Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha, is a spiritual and philosophical tradition that originated in ancient India around the 5th century BCE.
At its core, Buddhism emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment and liberation from suffering through the practice of meditation, ethical conduct, and the understanding of the nature of reality.
It revolves around the Four Noble Truths, which acknowledge the existence of suffering, its causes, the possibility of its cessation, and the path to achieve liberation known as the Eightfold Path.
Buddhism has since spread across the world, influencing countless individuals with its teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and the impermanence of all phenomena.
You can test your knowledge related to Buddhism and boost your preparation with following previous year questions asked in different civil service exams from this topic. Let’s start!
1. When was Gautam Buddha born?
(a) 563 B.C.
(b) 561 B.C.
(c) 558 B.C.
(d) 544 B.C.
[M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (a) 563 B.C.
- Gautam Buddha was born in 563 B.C. to the Shakya Kshatriya family in Lumbini, Nepal.
- His father was Shuddhodana, the leader of the Shakya clan, and his mother was Mayadevi from the Koliyan clan.
- When he was 29, he left his home on his horse “Kantaka” with Channa. This event is called “Mahabhinishkramana”.
- He passed away at the age of 80 in 483 B.C. in Kushinagar, known as the “Mahaparinirvana”.
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2. Which of the events of Buddha’s life is known as ‘Mahabhinishkramana’?
(a) His death
(b) His birth
(c) His departure from home
(d) His attainment of enlightenment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (c) His departure from home
- Gautam Buddha at the age 29 years left home. This event was called Mahabhinishkramana.
- Mahabhinishkramana is a Sanskrit term that means “the great departure” or “the great renunciation”.
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3. Gautam Buddha’s Mother was from which clan?
(a) Shakya clan
(b) Maya clan
(c) Licchavis clan
(d) Koliyan clan
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) Koliyan clan
- His mom was named Mayadevi and she was from the Koliyan clan.
- The Koliyans, a republican owned two chief settlements, one at Ramagama and the other at Devadaha.
- The Koliyans were established on the opposite banks of the Rohiṇī river. The Sakyan and Koliyan republics were established on the opposite banks of the river.
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4. Gautam Buddha was born at –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Lumbini
(c) Kapilvastu
(d) Patliputra
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) Lumbini
- Gautam Buddha, also known as Siddhartha in his childhood, was born in 563 BC in a royal family from Lumbini, Nepal, close to Kapilvastu.
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5. Which of these is another name for Buddha?
(a) Parth
(b) Prachhanna
(c) Mihir
(d) Gudakesh
(e) None the these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (b) Prachhanna
- Parth and Gudakesh were the names of Arjuna from the Mahabharat story.
- Mihir and Prachhanna were not the names of the Buddha.
- Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission had stated option (b) as the correct answer.
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6. From which inscriptions of the following dynasty Lumbini was known as Buddha’s birthplace.
(a) Mauryan
(b) Shung
(c) Satavahana
(d) Kushan
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (a) Mauryan
- The Mauryan dynasty emperor Ashoka’s Rummindei Pillar inscription tells us that Lumbini was the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
- King Ashoka visited Lumbini in the 20th year of his coronation and honored the place of Shakya Muni’s birth.
- He also made Lumbini tax-free as it was the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
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7. Which one of the following inscriptions of Ashoka confirms the tradition that Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini?
(a) Basarh Pillar Inscription
(b) Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription
(c) Rampurwa Pillar Inscription
(d) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (d) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
- The Rummindei Pillar Inscription, also known as the Lumbini Pillar Edict, is located in Nepal.
- The inscription describes Ashoka’s journey to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
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8. The inscription of which one of the following kings gives the information that Sakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Harsha
(d) Dharmapala
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (a) Ashoka
- The Mauryan dynasty’s emperor Ashoka’s Rummindei Pillar inscription states that Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
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9. Where did Mahatma Buddha’s ‘Mahaparinirvan’ take place?
(a) Lumbini
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Kapilvastu
[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011, 53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Kushinagar
- Buddha preached his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath.
- He then travelled to Kosala, Kapilavastu, Vaishali and Rajgriha to spread Buddhism. Prasenjit, the king of Kosala and his family accepted Buddhism.
- On his journey he reached Pava, the capital of the Mallas.
- Chund, the blacksmith, offered Buddha a lot of Sukaramaddava in his mango grove which made him sick and resulted in bleeding and severe pain.
- The term is made up of the words sūkara, which means pig, and maddava, which means soft, tender, or delicate. The term literally means “soft pork”.
- He eventually arrived in Kushinara, the capital of the Republic of Malla, where he passed away at the age of 80 in 483 BC, an event known as Mahaparinirvan.
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10. Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in the Republic of the–
(a) Mallas
(b) Lichchavi
(c) Sakyas
(d) Palas
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (a) Mallas
- Buddha reached to Kushinara in 483 BC, the capital of the Republic of Malla, where he passed away at the age of 80, an event known as Mahaparinirvan.
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11. Gautam Buddha attained “Mahaparinirvana” in the Kingdom of –
(a) Aung
(b) Magadha
(c) Malla
(d) Vatsa
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Malla
- Kushinagar was the capital of the Mallas, one of the sixteen mahajanpads of the 6th century BCE.
- The Mallas were an ancient Indian republic that included one of the sixteen big kingdoms of ancient India.
- The Mallas had two capitals: Kusinārā, which is now the village of Kāsiā in Kushinagar, and Pāvā, which is now known as Fazilnagar.
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12. Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at which place?
(a) Kusinara
(b) Shravasti
(c) Lumbini
(d) Bodh Gaya
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997, Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (d) Bodh Gaya
- Buddha attained Nirvana under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
- Buddha decided to attain enlightenment after fighting off an evil spirit named Mara at the age of 35.
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13. Mahaparinirvana Temple is located at
(a) Kushinagar
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodh Gaya
(d) Shravasti
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (a) Kushinagar
- The Mahaparinirvana Temple is located in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, and is home to a famous statue of Buddha.
- This statue was discovered in 1876 during an excavation and is made of Chunar sandstone.
- It depicts Buddha lying on his right side in his last moments.
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14. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
1. Avanti 2. Gandhara
3. Kosala 4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015, I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) 3 and 4 only
- Gautam Buddha was connected to the Kosala and Magadha kingdoms.
- He went to these two kingdoms to share his teachings.
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15. Who was the last person to get enlightenment from Gautam Buddha?
