archaeological sites within Bihar. These caves were used by the Ajivika sect.
Which modern state was created from Bihar in 2000 through a constitutional amendment?
AChhattisgarh
BJharkhand
CUttarakhand
DTelangana
Correct Answer: B. Jharkhand
Explanation:
Jharkhand was created as a separate state on November 15, 2000, from the southern districts of Bihar. This was a result of the State Reorganisation Act passed by Parliament.
The Chola Dynasty's control over parts of Bihar influenced which aspects of local culture?
AOnly military practices
BReligion, architecture, and administrative systems
COnly trade routes
DLanguage exclusively
Correct Answer: B. Religion, architecture, and administrative systems
Explanation:
Chola influence in Bihar affected multiple spheres including religious practices (Shaivism), temple architecture styles, and administrative structures, though their control was limited and intermittent.
Paali language texts known as Tripitaka contain significant information about ancient Bihar. Which religious tradition primarily uses these texts?
AHinduism
BBuddhism
CJainism
DSikhism
Correct Answer: B. Buddhism
Explanation:
The Tripitaka (Three Baskets) are the primary scriptures of Buddhism, written in Pali language. They contain extensive references to Bihar's ancient kingdoms and Buddhist history, particularly related to Buddha's life and teachings.
Under which constitutional article is the State Public Service Commission of Bihar established?
AArticle 315
BArticle 320
CArticle 325
DArticle 330
Correct Answer: A. Article 315
Explanation:
Article 315 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is constituted under this article to conduct competitive examinations for recruitment to state civil services.
