Indus Valley MCQs

Q31. Which ruler is regarded as the greatest king of the Kushana Dynasty due to his military achievements, patronage of Buddhism, and cultural contributions?

(A) Huvishka
(B) Vasudeva
(C) Kanishka
(D) Kadphises II
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Correct Answer: (C) Kanishka
Notes: Kanishka was the most powerful ruler of the Kushana Dynasty. He expanded his empire across Central Asia, Afghanistan, and northern India. He is famous for promoting Buddhism, encouraging trade along the Silk Route, and supporting art, literature, and learning. For exams, remember: Kanishka = Greatest Kushana Ruler.

Q32. What was the capital city of Kanishka’s empire, which is identified with present-day Peshawar in Pakistan?

(A) Pataliputra
(B) Purushapura
(C) Taxila
(D) Ujjain
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Correct Answer: (B) Purushapura
Notes: Purushapura, modern-day Peshawar in Pakistan, served as the capital of Kanishka’s empire. Due to its strategic location, it became an important center of trade, administration, and Buddhist activities. It connected India with Central Asia through major trade routes.

Q33. Kanishka is particularly remembered in Buddhist history for organizing which Buddhist Council?

(A) First Buddhist Council
(B) Second Buddhist Council
(C) Fourth Buddhist Council
(D) Third Buddhist Council
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Correct Answer: (C) Fourth Buddhist Council
Notes: Kanishka convened the Fourth Buddhist Council to discuss and preserve Buddhist teachings. This council played an important role in the development of Mahayana Buddhism. It is considered one of the most significant events in the history of Buddhism during the Kushana period.

Q34. At which place was the Fourth Buddhist Council organized under the patronage of Kanishka?

(A) Rajgir
(B) Vaishali
(C) Kundalvana (Kashmir)
(D) Sarnath
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Correct Answer: (C) Kundalvana (Kashmir)
Notes: The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana in Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka. Buddhist scholars gathered there to compile and discuss Buddhist doctrines. The council greatly contributed to the spread of Mahayana Buddhism in Asia.

Q35. Which eminent Buddhist scholar presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka?

(A) Moggaliputta Tissa
(B) Vasumitra
(C) Upali
(D) Nagasena
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Correct Answer: (B) Vasumitra
Notes: Vasumitra served as the president of the Fourth Buddhist Council. He was a respected Buddhist scholar who guided the discussions and compilation of Buddhist texts. His leadership helped preserve and systematize Buddhist teachings during the Kushana period.

Q36. Which branch of Buddhism received strong royal support and flourished during the reign of Kanishka?

(A) Hinayana
(B) Mahayana
(C) Vajrayana
(D) Theravada
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Correct Answer: (B) Mahayana
Notes: Kanishka strongly supported Mahayana Buddhism. During his reign, Mahayana teachings spread widely across Central Asia, China, and other parts of Asia. The worship of Buddha in human form and the development of Buddhist images became more prominent during this period.

Q37. The Kanishka Era, also known as the Saka Era used in the Indian National Calendar, began in which year?

(A) 58 BCE
(B) 78 CE
(C) 320 CE
(D) 185 BCE
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Correct Answer: (B) 78 CE
Notes: The Kanishka Era is traditionally associated with 78 CE and is often identified with the Saka Era. This era is important in Indian chronology and is still used in the official Indian National Calendar.

Q38. Which famous Buddhist philosopher and scholar is traditionally associated with the court of Kanishka?

(A) Nagarjuna
(B) Panini
(C) Patanjali
(D) Katyayana
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Correct Answer: (A) Nagarjuna
Notes: Nagarjuna was one of the greatest Buddhist philosophers and is considered the founder of the Madhyamaka School of Mahayana Buddhism. He is traditionally associated with Kanishka’s period and played a major role in the development of Buddhist philosophy.

Q39. Ashvaghosha, who flourished during the Kushana period, is best known as which of the following?

(A) Mathematician
(B) Physician
(C) Buddhist philosopher and poet
(D) Sculptor
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Correct Answer: (C) Buddhist philosopher and poet
Notes: Ashvaghosha was a renowned Buddhist scholar, philosopher, dramatist, and poet. He lived during the reign of Kanishka and contributed significantly to Buddhist literature. His works helped spread Buddhist teachings and are considered masterpieces of Sanskrit literature.

Q40. Which famous literary work describing the life of Gautama Buddha was written by Ashvaghosha?

(A) Buddhacharita
(B) Arthashastra
(C) Rajatarangini
(D) Ashtadhyayi
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Correct Answer: (A) Buddhacharita
Notes: Buddhacharita is an epic poem written by Ashvaghosha that narrates the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is one of the earliest and most important Sanskrit works on Buddhism. For exams, remember: Ashvaghosha → Buddhacharita → Kanishka Period.

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