Q1 Which ancient Indian university was located in modern-day Bihar and was an important center of Buddhist studies?
A) Vikramashila
B) Nalanda
C) Takshashila
D) Mithila
Answer: B) Nalanda
Explanation: Nalanda was an ancient center of learning located in Bihar. It was particularly renowned for Buddhist studies but offered courses in various disciplines.
Q2 Which Indian emperor is credited with founding the Nalanda University?
A) Harsha
B) Ashoka
C) Chandragupta Maurya
D) Kumaragupta I
Answer: D) Kumaragupta I
Explanation: Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty is traditionally credited with the foundation of the Nalanda University in the 5th century CE.
Q3 Which of the following was NOT a subject taught at the Takshashila University?
A) Medicine
B) Law
C) Archery
D) Nuclear Physics
Answer: D) Nuclear Physics
Explanation: Takshashila was an ancient university which offered a variety of subjects including Medicine, Law, and Archery. However, Nuclear Physics, given its modern nature, was not one of them.
Q4 In which language were most teachings imparted in ancient Indian educational institutions?
A) Hindi
B) English
C) Sanskrit
D) Pali
Answer: C) Sanskrit
Explanation: Sanskrit was the scholarly language of ancient India, and most of the educational teachings were imparted in this language.
Q5 Which of these texts was a primary source of teaching for medical students in ancient India?
A) Aranyakas
B) Charaka Samhita
C) Jataka Tales
D) Natya Shastra
Answer: B) Charaka Samhita
Explanation: Charaka Samhita is an ancient Indian text on medicine and was a primary source for students studying medicine.
Q6 Which ancient Indian education system primarily focused on the oral tradition of imparting knowledge?
A) Gurukul
B) Madrasa
C) Pathshala
D) Ashram
Answer: A) Gurukul
Explanation: The Gurukul system was based on a teacher-pupil relationship where teachings were mostly imparted orally.
Q7 Which Chinese traveler visited Nalanda University and left detailed accounts of its functioning?
A) Fa-Hien
B) Xuanzang
C) Zhang Qian
D) Zheng He
Answer: B) Xuanzang
Explanation: Xuanzang visited India in the 7th century and left detailed descriptions of the educational and monastic life at Nalanda University.
Q8 Which dynasty was ruling over the region when the University of Vikramashila was established?
A) Maurya
B) Chola
C) Pala
D) Kushan
Answer: C) Pala
Explanation: The University of Vikramashila was established during the reign of the Pala dynasty.
Q9 Which university was known for its specialization in the study of the Vedas and ancient scriptures?
A) Mithila
B) Nalanda
C) Takshashila
D) Vikramashila
Answer: A) Mithila
Explanation: Mithila was especially renowned for its scholarship in the Vedas and ancient Hindu scriptures.
Q10 The decline of Nalanda University is attributed to the invasion of which ruler?
A) Alexander the Great
B) Muhammad of Ghazni
C) Aurangzeb
D) Bakhtiyar Khilji
Answer: D) Bakhtiyar Khilji
Explanation: The decline of Nalanda University began after its sacking by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the late 12th century.
