Ancient Indian History

Ananda was a close disciple of Buddha and is linked with remembering his teachings. For exams connect Ananda with the Buddhist Sangha.

In Buddhism the Sangha means the community of monks and nuns. For exams treat it as a disciplined religious order.

Hinayana is generally associated with the Theravada tradition. For exams remember the branches of Buddhism separately.

The Dharmachakra symbolizes the turning of Dharma and teaching. For exams connect it with the first sermon at Sarnath.

The correct answer is B, Vardhamana. Jain tradition states that the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, Mahavira, was born with the name Vardhamana. The name is commonly interpreted as one who grows, advances, or prospers. After undertaking severe austerities, practicing self-control, and attaining spiritual liberation, he became widely known as Mahavira, meaning the Great Hero. Siddhartha is the personal name associated with Gautama Buddha, Rahula was Buddha’s son, and Ashoka was a later Mauryan emperor who supported Buddhism. These names belong to different historical or religious contexts, so Vardhamana is the only suitable answer.

Parshvanatha was the twenty third Tirthankara of Jainism. For exams remember Parshvanatha before Mahavira.

Rishabhadeva is considered the first Tirthankara of Jainism. For exams especially remember the first and twenty fourth Tirthankaras.

Kevala Jnana means perfect or supreme knowledge. For exams connect it with the path of liberation in Jainism.

Dhana Nanda is considered the last important ruler of the Nanda dynasty. For exams remember that the Mauryas rose after the Nandas.

The correct answer is A, Chandragupta Maurya. The principal succession sequence of the Mauryan Empire is Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, and Ashoka. Chandragupta founded the empire and created its political base, while his son Bindusara inherited the throne and consolidated Mauryan control over much of the subcontinent. Bindusara was later succeeded by his son Ashoka, who became the best-known Mauryan ruler after the Kalinga war and his support for Buddhism. Kanishka belonged to the Kushan dynasty, and Samudragupta belonged to the Gupta dynasty. Chronologically, Bindusara therefore followed Chandragupta Maurya, making option A correct.

The Saptanga theory discusses seven elements of the state. For exams remember seven from the word Sapta.

Megasthenes described urban administration in the Mauryan period. For exams remember Indica as a source for Mauryan administration.

The Kalinga War is mentioned in Ashoka's Thirteenth Rock Edict. For exams remember the Thirteenth Rock Edict with the Kalinga War.

The Kalinga War is generally dated to 261 BCE. For exams remember it as a turning point in Ashoka's life.

Ashoka's son Mahendra is believed to have been sent to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism. For exams remember Mahendra and Sanghamitra together.

Sanghamitra is considered the daughter of Ashoka. For exams connect her with the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The correct answer is A, Pushyamitra Shunga. Pushyamitra was the military commander of the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha. According to historical accounts, he overthrew Brihadratha and established the Shunga dynasty in northern India during the second century BCE, beginning the political transition after Mauryan rule. Kanishka was a major ruler of the Kushan dynasty, while Gautamiputra Satakarni belonged to the Satavahana dynasty in the Deccan. Chandragupta I was an important Gupta ruler of a much later period. Since the question asks specifically for the founder of the post-Mauryan Shunga dynasty, Pushyamitra Shunga is the only correct option.

Menander is called Milinda in Buddhist tradition. For exams remember Milindapanho with Nagasena.

Kanishka is considered the most famous Kushan ruler. For exams connect him with Buddhism and the Silk Route.

During the Kushan period Buddha images were made in Gandhara and Mathura art. For exams remember the features of both styles separately.