Ancient History - 2

Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. Nandas were ruling over India at that time. The chronological order of these 4 dynasties was: Nanda, Maurya, Sunga and Kanva.

Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosh.

The noble eight-fold path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha) and attainment of self-awakening. In Buddhist symbolism, the noble eight-fold path is often represented by means of the Dharma Wheel (Dharma Chakra), whose eight spokes represent the eight elements of the path. Eight-fold path includes right understanding, right speech, right livelihood, right mindfulness, right thought, right action, right effort and right concentration.

The capital of the Hoysalas was initially located at Belur but was later moved to Halebid.

Of the 16 Mahajanapadas, Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti were the most powerful. They fought amongst themselves for years and ultimately Magadha emerged victorious under Bimbisara (Haryanka dynasty) in the 6^th century BC.

Painted Greyware belonged to the later Vedic period (1000—600BC). Ajanta Paintings belonged to the Gupta period. Pahari School came into existence during the Mughal period.

In 1018, Rajendra conquered Ceylon (Srilanka). Earlier, Rajaraja-I conquered only half of it.

Lingaraja Temple was constructed by Yayati Kesari, ruler of Odisha. It is located in Bhubaneshwar.

All statements are correct. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga in 185 BC. The last ruler of Kanva dynasty, Susharma was deposed by the Andhras and Satavahana dynasty came into being.

Vasumitra and Ashavaghosh together presided over the fourth council. In this council, Buddhists were divided into Mahayanists and Hinayanists.

To popularize the Mahayana form of Buddhism, Harshavardhana convened an assembly at Kannauj. The Prayag Assembly was convened by him to popularize himself.

Cow, camel, horse and lion were not depicted on seals. Unicorn was the animal most commonly represented on the seals.

Emperor Harsha's southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by Pulakesin-II, the Chalukya king of Vatapi in northern Mysore.

India's largest Buddhist monastery is in Sikkim (not in Arunachal Pradesh). The Hoysaleswara temple located in Halebid is dedicated to Siva.

Dantidurga, a feudatory of Chalukyas, founded the Rashtrakuta empire in 753 C E (AD) with their capital at Manyakhet.

The Mudrarakshasa (“The Signet of the Minister”), is a historical play in Sanskrit by Visakhadutta (4^th century CE) which narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in Northern India.

Sindhu was the old name of the river Indus and Vitasta was the old name of the river Jhelum.

Atharvaveda is a book of magical formulas. It contains charms and spells to ward-off evil and disease.

The correct chronological order is Shankaracharya (9^th Century CE) - Ramanuja (1017- 1137 CE) - Chaitanya (1436-1533 CE).

Pavarana is a Buddhist holy day celebrated on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. It marks the end of the month of Vassa, sometimes called “Buddhist Lent". This day marks the end of the rainy season in some Asian countries like Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. On this day, each monk (Pali: bhikkhu) must come before the community of monks (Sangha) and atone for any offense he may have committed during the Vassa.

Statement 1 is incorrect as fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka under the presidentship of Vasumitra and Ashvaghosh. Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandra Gupta and not during Kanishka's reign. Statement 2 is incorrect as Harsha was not antagonistic to Buddhism when Hiuen-Tsang met him.

Mrichchhakatika (The Clay Court) is a Sanskrit play written by Shudraka in 2^nd C BC. It is about a young man named Charudatta, and his love for Vasantasena, a rich courtesan.

Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. Magdha empire came into prominence under him. He was a contemporary of the Buddha. He strengthened his position by marriage alliances. His first wife was the sister of Prasenjit (son of king of Koshala), who was also a contemporary of the Buddha.

Jainism spread in South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu (not Sthalabahu). The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Digambaras (not Svetambaras) after the first council held at Pataliputra (modern Patna) by Sthalabahu.