(a) Anand
(b) Sariputta
(c) Mogglan
(d) Subhadda
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans.(d) Subhadda
- At the end of his life, Gautam Buddha went to his disciple Chund in Pava.
- Sadly, he got sick from the pork, Chund had prepared, so he travelled to Kushinagar, the capital city of the Mallas Kingdom.
- Here he gave his last sermon to Subhaddha and passed away peacefully in Kushinagar.
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16. Who amongst the following was the last person converted by the Buddha?
(a) Anand
(b) Vasumitra
(c) Goshal
(d) Subhadda
[U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (d) Subhadda
- Gautam Buddha gave last sermon to Subhaddha. Then Subhadda asked to be admitted to the order of monks and the Buddha granted his request.
- Subhadda became the very last convert and disciple of the Buddha.
- Kondanna in the deer park at Benares was the first convert.
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17. The ruler of Suvarnabhumi, who founded a Buddhist monastery at Nalanda and requested Devapala through his ambassador to grant, five villages for its maintenance was
(a) Dharanindra
(b) Sangramadhananjaya
(c) Balaputradeva
(d) Chudamanivarmana
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above.
[B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) Balaputradeva
- Balaputradeva was the leader of Suvarnabhumi and he made a Buddhist monastery at Nalanda.
- He asked Devapala to give him five villages for the maintenance of the monastery.
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18. Where did Buddha reside during the last rainy season of his life?
(a) Shravasti
(b) Vaishali
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Sarnath
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (b) Vaishali
- Buddha spent his last rainy season of his life in Vaishali.
- He was 80 years old and was accompanied by two of his disciples, one of them being Ananda.
- They stayed in Beluva which is a suburb of Vaishali.
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19. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (a) The extinction of the flame of desire
- Buddhism believes that desire leads to suffering.
- The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to reach Nirvana, which is a place free of suffering, pain, and pleasure.
- The word “Nirvana” literally means “extinguished,” which can be viewed as the end of the burning flame of desire.
- Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
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20. Who was Alara Kalama?
(a) A disciple of Buddha.
(b) A distinguished Buddhist monk.
(c) A king of Buddha’s time.
(d) A teacher of Buddha.
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010]
Ans. (d) A teacher of Buddha.
- Alara Kalama was a very famous teacher of religion.
- Buddha came to study under him and learned many things, including meditation.
- After working hard, Buddha was as knowledgeable as his teacher.
- Alara Kalama then said to Buddha that they were now the same and he should stay and teach his students with him.
- Alara Kalama was a great teacher of Samkhya philosophy and had a lot of spiritual power.
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21. At which place did Mahatma Buddha give his first ‘Dhammachakkhapavathana’?
(a) Lumbini
(b) Sarnath
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Vaishali
[53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011, 47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]
Ans. (b) Sarnath
- After he became enlightened in Bodhgaya, Buddha went to Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon, which is known in Pali as the “Dhammachakkhapavathana” or “Dharma Chakra Pravartana”.
- Sarnath is one of the four holy places related to Buddha’s life.
- The other three important sites are Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace), Bodhgaya (the place of his enlightenment) and Kushinagar
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22. Where did Buddha preach his first sermon?
(a) Kashi
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Bodh Gaya
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) Sarnath
- After becoming enlightened at Bodhgaya, Buddha traveled to Sarnath, where he gave his first speech, which is known in Pali as the ‘Dhammachakkhapavathana’
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23. Who gave his first sermon in Sarnath?
(a) Mahavir
(b) Sankaracharya
(c) Mahatma Buddha
(d) Guru Nanak
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (c) Mahatma Buddha
- After he became enlightened in Bodhgaya, Mahatma Buddha went to Sarnath and gave his first sermon, known in Pali as the “Dhammachakkhapavathana” or “Dharma
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24. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at
(a) Vaishali
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Sarnath
(d) Pawapuri
[56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) Sarnath
- After becoming enlightened in Bodhgaya, Buddha traveled to Sarnath and gave his first sermon called the “Dharma Chakra Pravartana” in the Pali language.
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25. In Buddhist text “Dharmachakra Parvartana” is known as –
(a) His (Buddha) sight
(b) First Sermon at Sarnath
(c) His religious norms
(d) Buddha rituals
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
Ans.(b) First Sermon at Sarnath
- After becoming enlightened in Bodhgaya, Buddha traveled to Sarnath, one of the four most important places in his life.
- He gave his first sermon there, known as the “Dharma Chakra Pravartana” or “Dhammachakkhapavathana” in Pali.
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26. ‘Dharmachakrapravartana’ was performed at –
(a) Sanchi
(b) Sravasti
(c) Sarnath
(d) Vaishali
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) Sarnath
- He gave his first speech which is known in Pali as the ‘Dhammachakkhapavathana’ or “Dharma Chakra Pravartana”.
- Sarnath is one of the four holy places connected to Buddha’s life.
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27. Gautam Buddha gave the maximum number of sermons at which place?
(a) Vaishali
(b) Shravasti
(c) Kaushambi
(d) Rajgriha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) Shravasti
- Gautama Buddha had many followers from the Kosala area.
- He gave most of his teachings in Shravasti, which was the main city of Kosala.
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28. Which philosophy accepts ‘Triratna’?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Nyaya philosophy
(c) Yoga philosophy
(d) Jainism
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (a) Buddhism
- Triratna is related to the teachings of Buddha.
- It consists of three parts: Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
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29. What does ‘Triratna’ mean in Buddhism?
(a) Tripitaka
(b) Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
(c) Sheel, Samadhi, Sangha
(d) Satya, Ahinsa, Karuna
[U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (b) Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
- Buddhism is built around three important parts which are called the Three Jewels.
- After Buddha passed away, his teachings were recorded into three sections called the Tripitaka.
- These sections are the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
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30. Buddha visited Kaushambi during the reign of
(a) Satanika
(b) Udayana
(c) Bodhi
(d) Nicakshu
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (b) Udayana
- Mahatma Buddha went to Kaushambi during the rule of King Udayana.
- This was his 9th stop. Pindola Bharadwaj influenced Udayan to become a Buddhist and he gave the Ghoshit Ram Vihar to the Bhikshu
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31. The first Buddhist Conference after the death of Buddha was presided over by:
(a) Mahakashyapa
(b) Dharmasen
(c) Ajatashatru
(d) Nagasen
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (a) Mahakashyapa
- Soon after the death of the Buddha, King Ajatshatru held a Buddhist Council in a cave called Saptaparni Cave in Rajgriha.
