Buddhist Councils & Ancient Dynasties Quiz: Top 30 PYQs for SSC
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Table of Contents
The top 30 previous-year-style SSC questions on the four Buddhist Councils, the Mauryan Empire, and the Gupta Empire, with answers.
Buddhist Councils and ancient dynasties like the Mauryas and Guptas are consistently among the top-scoring, most-repeated Ancient History topics in SSC exams. This set brings together the 30 most frequently asked previous-year-style questions on all four Buddhist Councils, the Mauryan Empire, and the Gupta Empire.
What This Quiz Covers
- All four Buddhist Councils — location, patron ruler, presiding monk, and outcome
- The Mauryan Empire — Chandragupta Maurya, Chanakya, Ashoka, and the Kalinga War
- The Gupta Empire — Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, and India's "Golden Age"
| No. | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Where was the First Buddhist Council held? | Rajgriha (Rajgir) |
| 2 | When was the First Buddhist Council held? | 483 BCE, shortly after the Buddha's death |
| 3 | Under whose patronage was the First Buddhist Council held? | King Ajatashatru |
| 4 | Who presided over the First Buddhist Council? | Mahakassapa (Mahakashyapa) |
| 5 | Which two Pitakas were compiled at the First Buddhist Council? | Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka |
| 6 | Where was the Second Buddhist Council held? | Vaishali |
| 7 | When was the Second Buddhist Council held? | 383 BCE |
| 8 | Under whose patronage was the Second Buddhist Council held? | King Kalasoka |
| 9 | What major split among Buddhists resulted from the Second Buddhist Council? | The split into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas |
| 10 | Where was the Third Buddhist Council held? | Pataliputra |
| 11 | Under whose patronage was the Third Buddhist Council held? | Emperor Ashoka |
| 12 | Who presided over the Third Buddhist Council? | Moggaliputta Tissa |
| 13 | Which Pitaka was compiled at the Third Buddhist Council, completing the Tripitaka? | Abhidhamma Pitaka |
| 14 | Where was the Fourth Buddhist Council held? | Kundalvana, Kashmir |
| 15 | Under whose patronage was the Fourth Buddhist Council held? | Emperor Kanishka |
| 16 | Who presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council? | Vasumitra (with Ashvaghosha as his deputy) |
| 17 | Which major split in Buddhism (Hinayana and Mahayana) is associated with the Fourth Buddhist Council? | The formal split into Hinayana and Mahayana sects |
| 18 | Who founded the Mauryan Empire? | Chandragupta Maurya |
| 19 | Who was the political mentor/advisor of Chandragupta Maurya? | Chanakya (Kautilya), author of the Arthashastra |
| 20 | Which Greek ruler did Chandragupta Maurya defeat, gaining territory in the treaty that followed? | Seleucus Nicator |
| 21 | Who was Chandragupta Maurya's son and successor? | Bindusara |
| 22 | Who was the most famous Mauryan emperor, known for the Kalinga War and spreading Buddhism? | Ashoka the Great |
| 23 | In which year was the Kalinga War fought? | 261 BCE |
| 24 | What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire? | Pataliputra |
| 25 | Who founded the Gupta Empire? | Sri Gupta |
| 26 | Which Gupta ruler was the first to adopt the title "Maharajadhiraja" and started the Gupta Era? | Chandragupta I |
| 27 | Which Gupta emperor is often called the "Napoleon of India" for his military conquests? | Samudragupta |
| 28 | The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in which inscription? | The Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription), composed by Harisena |
| 29 | Which Gupta ruler is associated with the "Navratnas" (Nine Gems) in his court, including Kalidasa? | Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) |
| 30 | Which Chinese traveller visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II? | Fa-Hien (Faxian) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Buddhist Councils were held?
Four major Buddhist Councils are traditionally recognised, held at Rajgriha, Vaishali, Pataliputra, and Kundalvana (Kashmir) respectively.
2. Which Buddhist Council led to the split into Hinayana and Mahayana?
The Fourth Buddhist Council, held under Emperor Kanishka at Kundalvana in Kashmir, is associated with the formal split into Hinayana and Mahayana sects.
3. Who was the political mentor of Chandragupta Maurya?
Chanakya (also known as Kautilya), the author of the Arthashastra, was Chandragupta Maurya's political mentor and advisor.
4. Which Gupta ruler is called the "Napoleon of India"?
Samudragupta is often called the "Napoleon of India" for his extensive military conquests, recorded in the Prayaga Prashasti.
5. Why is the Gupta period called the "Golden Age" of India?
The Gupta period is called the "Golden Age" due to major advancements and achievements during this time in art, literature, science, mathematics, and astronomy.
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.
