States PCS: Bihar GK for BPSC and other Bihar PCS Exams
For all Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams including 67th-70th CCE, CDPO, Assistant Audit Officer, Lecturer, and other recruitment exams of Bihar.
41. Who annexed the territories after the Magadha–Vajji war?
[A] Shishunaga
[B] Nanda
[C] Ajātasattu
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajātasattu]
Notes:
Ajātasattu, the king of Magadha (Haryanka dynasty), defeated the Vajjika League led by the Licchavis and annexed their territories after the Magadha–Vajji war (484–468 BCE), consolidating Magadha’s power in North India.
42. Who is famously known as the “Shakespeare of Bhojpuri”?
[A] Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
[B] Vidyapati
[C] Bhikhari Thakur
[D] Krishna Ballabh Sahay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhikhari Thakur]
Notes:
Bhikhari Thakur (1887–1971), a prominent playwright, poet, and singer from Bihar, is called the “Shakespeare of Bhojpuri” for his immense contribution to Bhojpuri literature, especially through drama and folk theatre. Other notable figures include Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and Vidyapati in Bihari languages.
43. Which archaeological site in Bihar is recognized as having the earliest known stupa containing the relics of Buddha?
[A] Rajgir
[B] Vaishali
[C] Nalanda
[D] Bodh Gaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vaishali]
Notes:
The Relic Stupa at Vaishali, dating to the 5th century BCE, is the earliest known stupa with Buddha’s relics. Excavated in 1958, it predates the Mauryan era and contained original relics, as recorded in Buddhist texts. The relic casket is now at Patna Museum.
44. Which traditional sweet from Bihar, dating back to the Rigvedic period, was originally known as ‘Apupa’?
[A] Khaja
[B] Thekua
[C] Malpua
[D] Balushahi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thekua]
Notes:
Thekua, originating from Bihar and adjacent regions, is referenced as ‘Apupa’ in Vedic texts. It is made from wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, and ghee, and is significant during Chhath Puja. The sweet is culturally important and reportedly dates back over 3,700 years.
45. Which rock-cut cave site in India features the earliest example of the “chaitya arch” (chandrashala)?
[A] Ajanta Caves
[B] Barabar Caves
[C] Ellora Caves
[D] Elephanta Caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barabar Caves]
Notes:
The Barabar Caves in Bihar, built during the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BCE, contain the earliest chaitya arch (chandrashala), notably in the Lomas Rishi Cave. They are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India and display the characteristic Mauryan polish on granite surfaces.
46. Which is the tallest stupa in India?
[A] Sanchi Stupa
[B] Dhamek Stupa
[C] Amaravati Stupa
[D] Kesaria Stupa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kesaria Stupa]
Notes:
Kesaria Stupa in Bihar, towering at approximately 104 feet, is the tallest stupa in India. Constructed during the Mauryan period, it exceeds the height of Sanchi Stupa and is a significant Buddhist monument reflecting ancient architectural excellence.
47. Which of the following stupas is associated with a Pala king, as evidenced by an 8th-9th century inscription?
[A] Sanchi Stupa
[B] Sujata Stupa
[C] Dhamek Stupa
[D] Amaravati Stupa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sujata Stupa]
Notes:
Sujata Stupa near Bodh Gaya bears an 8th-9th century inscription referencing Pala king Devapala. It commemorates Sujata, associated with Buddha’s enlightenment, and originally dates to the 2nd century BCE, once holding an Ashokan pillar later shifted to Bodh Gaya.
48. Which of the following Buddhist texts provides details on the Doctrine of Emptiness?
[A] Prajnaparamita
[B] Abhidhamma Kosha
[C] Attha Kathas
[D] Sudarbha Pundarik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prajnaparamita]
Notes:
Prajnaparamita, attributed to Nagarjuna, explains the Doctrine of Emptiness (Shunyata) in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the absence of inherent existence in all phenomena.
49. Which river in Bihar is also known as Sikrahna?
[A] Gandak River
[B] Kosi River
[C] Burhi Gandak River
[D] Bagmati River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Burhi Gandak River]
Notes:
Burhi Gandak River, also called Sikrahna, is a 320 km tributary of the Ganges in Bihar. Originating near Bisambharpur, it flows through several districts before joining the Ganges near Gogri. Key tributaries are Masan, Tilawe, Tiur, and others.
50. Consider the following agriproducts:
- Litchi
- Mushroom
- Mango
Bihar is the top producing state in India for which of the above?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Bihar is the leading producer of both litchi and mushroom in India, owing to favourable agro-climatic conditions and state initiatives. However, mango production is highest in Uttar Pradesh, not Bihar. Thus, the correct answer is only 1 (litchi) and 2 (mushroom).