- Mahakasapa was the leader of the council and Ananda and Upali were two of the Buddha’s disciples who recited his teachings and rules for disciples.
- The council also included the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
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32. ‘Saptaparni Cave’ is situated in –
(a) Sanchi
(b) Nalanda
(c) Rajgriha
(d) Pawapuri
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Rajgriha
The patronage of King Ajatshatru with the monk Mahakasapa presiding at Rajgriha, in the Saptaparni Cave.
- King Ajatshatru helped the monk Mahakasapa at a place called Rajgriha in the Saptaparni Cave.
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33. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
(a) Parsva
(b) Nagarjuna
(c) Sudraka
(d) Vasumitra
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (d) Vasumitra
- The Fourth Buddhist Council happened at Kundalvana, Kashmir, with the support of the Kushan King Kanishka.
- Vasumitra was the leader of the Council, and Ashvaghosa was his assistant.
- This Council divided Buddhism into two groups, Mahayana and Hinayana.
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34. ‘Mahayana’ sect and Buddhism emerged during the reign of –
(a) Ajatshatru
(b) Ashoka
(c) Dharmapala
(d) Kanishka
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (d) Kanishka
- The Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka, the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century.
- Nagarjuna together with Asanga were the two great pioneers of the Mahayana tradition.
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35. A Buddhist Council during the reign of Kanishka was held at –
(a) Magadha
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Kashmir
(d) Rajgriha
[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (c) Kashmir
- The Fourth Buddhist Council was organized by King Kanishka of the Kushan Empire and took place in Kundalvana, Kashmir.
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36. Four Buddhist Councils were held in the following places. Arrange them in chronological order by using the code given below :
1. Vaishali
2. Rajgriha
3. Kundalavana
4. Pataliputra
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 2, 1, 4, 3
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (d) 2, 1, 4, 3
- After the passing of Buddha, King Ajatashatru organized the first Buddhist council in Saptaparni Cave at Rajgriha, and Mahakassapa was the leader.
- A hundred years later, the second council was held in Vaishali with Sabakami in charge.
- The third one was held during the reign of Ashoka in Pataliputra.
- The fourth one happened in Kashmir (Kundalavana) during the reign of Kanishka.
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37. The second Buddhist Council was held at which place?
(a) Rajgriha
(b) Vaishali
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Kashi (Varanasi)
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains)2014]
Ans. (b) Vaishali
- The second council happened 100 years after Buddha died while Kalasoka was in power, taking place in Vaishali
- It was presided over by Sabakami.
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38. Where was the third Buddhist Council held?
(a) Taxila
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodhgaya
(d) Pataliputra
[53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (d) Pataliputra
- The third council took place during Ashoka’s rule in Pataliputra.
- The council was presided over by Mogaliputta Tissa.
- The fourth council happened during Kanishka’s rule in Kashmir (Kundalavana).
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39. The first Buddhist Council was held during the reign of
(a) Aniruddha
(b) Ajatshatru
(c) Bimbisara
(d) Udayabhadra
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (b) Ajatshatru
- Shortly after the death of Buddha, King Ajatashatru organized a meeting of Buddhist monks at the Saptaparni Cave in Rajgriha.
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40. The first Buddhist council was held in which of the following cities?
(a) Nalanda
(b) Gaya
(c) Rajgir
(d) Bodhgaya
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]
Ans. (c) Rajgir
- King Ajatashatru organized a Buddhist council led by the monk Mahakassapa in a cave called Saptaparni Cave in Rajgriha.
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41. The second Buddhist- Council was organized by
(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Kalasoka
(c) Ananda
(d) Ashoka
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (b) Kalasoka
- One hundred years after Buddha passed away, the second council was held in Vaishali, during the rule of Kalasoka.
- Sabakami was the head of the council.
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42. Four important events of Buddha’s life and thereby related four places are mentioned below.
Match Schedule- I and Schedule- II and select the correct answer from the codes given below –
| Schedule – I |
Schedule – II |
| A. Birth |
1. Sarnath |
| B. Enlightenment |
2. Bodhgaya |
| C. First preaching |
3. Lumbini |
| D. Death |
4. Kushinagar |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 1 2 4 3
(b) 2 3 1 4
(c) 3 2 1 4
(d) None of the above.
[41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (c) 3 2 1 4
- Mahatma Buddha was born in 563 BCE in Lumbini near Kapilvastu.
- He gained spiritual enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
- His first teachings were given in Sarnath (Rishipattan).
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43. Which event of Buddha’s life is represented by the wheel with deer, in Indian Art?
(a) Great Departure
(b) Enlightenment
(c) First preaching
(d) Nirvana
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002]
Ans. (c) First preaching
- In Indian art, the first preaching event of Buddha’s life is symbolized by a wheel with deer.
- This event happened at Mrigadava Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon.
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44. Match List- I (Sign) with List II (Meaning) and select the correct answer using the codes given below.
List-I (Sign) List–II (Meaning)
| Birth |
Bodhi tree |
| First Sermon |
Dharma Chakra |
| Enlightenment |
Horse |
| Great- Departure |
Lotus |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 3 4 1 2
(d) 4 2 1 3
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (d) 4 2 1 3
- The correctly matched list is as follows :
| List – I |
List – II |
| Birth |
Lotus |
| First Sermon |
Dharma Chakra |
| Enlightenment |
Bodhi Tree |
| Great- Departure |
Horse |
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45. Karmapa Lama belongs to which of the following sects of Tibetan Buddhism?
(a) Gelugpa
(b) Kangyupa
(c) Sakyapa
(d) Lingamapa
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (b) Kangyupa
- Karmapa Lama is part of the Tibetan Buddhist school of Kangyupa.
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46. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Lord Buddha?
1. He was born in Kapilvastu.
2. He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
3. He discarded the Vedic religion.
4. He preached noble truths
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010]
Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in 563 BC in Nepal.
- He believed in Karma rather than the Vedas and Vedic rituals.
- He taught four noble truths.
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47. Mahabodhi Temple was built at Bodh Gaya where-
(a) Gautama Buddha was born
(b) Gautama Buddha received enlightenment
(c) Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon
(d) Gautama Buddha passed away
[45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) Gautama Buddha received enlightenment
- Gautama spent six years looking for enlightenment.
- Finally, when he was 35, he found enlightenment at the Bodhgaya’s Pipal tree on a Vaisakh Purnima night and became “Buddha.”
- A temple was built at this spot called the Mahabodhi temple.
