Somapura Mahavihara

Description: Somapura Mahavihara was an ancient Buddhist monastery in present-day Bangladesh. It was founded by the Pala emperor Dharmapala in the 8th century and served as a major center of Buddhist learning for centuries. Test your knowledge about Somapura Mahavihara with this quiz.
Number of Questions: 15
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Who founded Somapura Mahavihara?

  1. Ashoka

  2. Harshavardhana

  3. Dharmapala

  4. Kanishka


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara was founded by the Pala emperor Dharmapala in the 8th century.

In which present-day country is Somapura Mahavihara located?

  1. India

  2. Nepal

  3. Bangladesh

  4. Sri Lanka


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara is located in present-day Bangladesh.

What was the primary purpose of Somapura Mahavihara?

  1. A center of Buddhist learning

  2. A military fortress

  3. A trading center

  4. A royal palace


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara was primarily a center of Buddhist learning and scholarship.

What architectural style was Somapura Mahavihara built in?

  1. Gupta

  2. Pala

  3. Chola

  4. Dravidian


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara was built in the Pala architectural style.

How many stupas were there at Somapura Mahavihara?

  1. 177

  2. 108

  3. 52

  4. 21


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

There were 177 stupas at Somapura Mahavihara.

What was the main stupa at Somapura Mahavihara called?

  1. Dharmarajika Stupa

  2. Mahabodhi Stupa

  3. Sanchi Stupa

  4. Amaravati Stupa


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The main stupa at Somapura Mahavihara was called the Dharmarajika Stupa.

How tall was the Dharmarajika Stupa?

  1. 170 feet

  2. 120 feet

  3. 80 feet

  4. 40 feet


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Dharmarajika Stupa was 170 feet tall.

What was the diameter of the Dharmarajika Stupa?

  1. 120 feet

  2. 90 feet

  3. 60 feet

  4. 30 feet


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Dharmarajika Stupa had a diameter of 120 feet.

What materials were used to build Somapura Mahavihara?

  1. Brick

  2. Stone

  3. Wood

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara was built using brick, stone, and wood.

How many monks lived at Somapura Mahavihara at its peak?

  1. 1,000

  2. 2,000

  3. 3,000

  4. 4,000


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

At its peak, Somapura Mahavihara housed around 2,000 monks.

What was the main language of instruction at Somapura Mahavihara?

  1. Sanskrit

  2. Pali

  3. Prakrit

  4. Bengali


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The main language of instruction at Somapura Mahavihara was Pali.

What subjects were taught at Somapura Mahavihara?

  1. Buddhist scriptures

  2. Philosophy

  3. Logic

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara offered instruction in Buddhist scriptures, philosophy, and logic.

What was the significance of Somapura Mahavihara in the history of Buddhism?

  1. It was a major center of Buddhist learning

  2. It was the birthplace of the Mahayana school of Buddhism

  3. It was the site of the first Buddhist council

  4. It was the home of the Buddha's relics


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara was a major center of Buddhist learning and scholarship for centuries.

When was Somapura Mahavihara abandoned?

  1. 12th century

  2. 13th century

  3. 14th century

  4. 15th century


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara was abandoned in the 12th century.

What is the current status of Somapura Mahavihara?

  1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  2. It is a national park

  3. It is a museum

  4. It is a pilgrimage site


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Somapura Mahavihara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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