MCQs – Bihar Heritage
1. Nalanda University, one of the greatest ancient learning centres, attracted students from across Asia. Which
ruler is credited with establishing it?
a) Ashoka
b) Harsha
c) Kumaragupta I
d) Chandragupta Maurya
2. Pataliputra (modern Patna) served as the capital of several great empires. Which of the following dynasties
ruled from this city?
a) Nanda Dynasty
b) Maurya Dynasty
c) Gupta Dynasty
d) All of these
3. Bodh Gaya is a world heritage site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
The place is primarily associated with which monument?
a) Vishnupad Temple
b) Mahabodhi Temple
c) Mundeshwari Temple
d) Kesariya Stupa
4. Chandragupta Maurya laid the foundation of the Mauryan Empire with its centre in Bihar. Who was his
famous advisor and strategist?
a) Kautilya (Chanakya)
b) Aryabhata
c) Kalidasa
d) Banabhatta
5. Vikramshila University was once a renowned Buddhist learning centre in Bihar but was later destroyed by
invaders. Which ruler established it?
a) Ashoka
b) Bimbisara
c) Dharampala
d) Harshavardhana
6. Chhath Puja is considered the most significant cultural festival of Bihar, where devotees worship the rising
and setting sun. Which deity is primarily worshipped in this festival?
a) Lord Shiva
b) Surya (Sun God)
c) Lord Vishnu
d) Goddess Durga
7. The Kesariya Stupa in East Champaran is one of the tallest Buddhist stupas in the world. It was built to
commemorate:
a) The Mahaparinirvana of Buddha
b) The preaching of Dharma Chakra
c) Buddha gifting his begging bowl to Licchavis
d) The visit of Emperor Ashoka
8. Vaishali, an ancient city in Bihar, is historically important for three reasons: it was the capital of the Licchavis,
visited by Buddha, and also the birthplace of which Jain Tirthankara?
a) Rishabhdev
b) Neminath
c) Mahavira
d) Parshvanath
9. After the Kalinga war, Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism and promoted its teachings across India and
beyond. In Bihar, which important council did he convene?
a) First Buddhist Council
b) Second Buddhist Council
c) Third Buddhist Council
d) Fourth Buddhist Council
10. The Golghar in Patna, a unique dome-shaped structure, was built by the British in 1786 for:
a) Grain storage to prevent famine
b) A British Governor’s residence
c) A Buddhist meditation hall
d) A Mughal tomb
11. The Pathar ki Masjid in Patna, a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, was built by which emperor?
a) Aurangzeb
b) Babur
c) Jahangir
d) Humayun
12. Madhubani painting, a famous folk art of Bihar, is traditionally practiced by women in which region?
a) Mithila region
b) Magadh region
c) Bhojpur region
d) Tirhut region
13. Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Dynasty, introduced several reforms in administration and coinage.
His tomb at Sasaram is a masterpiece of:
a) Indo-Islamic architecture
b) Gupta architecture
c) Mauryan rock-cut style
d) British colonial architecture
14. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, was born in Bihar. Which city houses the famous Takht Sri Patna
Sahib Gurudwara in his memory?
a) Gaya
b) Patna
c) Rajgir
d) Nalanda
15. Champaran became historically famous in 1917 when Mahatma Gandhi launched his first satyagraha
movement there. Which crop’s farmers were exploited, leading to this struggle?
a) Cotton
b) Indigo
c) Wheat
d) Sugarcane
16. The Barabar caves in Bihar, dating back to the Mauryan period, are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in
India. These caves were mainly used by followers of which sect?
a) Buddhists
b) Jains
c) Ajivikas
d) Shaivites
17. The Sonepur Cattle Fair in Bihar is one of the largest in Asia, attracting traders and pilgrims from across
India. It is held annually at the confluence of which rivers?
a) Ganga and Gandak
b) Ganga and Sone
c) Kosi and Ganga
d) Punpun and Ganga
18. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, was born in Bihar. Before becoming President, he played a
major role in:
a) The Champaran Satyagraha
b) The Quit India Movement
c) The Non-Cooperation Movement
d) All of these
19. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is India’s only sanctuary for the endangered Gangetic dolphin.
It is located in which district of Bihar?
a) Muzaffarpur
b) Bhagalpur
c) Nalanda
d) Saran
20. Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadh, is famous for its hot springs and association with both Buddha and
Mahavira. Which king had his capital here before shifting it to Pataliputra?
a) Ashoka
b) Bimbisara
c) Ajatashatru
d) Chandragupta Maurya