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48. The ‘Bodhi Vriksh’ in Bodh Gaya belongs to which generation of its family
(a) Third
(b) Fourth
(c) Fifth
(d) Sixth
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) Fifth
- The Bodhi Vriksha at the Mahabodhi temple now is not the original one where Buddha gained enlightenment.
- Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveler, reported that King Shashank destroyed the original tree in the 7th century.
- The current tree was planted by Alexander Cunningham’s instructions and is known as the fifth generation tree.
- It is a heritage site and only fallen leaves of the tree can be touched and collected.
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49. Which of the following Buddhist sacred places is situated on the Bank of River Niranjana?
(a) Bodhgaya
(b) Kushinagar
(c) Lumbini
(d) Rishipatan
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) Bodhgaya
- Bodhgaya, the holy place for Buddhists where Buddha gained enlightenment, is located by the side of the Niranjana River.
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50. The teachings of Buddha are related to –
(a) Spirit disputes
(b) Celibacy
(c) Religious rituals
(d) Purity and holiness of conduct
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]
Ans. (d) Purity and holiness of conduct
- Buddha’s teachings focus on living in an honorable and pure way.
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51. Who among the following wanted to become the leader of the Sangha even during the lifetime of Buddha –
(a) Devadatta
(b) Mahakassapa
(c) Upali
(d) Ananda
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (a) Devadatta
- Devadatta was a loyal follower of Mahatma Buddha and a good monk.
- However, he eventually tried to take over Buddha’s place as the leader of the Sangha, but failed.
- It was apparent that he had been wanting to be the leader of the Sangha from the start.
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52. Whom of the following did Gautam Buddha nominate for the leadership of the Buddhist Sangha after his death?
(a) Ananda
(b) Mahakassapa
(c) Upali
(d) None of the above
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (d) None of the above
- Gautam Buddha did not choose a successor and asked his followers to try to become free.
- His teachings were only spoken and not written down.
- The Sangha had meetings to collect and practice Buddha’s teachings.
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53. After the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha, the first Buddhist council was held at
(a) Rajgriha (Rajgir)
(b) Gaya
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Vaishali
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (a) Rajgriha (Rajgir)
- After the passing of Lord Buddha, King Ajatshatru of Magadh held a Buddhist council in the Saptakarni caves of Rajgriha (Rajgir).
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54. The concept of the Eightfold path forms the theme of :
(a) Dipavamsa
(b) Divyavadana
(c) Mahaparinibban
(d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta
- The Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta is all about the eight-fold path, which was taught by Buddha.
- It is meant to help people get rid of suffering and achieve a state of peace and enlightenment called Nirvana.
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55. Which of the following is/are true about Gautam Buddha?
1. He believes in “Karma”
2. He believes in rebirth
3. Attaining Nirvana
4. Belief in the power of God
Code :
(a) Only 1, 2, 3
(b) Only 1, 2
(c) Only 1
(d) All are true
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (a) Only 1, 2, 3
- Mahatma Buddha believed in the idea of “Karma,” or that actions have consequences.
- He thought that people are reborn and could reach a state of Nirvana, but he did not believe in the existence of a God or their power.
- Buddha’s past lives were recorded in Jataka.
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56. The entry of women as a “Bhikshuni” into the Buddhist Sangha was allowed by Gautam Buddha at –
(a) Shravasti
(b) Vaishali
(c) Rajgriha
(d) Kushinagar
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (b) Vaishali
- At the request of Ananda, Gautam Buddha allowed women to become part of the Buddhist Sangha at Vaishali.
- The first woman who was accepted was Mahaprajapati Gautami.
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57. Who is called a ‘Crypto-Buddhist’?
(a) Shankara
(b) Kapil
(c) Ramanuja
(d) Patanjali
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) Shankara
- Adi Shankaracharya was a very influential philosopher in Hinduism.
- Scholars call him a crypto-Buddhist because he challenged Buddhism and took many of its concepts to merge with Hinduism.
- After outside forces attacked Buddhist temples, Buddhist had to flee India and go to places like Tibet, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
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58. What is “Tripitaka”?
(a) Three monkeys of Gandhiji
(b) Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh
(c) Triratnas of Mahavira
(d) Collection of the preachings of Buddha
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2003, U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (d) Collection of the preachings of Buddha
- Tripitaka is the most important book in Buddhism.
- Sutta Pitaka which includes Buddha’s sermons and teachings
- Vinaya Pitaka which has rules for the monks and Sangha
- Abhidhamma Pitaka which is about the philosophy of Buddhism.
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59. Which of the following Buddhist texts contains the rules of Monastic life?
(a) Digha-Nikaya
(b) Vinaya Pitaka
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(d) Vibhasha Shastra
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (b) Vinaya Pitaka
- The Vinaya Pitaka is also known as the “Basket of Discipline”. It regulates monastic life and the daily affairs of monks and nuns according to rules attributed to the Buddha.
- The Vinaya Pitaka also contains stories about the first Buddhist monks and nuns and how they lived.
- The Vinaya Pitaka is the oldest and smallest of the three sections of the Buddhist canonical Tipiṭaka.
- The Vinaya Pitaka contains 227 Patimokkha rules for the bhikkhus (monks) and 311 for the bhikkhunis (nuns).
- The Vinaya Pitaka was written at the first Buddhist council.
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60. Which of the following Buddhist literature contains the Buddha’s sermons on matters of ethics and doctrine?
(a) Vinaya Pitaka
(b) Jataka Stories
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(d) Sutta Pitaka
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (d) Sutta Pitaka
- Sutta Pitaka (also known as Sutra Pitaka in Sanskrit) is a big collection of texts that make up the core teachings of Buddhism.
- It discusses Buddha’s ethical beliefs.
- The Sutta Pitaka contains more than ten thousand suttas, which are divided into five collections called nikayas.
- The Digha Nikaya is one part of Sutta Pitaka – it is a group of 34 longest discourses of Buddha.
- The Sutta Pitaka was compiled at the first Buddhist council in Rajgir.
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61. “Yamaka” belongs to the Buddhist “Pitaka”.
(a) Sutta
(b) Vinaya
(c) Abhidhamma
(d) None of these
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Abhidhamma
- The Abhidhamma Pitaka has seven books:
- Vibhanga
- Dhatukatha
- Puggalapannatti
- Kathavatthu
- Yamaka
- Patthana
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62. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the :
(a) Occasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
(b) Confession by monks of their offenses committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season.
