MCQs Based On Ancient History – (34)

Correct Option: 2. Pushyamitra Shunga
Explanation: Pushyamitra Shunga (2nd century BCE), the founder of the Shunga dynasty, came to power after overthrowing the Mauryan dynasty, which had long supported Buddhism. Buddhist texts like the Divyavadana accuse him of persecuting Buddhists and destroying monasteries and stupas built during Ashoka’s reign. Although some historians believe these accounts may be exaggerated, there is consensus that the Shunga period marked a decline in royal patronage for Buddhism. The withdrawal of state support weakened Buddhist institutions and allowed Brahmanical traditions to regain dominance, contributing significantly to the decline of Buddhism in northern India.

Correct Option: 3. Accumulation of wealth and monastic corruption
Explanation: In its early days, Buddhism emphasized simplicity, celibacy, and detachment from material life. Monks lived on alms and traveled to spread the Dhamma. However, as Buddhism gained royal and mercantile patronage, monasteries accumulated immense wealth and land. Many monks became involved in worldly affairs, neglected spiritual practices, and even lived in luxury. This moral and spiritual decline alienated the laity, who no longer viewed the Sangha (monastic community) as a model of virtue. The corruption and complacency within monasteries weakened the religious appeal and missionary zeal of Buddhism, accelerating its decline.

Correct Option: 3. Alienation of the common masses
Explanation: Early Buddhist teachings were delivered in Pali and Prakrit, the spoken languages of the common people, allowing easy access to the Buddha’s message. However, as Buddhism evolved—particularly under the influence of scholars like Ashvaghosha, who composed the Buddhacharita in Sanskrit—the religion adopted a more intellectual and elitist character. Sanskrit was primarily used by the Brahmanical elite and not understood by ordinary people. This linguistic shift distanced Buddhism from its base among the masses, while Hinduism continued to reach the people through regional vernaculars and popular devotional movements. This loss of accessibility contributed significantly to the erosion of Buddhism’s mass appeal.

Correct Option: 3. Bakhtiyar Khalji
Explanation: In the late 12th century, Bakhtiyar Khalji, a Turkish general under the Delhi Sultanate, invaded Bihar and Bengal. During his conquest, he destroyed Nalanda University, one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in the world, along with other Buddhist institutions like Vikramashila and Odantapuri. Thousands of monks were massacred, and priceless Buddhist manuscripts were burned. This invasion dealt a final and irreparable blow to organized Buddhism in India. With its universities and monastic centers wiped out, the institutional backbone of Buddhism collapsed, marking the virtual end of Buddhism in its land of origin.

Correct Option: 2. Bhakti Movement
Explanation: From the Gupta period onward, Hinduism underwent a transformation through the Bhakti (devotional) movement, which emphasized personal devotion (bhakti) to deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi. This movement borrowed several ethical and philosophical ideas from Buddhism—such as compassion, equality, and salvation open to all—while offering a more emotionally appealing and culturally familiar framework. As Hinduism reabsorbed these elements, Buddhism lost its distinct identity and appeal. Many Buddhists, especially in eastern and southern India, were gradually assimilated into Hindu devotional traditions, leading to a significant decline in Buddhist followers.