Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer is ​Mahabodhi Temple.

Key Points

• The Mahabodhi Temple was built by the Mauryan emperor Great Ashoka in around 260 BCE.
• Mahabodhi Temple - Gaya, is the holiest site for all Buddhists all over the world.
  • It is the world heritage site, where Lord Buddha is said to attain his enlightenment.
  • Literally, the meaning of Mahabodhi is the Great Awakening Temple.

Important Points

• Buddhism is one of the top five religions in the world, in terms of the number of followers. 
• One of the first people we can thank for this was the ancient emperor Asoka.
• Asoka was a third-century BCE ruler of the Maurya Empire, one of the first states to unify nearly the entire Indian subcontinent.
• He was also the first Indian emperor to convert to Buddhism and put massive efforts into spreading the religion across India. 
• There are four major temples associated with the various stages of Buddha's life.
• The Mahabodhi Temple marks one of the most significant.
• it was in this place that the Mahatma Buddha sat under a  and meditated, ultimately achieving enlightenment and becoming the Buddha.
• Emperor Ashoka constructed the Vajrasana or the Diamond Throne, representing the seat of enlightenment.
• He also built a stupa in reverence of Gautama Buddha, which was there till the second century AD.
• During the reign of the Gupta kings in the seventh century AD, the Mahavira Mahabodhi temple was completed.
• The Pala kings of Bengal built the gold-painted statue of Buddha, which is made of Black stone.
• Here Gautama Buddha is seen seated in the Earth-touching posture or the Bhumisparsa Mudra.

The correct answer is Jhingurdah Temple.

Key Points

• Jhingurdah Temple is located on the Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh border.
• It is situated in the Oadi hills in Jhingurdah near Singrauli district.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
• Some community believes that Lord Hanuman was born here.
• It was built 200 years ago in the South-Indian style by the Singrauli Rajgharana.
• It is the only temple in the world where coconut is sacrificed before offering ladoos, garlands, and flowers.

Additional Information

• Oadi Fair is also organized in the Jhingurdah Temple.
• This fair is organized at the time of Diwali.
• It is 10 days fair visited by a huge population.

The correct answer is Gupta.

Key Points

• Gupta Dynasty:
  • ​The Gupta empire was founded by Sri Gupta. 
  • The Gupta Empire rose in Magadha around the 4th century AD and covered the greater part of Northern India.
  • The Gupta Period is popularly known as the ‘Golden Age of India’.

Additional Information

• Nanda Dynasty:
  • Nanda Dynasty ruled during 344 BC-323 BC.
  • Nanda dynasty was founded by Mahapadma Nanda.
  • Mandivardhana the last ruler of the Shishunaga dynasty was overthrown by Mahapadma Nanda and started the Nanda dynasty.
  • It is considered to be the first non-Kshatriya dynasty and ruled for 100 years. 
  • Dhanananda was The last king of the Nanda Dynasty.
• Maurya Dynasty:
  • ​Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.
  • Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan dynasty. He defeated the Nanda king Dhanananda with the help of Chanakya/Kautilya.
  • Ashoka was the son of Bindusara and one of the greatest rulers of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka fought the battle of Kalinga.
• Sunga Dynasty:​
  • ​Devabhuti was the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty.
  • He was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva.
  • Pushyamitra sunga was the founder of the Sunga dynasty.
  • Pushyamitra Sunga assassinated the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha and established the Sunga dynasty.
  • Agnimitra Sunga was the son and successor of Pushyamitra Sunga.
  • Agnimitra Sunga was the main protagonist in the play Malvikagnimitram written by Kalidasa.

The correct answer is Meghalaya.

Key Points

Nongkrem dance festival:

• Period: Generally, in the month of November, every year.
• Venue: Smit, the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya.
• The Nongkrem dance festival is celebrated during Autumn at Smit, the cultural centre of the Khasi Hills.
• It is a five day long religious festival of the Khasis, Ka Pomblang Nongkrem dance is popularly known as Nongkrem dance.
• Nongkrem Dance Festival is performed to appease the all-powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people.

Additional Information

• Other major festivals of Meghalaya:
  • Shad Suk Mynsiem, Wangala, Laho dance festival, etc.
  • The state is also known for its popular modern festivals such as Autumn festival, Strawberry festival, Cherry blossom festival etc.