(c) Ceremony of initiation of a new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and when yellow robes are offered
(d) Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full-moon day of Ashadha when they take up a fixed abode for the next four months of the rainy season.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (b) Confession by monks of their offenses committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season.
- For four months out of the year, followers of the Buddha stay in Buddha Mahavihar.
- As soon as the rainy season ends, they start again with a special ceremony called Pavarana.
- In this ceremony, the monks admit any wrongdoings and also come up with ideas for what to do in the future.
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63. Ashokaram Monastery was situated at –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Kaushambi
(d) Shravasti
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (b) Pataliputra
- The Mahavansh, a famous Buddhist text, says that King Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty built a monastery in Pataliputra called Ashokaram Bihar.
- It was supervised by a monk named Indragupta.
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64. Where is the ‘Vishwa Shanti Stupa’ highest in the world located in Bihar –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Nalanda
(c) Rajgir
(d) Patna
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) Rajgir
- The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, is the tallest of its kind in the world.
- It stands 400 meters high on the hills of Rajgir in Bihar.
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65. The Giant Buddha statue of 80 feet at Bodhgaya was constructed by –
(a) Japanese
(b) People of Thailand (Thai)
(c) Srilankan
(d) Bhutanese
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (a) Japanese
- The Giant Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya, Bihar is 80 feet tall.
- It is sitting in a meditation pose with its legs crossed and lotus flower beneath it.
- It took seven years to construct and is made of sandstone blocks and red granite.
- It was built with the help of the Daijokyo sect from Japan.
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66. Where the word ‘Stupa’ has been used for the first time?
(a) Rigveda
(b) Jatak Katha
(c) Artha Shastra
(d) Astadhyayee
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) Rigveda
- The word “stupa” was first used in Rig Veda. In Rig Veda, stupa is a word for “tree stem”.
- King Varuna was said to have built a stupa in a place without a base.
- Anything that is raised like a mound on the ground is called a stupa.
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67. The Stupa site which is not connected with any incident of Lord Buddha’s life, is :
(a) Sarnath
(b) Sanchi
(c) Bodhgaya
(d) Kusinara
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011, U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Sanchi
- The Stupa at Bodhgaya is connected to the moment when Buddha became enlightened.
- Sarnath is associated with the start of Buddha’s teachings, and Kushinagar or Kusinara is linked to his death.
- Sanchi Stupa is not related to any event in Buddha’s life.
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68. It was also the ancient name of the world-famous tourist destination of Sanchi
(a) Kaknam
(b) Vetravati
(c) Besnagari
(d) Dashpura
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans (a) Kaknam
- Sanchi is located in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Historically, Sanchi was known as Kaknam, Kakanaya, Kakanadabota and Bota-Sriparvata.
- Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to ‘Mahastupa’.
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69. Which is the correct chronological order of the following stupas?
(a) Bharhut, Sanchi, Amaravati, Dhamekh
(b) Amaravati, Sanchi, Bharhut, Dhamekh
(c) Sanchi, Amaravati, Bharhut, Dhamekh
(d) Dhamekh, Bharhut, Amaravati, Sanchi
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (a) Bharhut, Sanchi, Amaravati, Dhamekh
- During the rule of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the Bharhut and Sanchi stupas were built.
- Some sources say the Dhamekh stupa was built during Ashoka’s reign, too.
- The Amravati stupa was made during the Satvhana period.
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70. “World is unstable and transient “ is related to which of the following?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Gita
(d) Vedanta
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (a) Buddhism
- In Buddhism, impermanence (also known as Anitya) is an important belief and one of three marks of existence.
- It means that everything in life is temporary, fleeting, and always changing.
- This includes physical and mental things, which are all made of parts that are constantly changing and will eventually break down and disappear.
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71. Who advocated ‘Neo-Buddhism’?
(a) Radhakrishnan
(b) Tagore
(c) Ambedkar
(d) Vivekananda
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) Ambedkar
- Navayana/Neo-Buddhism is a re-interpretation of Buddhism by B.R. Ambedkar, which means “new Vehicle”.
- It rejects things like becoming a monk, karma, reincarnation, meditation, enlightenment, and the four noble truths, which are seen as key concepts in the Buddhist faith.
- Instead, Navayana focuses on the original teachings of the Buddha about class struggle and social equality.
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72. Who among the following is known as the ‘Light of Asia’?
(a) Gautama Buddha
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Mahavir Swami
(d) Swami Vivekanand
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (a) Gautama Buddha
- Gautama Buddha, sometimes called Siddhartha, Gautama, Shakyamuni, or the Buddha, was a sage who started Buddhism.
- He is known as the “Light of Asia” or the “Light Beam”.
- Edwin Arnold wrote a book about Buddha’s life, titled “The Light of Asia”.
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73. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts are written in aphoristic (sutra) style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India.
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans. (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
- In Buddhism, ‘Paramitas’ mean perfection.
- As someone tries to become a Buddhist, the paramitas are qualities they must develop to purify their karma and kleshas and become a bodhisattva.
- The six ‘Paramitas’ are generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration, and wisdom.
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74. Sir Edwin Arnold’s book ‘The Light of Asia’ is based on–
(a) Divavadana
(b) Lalitvistar
(c) Suttapitak
(d) Abhidhammapitak
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (b) Lalitvistar
- Sir Edwin Arnold wrote a book called the ‘Light of Asia’ with the subtitle ‘The Great Renunciation’.
- It was first released in July of 1879 and was based on the ‘Lalit Vistara’.
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75. What is the fundamental difference between the Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism?
(a) Belief in Non-violence
(b) Caste-free society
(c) Worship of God and Goddess
(d) Worship of stupas
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (c) Worship of God and Goddess
- The main distinction between the Hinayana and Mahayana branches of Buddhism has to do with how they viewed the Buddha.
- The Hinayana viewed him as a great man, while the Mahayana began to see him as a deity and worshipped him through idols.
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76. Gautama Buddha was elevated to the position of God during the period of –
(a) Asoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(d) Harsha
[45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) Kanishka
- Kanishka was the ruler when a major Buddhist council was held and it split Buddhism into two groups, Hinayana and Mahayana.
- In Mahayana, people began to worship Gautam Buddha by making idols of him, so he was looked at as a god.
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77. The first human statues worshipped in India were those of–
(a) Brahma
(b) Vishnu
(c) Buddha
(d) Shiva
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010]
Ans (c) Buddha
- In India, the Mahayana branch of Buddhism worshipped Gautam Buddha through statues and other idols.
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78. The oldest sculpture of Buddha is made in which style?
(a) Gandhara Style
(b) Mathura Style
(c) Mauryan Style
(d) Gupta Style
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020]
Ans (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
- It is uncertain where the first statue of Buddha was made, but during the Kushana period, statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva were made in the styles of Mathura and Gandhara.
- V.S. Agrawal believes that the first Buddha statues were created in Mathura, while Huein Tsang believes it was in Kaushambi.
- Other historians give credit to Gandhara for the first statue.
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79. Which of the following laid the foundation of idol worship in the country?
(a) Jainism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Ajivikas
(d) Vedic religion
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Buddhism
- Buddhism began the practice of worshipping idols in the country.
- The Mahayana followers mainly paid tribute to images of Buddha.
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80. Name the ‘Mudra’ which is represented by the Gandharan Buddha image of Sarnath’s first Sermon.
(a) Abhaya
(b) Dhyana
(c) Dharm Chakra
(d) Bhumisparsha
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (c) Dharm Chakra
- The Gandharan Buddha sculpture was created using a combination of Greek, Persian, Scythian, and Parthian designs.
- It features images of Buddha in a variety of poses, such as Dharma Chakra, Meditation, Abhaya, and Varada, all depicting different stages of Buddha’s life.
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81. The standing statue of Gautam Buddha was built in which period?
(a) Gupta Period
(b) Kushana Period
(c) Maurya Period
(d) Guptotar Period
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) Kushana Period
- During the Kushana rule in India, the Gandhara art style was popular, especially under the support of Kanishka.
- The Gandhara art was known for the abundance of sculptures found in Buddhist temples and monasteries.
- During this time, the Mathura school created statues of Buddha in both sitting and standing positions.
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82. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called; ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes.
(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
- Buddha is seen sitting in Bhumisparsha Mudra, with his right hand hanging over his right knee facing inward and touching the lotus throne.
- His left hand is held upright in his lap. This gesture signifies the moment when Buddha gained enlightenment and overcame the demon Mara and his demonic army.
- He claim the earth as a witness to his victory.
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83. Sarnath Buddha’s image of Bhumisparsha Mudra belongs to –
(a) Maurya period
(b) Shunga period
(c) Kushana period
(d) Gupta period
[U.P.P.C.S.(Mains)2009]
Ans. (d) Gupta period
- The Bhumisparsha Mudra of Gautama Buddha at Sarnath is from the Gupta period.
- This gesture represents determination. The “Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya” is also connected to the earth witness mudra because he stayed true to his promise to never be angry or disgusted at others.
- The mudra also symbolizes the combination of skill (right hand touching the earth) and wisdom (left hand resting on the lap in meditation).
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84. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs :
1. Parivrajaka – Renunciant and Wanderer
2. Shramana – Priest with a high status
3. Upasaka – Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (b) 1 and 3 only
- Upasaka are people who follow the Buddhist religion but don’t live like monks.
- Parivrajaka is a name for male monks who wander and do not stay in one place. Bhikkhu is another name for a parivrajaka.
- Shramana is another name for wandering monk in certain ascetic traditions, including Jainism, Buddism & Ajvikism.
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85. Assertion (A): Kushinagar was the capital of the Malla Republic.
Reason (R): Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana took place in Kushinagar.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- Kushinagar was the home of the Malla kingdom and one of the sixteen large states in the 6th century B.C.
- It was also the place where the Lord Buddha passed away.
- Both of these statements are true, but the reason given is not the correct explanation for the first one.
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86. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. Lothal: Ancient dockyard
2. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir: Lion capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, and 4
(d) 1 and 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (c) 1, 2, and 4
- Rajgir is a holy place for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains and is known for its hot springs.
- The Ashoka Lion Capital is located in Sarnath, not Rajgir.
- There are remains of an old dockyard in Lothal, Gujarat from IVC period.
- Buddha gave his first speech at Sarnath.
- Nalanda was an important center for Buddhist knowledge.
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87. In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as :
(a) Vajrapani
(b) Manjusri
(c) Padmapani
(d) Maitreya
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (c) Padmapani
- Padmapani, also known as Lotus-Bearer, is a name for Avalokiteshvara, a Buddhist figure of great compassion.
- This sculpture is in the shape of a tri-bent (tribhanga) pose.
- Bodhisattva’s are living beings that are on their journey to reach enlightenment, while also helping others reach the same goal.
- The Bodhisattva ideal is very important in Mahayana Buddhism, as the individual works towards enlightenment not only for themselves but also for everyone else.
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88. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. The Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given below is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans. (b) 2 and 3 only
- Sthaviravadins are part of Hinyana Buddhism.
- The Lokottaravadin group was a branch of the Mahasanghika Buddhism and worshipping Buddha by Mahasanghikas led to Mahayana Buddhism.
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89. Consider the following :
1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
3. Image worship and rituals
Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Mahayana Buddhism teaches that Buddha has special powers and is divine, and that he appears in many forms.
- It follows the path of Bodhisattva, which are enlightened beings who choose to help others rather than seek salvation for themselves.
- Mahayana Buddhism also encourages idol worship and rituals.
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90. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) 2 and 3 only
- The word Bodhisattva is made up of bodhi (enlightenment) and sattva (essence or spirit).
- It is the aim and ideal of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Mahayana Buddhists don’t just try to reach enlightenment to save themselves from pain, but out of kindness to help other living things.
- They wait to be fully enlightened so that they can assist all living things to do the same.
- This means statement (1) is incorrect, and statements (2) and (3) are correct.
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91. The largest and the most evolved rock-cut Chaitya hall of the Hinayana phase is situated at :
(a) Pitalkhora
(b) Junnar
(c) Karle
(d) Bedsa
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Karle
- The Chaitya is a very large and highly developed Buddhist temple located in Karle, which is in the Pune District of Maharashtra.
- It is from the Hinayana phase of Buddhism.
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92. Which Indian Buddhist monk had been sent to China in the first century A.D.?
(a) Tsang
(b) Ashvaghosha
(c) Vasumitra
(d) Nagarjuna
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (d) Nagarjuna
- Nagarjuna was an important person in the court of Kanishka.
- Hiuen Tsang said he was one of the most influential people in the world.
- In his book “Madyamik Karika”, he wrote about the idea of relativity.
- He is sometimes called the Indian Einstein.
- Chinese legend states that Nagarjuna traveled to China and taught Buddhism.
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93. The Doctrine of void (Shunyata) was propounded by the Buddhist philosopher :
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Nagasena
(c) Ananda
(d) Ashvaghosha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (a) Nagarjuna
- Nagarjuna profounded idea of emptiness, also known as Sunyata.
- He wrote a book called “Madhyamika Karika” which said a lot about the idea of emptiness and co-arising.
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94. To which Buddhist School did Nagarjuna belong?
(a) Sautrantika
(b) Vaibhashika
(c) Madhyamika
(d) Yogachara
[Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (c) Madhyamika
- Nagarjuna was an important figure in Buddhist philosophy, and his biggest contribution was the idea of emptiness (Sunyata).
- The famous book “Madhyamika Karika” contains one of his most famous quotes on the concept of nothingness and how everything is connected.
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95. Buddhist center of learning is –
(a) Vikramshila
(b) Varanasi
(c) Girnar
(d) Ujjain
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (a) Vikramshila
- Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Vallabhi were very important centers of education in India.
- Students from various regions, as well as from outside India like China, Japan, Tibet, and South-East Asia came to learn at these schools.
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96. Which one of the following rulers did not contribute towards the expansion of Buddhism?
(a) Harshavardhan
(b) Kanishka
(c) Ashoka
(d) Pushyamitra Shunga
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans.(d) Pushyamitra Shunga
- Pushyamitra Shunga was the creator of the Shunga Empire in India.
- He used to be a military commander of the Mauryan Empire.
- In 185 BCE, he killed the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha, and became the ruler.
- According to Buddhist stories, Pushyamitra persecuted Buddhists.
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97. Which among the following state ‘Odantipur’ Education Centre was situated?
(a) Bengal
(b) Bihar
(c) Gujarat
(d) Tamil Nadu
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) Bihar
- Odantipur (also known as Uddandapura) was an important educational center during ancient times.
- It was located in Magadha (now Bihar, India) and was founded by the Pala emperor Gopala.
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98. Vallabhi University was situated in –
(a) Bihar
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Bengal
(d) Gujarat
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (d) Gujarat
- Vallabhi, located in Gujarat, was a significant place to learn about Buddhism.
- It was also called Vallabhipura and was the home of the old Maitraka dynasty.
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99. Who was the founder of Nalanda University?
(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(b) Kumargupta
(c) Dharmapal
(d) Pushyagupta
[56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Kumargupta
- Nalanda University was established in 450 AD when KumarGupta I (Gupta Dynasty) was in power.
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100. Why was Nalanda University famous in the world?
(a) Medical Science
(b) Philosophy
(c) Buddhist Religious Philosophy
(d) Chemical Science
[42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (c) Buddhist Religious Philosophy
- Nalanda University was created in 450 AD when Kumar Gupta I was in power.
- It was the first International University in the world.
- In 1915-16, the famous archaeologist Alexander Cunningham found the site and named it Nalanda University.
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101. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans.(b) 2 only
- Sautrantika and Sammitiya were Buddhist sects, not Jainism.
- Sarvastivada means ‘Doctrine that all exist’ and Sarvastivadins believed in a complex system where past, present and future all had their own form of existence.
- All Buddhists think that everything in the world is temporary, but Sarvastivadins believed that the dharma factors were eternal.
- Impermanence (Anitya) is one of the 3 core beliefs of Buddhism, which was taught by the Buddha himself.
- This doctrine states that all of existence is temporary and this is the reason for suffering.
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Q 102. Out of the two statements below first is Assertion(A) and the second is Reason (R), Carefully read both statements-
Assertion (A): Till the end of the twelfth century Nalanda Mahavihara lost its glory
Reason (R): State protection ceased to be available to Mahavihara. With respect to the above-mentioned two statements,
which of the following is true?
(a) (A) and (R) both are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) (A) and (R) both are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (a) (A) and (R) both are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- Nalanda University was a renowned Buddhist learning center in ancient India. It was located in Rajgir, in southern Bihar.
- During the Gupta period, Nalanda flourished.
- However, due to a Muslim invasion, it started to lose its significance by the end of the 12th century.
- Furthermore, the Pala rulers of Bengal began to support Vikramshila University, resulting in an even greater decline in the importance of Nalanda.
- Both of these claims are true, and the second claim explains the first one.
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103. ‘Nav Nalanda Mahavihar’ is famous for –
(a) Hsuan-Tsang memorial
(b) Birthplace of Mahavir
(c) Pali Research Centre
(d) Museum
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) Pali Research Centre
- In 1951, the government of Bihar created a modern center for Pali and Buddhism called Nav Nalanda Mahavira near the ruins of the old Nalanda.
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104. Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficiency of rituals
4. Non-injury to animal life
Select the answer using the code given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1,3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (b) 2, 3 and 4
- Buddhism did not allow people to go to extremes in terms of self-punishment or pleasure, whereas Jainism did.
- Both religions did not accept the idea of rituals, did not believe in the authority of the Vedas and did not hurt animals.
- Both religions followed the path of Ahimsa.
- Both religions originated in the late 6th century BCE.
- Both religions are non-theistic.
- Both religions were founded by the Kshatriyas of Northern India.
- Both religions are against the Vedas, Vedic culture, and Brahmanism.
- Both religions don’t believe in the existence of a creator God.
- Both religions believe in the cycle of birth and rebirth.
- Both religions believe that salvation can only be gained by nirvana.
- Both religions believe in the concept of karma.
- Both religions practice forms of asceticism, or self-denial.
- Both religions emphasize strong moral principles.
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105. Which one of the following is not common between Buddhism and Jainism?
(a) Ahimsa
(b) Indifference to Vedas
(c) Self-mortification
(d) Rejection of Rituals
[44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (c) Self-mortification
- Buddhism did not allow extreme practices of either punishment or pleasure, while Jainism did.
- However, both religions forbid rejecting rituals, disregarding the Vedas, or harming animals.
- They both followed the principle of non-violence, known as Ahimsa.
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106. Lord Buddha preached the following four noble truths. Put them in the correct order using the codes given below :
A. There is suffering.
B. There is a cessation of suffering.
C. There is a path leading to the cessation of suffering.
D. There is a cause of suffering.
Code :
(a) ADBC
(b) ADCB
(c) ACBD
(d) ABDC
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a) ADBC
- After becoming enlightened, Gautama Buddha went to the city of Rishipattan (Sarnath) to spread his teachings.
- This event is referred to as the ‘Dharma Chakra Pravartana’.
- He spoke about suffering, its causes and solutions.
- He taught the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’ and the ‘Four Noble Truths’, which are accepted by all Buddhist followers.
- The Four Noble Truths are: (1) suffering exists, (2) there is a cause for suffering, (3) suffering can be ended, and (4) there is a path to end suffering.
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107. Both Jainism and Buddhism believe that:
(a) Philosophy of karma and transmigration of the soul were correct
(b) Salvation could be possible only after death
(c) Both men and women could attain salvation
(d) The middle course of life was the best one
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (a) Philosophy of karma and transmigration of the soul were correct
- Both Buddhism and Jainism have the belief of Karma, which means that what we have done in the past will affect our current and future lives.
- Both of these religions believe in the idea of Karma and Rebirth.
- Jainism recognized the existence of god while Buddhism did not.
- Jainism does not condemn the varna system while Buddhism does.
- Buddhism prescribes a middle path while Jainism advocates its followers to live a life of complete austerity.
- According to Jainism, salvation is possible only after death while according to Buddhism it is possible during one’s own life.
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108. According to the philosophy of Buddhism :
Assertion (A): Rejected the concept of Rebirth.
Reason (R): The soul is mortal.
Choose the correct option:
(a) (A) and (R) both are true and (R) is the proper explanation of (A).
(b) (A) and (R) both are true and (R) is not the proper explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is untrue.
(d) (A) is untrue, but (R) is true.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (d) (A) is untrue, but (R) is true.
- Buddhism rejected the idea of the soul being immortal, but they did accept the principle of rebirth and the law of Karma.
- The concept of Pratiyasamutpada is integral to Buddhist teaching which translates to “dependent origination” or “dependent arising” that states that all phenomena are interconnected.
- This means that Assertion (A) is wrong, but Reason (R) is right.
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109. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about Buddhism?
1. It did not reject caste and class.
2. It challenged the highest social ranked Brahmins.
3. It pointed to certain castes as low.
Choose the correct answer from the code given below.
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (c) 1, 2, and 3
- Buddhism accepted some aspects of the caste system, but disagreed with the privileged status of Brahmins at the time.
- Some lower castes were given higher status in Buddhism.
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110. Anatmavada (no-self) is the doctrine of
(a) Sankhya
(b) Vedanta
(c) Buddhism
(d) Jainism
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) Buddhism
- Buddhism teaches that there is no such thing as a soul (called atman) or “I”.
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Q 111. The reason included in the expansion of Buddhism–
1. The simplicity of religion
2. Special appeal towards Dalits
3. Missionary concept of religion
4. Regional language
5. The soundness of Vedic spirit by Philosophers
Code :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 5
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Buddhism eight-fold path known as ‘Arya-Satya’ and the concept of non-violence were simple to understand.
- Buddha used common language Pali to share his message.
- Buddhism didn’t believe in caste system, which was especially attractive to Dalits.
- They were also drawn to Buddhism’s missionary ideology.
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112. Who has propounded the doctrine of momentariness?
(a) Buddha
(b) Jaina
(c) Charvaka
(d) Nyaya
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (a) Buddha
- The Buddha taught the doctrine of Momentariness (क्षणिकवाद), which is a very important part of Buddhism.
- This doctrine explains that everything is always changing and nothing lasts forever.
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113. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times?
1. Buddha was by that time considered one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism.
2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of the last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
3. The Kings of the Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (a) 1 only
- In the beginning of the Middle Ages, Buddhism began to become less popular in India because people started to see Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu, becoming part of Vaishnavism.
- The rulers of the Gupta dynasty still had some tolerance for Buddhism, even though they had a preference for the Brahmanical faith.
- Option (a) is the correct answer; statements (2) and (3) are wrong.
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114. Consider the following statements, What is the difference between chaityas and viharas?
(a) Viharas is a place of worship while chaitya is the dwelling place of the Buddhist monks.
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship while Vihar is a dwelling place.
(c) There is no particular difference between both of them.
(d) Viharas and Chaityas both are used as dwelling places.
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) Chaitya is a place of worship while Vihar is a dwelling place.
- A Chaitya-Griha is a type of Buddhist cave where people come together for prayer.
- Viharas are the places where monks stay.
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115. Consider the following statements:
1. The early chaityagrihas and viharas of Guntuphalli in West Godavari district are rock cut.
2. The chaityas and Viharas of Eastern Deccan are usually rock cut.
Of these statements:
(a) Only 1 is correct
(b) Only 2 is correct
(c) Both 1 and 2 are correct
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (a) Only 1 is correct
- Guntuphalli is located in the western part of Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh.
- It has structures carved out of rocks called Chaityas and Viharas, which were built between 2-4th century BC and 5-6th century AD.
- A lot of Buddhist architecture in the eastern Deccan region is made with bricks and can be found in places such as Nagarjunkaond, Bejwada, Moli, Ghantshala, Amravati, and Chejali.
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116. Which form of Buddhism was prominent during the Sultanate period?
(a) Theravada
(b) Hinayana
(c) Vajrayana
(d) Tantrayana
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) Vajrayana
- During the Middle Ages, the Vajrayana form of Buddhism was mostly popular.
- It was most successful in the 8th century.
- The teachings of Vajrayana are described in the texts ‘Manjushri Moolkalp’ and ‘Guhyasamaja’.
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117. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?
(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) Maitreya
- Maitreya is described in Lakkavatti Sutta.
- Buddha said that at a time when the teachings of Buddhism are forgotten, Maitreya will become a Buddha with thousands of math.
- This is the only time the Buddha talked about Maitreya.
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118. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora River.
(b) Sanchi Stupa llies in the gorge of the Chambal River.
(c) Pandu-lena Cava Shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada River.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari River.
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora River.
- The Ajanta Caves are located in a V-shaped gorge of the Waghora River in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
- There are a total of 29 caves (all Buddhist) of which 25 were used as Viharas or residential caves while 4 were used as Chaitya or prayer halls.
- Sanchi Stupa, is located west of the Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.
- Pandu Lena caves and Trirashmi caves are a group of 24 rock-cut caves. located on Trivashmi hill of Nasik city, situated on the banks of river Godavari.
- Amravati Stupa illustrates Lord Buddha in a human form, subduing an elephant. The stupa is taller than the Sanchi stupa and has high platforms, extending in the four cardinal directions, along with a huge circular dome. Amravati Stupa is situated near river Krishna.
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