Which one of the following texts provides a detailed and connected account of Buddha’s life?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Detailed, connected account of Buddha's life → Lalitavistara
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Buddhism, Jainism & Other Sramana Movements: 100 previous year questions
UPSC has asked 100 questions on Buddhism, Jainism & Other Sramana Movements between 1980 and 2026: CSE 53 · CDS 23 · CAPF 14 · NDA 4 · CISF (LDCE) 4 · Geo-Scientist 1 · EPFO (APFC) 1. 47 of them came after 2015, so this is a live topic examiners keep returning to. 53 were set in Civil Services Prelims; the rest come from UPSC's other papers, which draw on the same question bank.
Tap an option to check yourself. Answers follow the official UPSC key; where the key was dropped or disputed the question is not shown.
If you like to visit famous Jain pilgrimage sites, which of the following towns you will have to travel to? I. Moodabidri II. Madurai III. Sonagiri Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Jain pilgrimage towns → Moodabidri and Sonagiri | Madurai → Hindu pilgrimage centre
Which of the following is one of the „three gems‟ (triratna) of Jainism ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)One of the Jaina triratna → Samyag-darshana
Which one of the following statements about the Ajivikas is not correct ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Ajivikas → no caste discrimination; corporate organisation and canonical texts; severe asceticism | NOT: they formed an alliance with Jainas against Buddhists
Which one of the following statements about the Buddhist Goddess Hariti is correct ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Hariti → converted by the Buddha from a blood-thirsty yakshi to a benevolent maternal figure
In which one of the following states are the Guntupalle Buddhist Caves located?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Guntupalle Buddhist Caves → Andhra Pradesh
The Dhammapada is a part of:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Dhammapada → part of the Khuddaka Nikaya
Which one of the following sculptures found at Sanchi Stupa is NOT directly inspired by Buddhist ideas?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Sanchi sculpture not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas → Shalbhanjika
In the decoration of Stupas, what does the term Kinjalkini refer to ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Kinjalkini (stupa decoration) → garland of a thousand lotus flowers
With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets ? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Epithets of Gautama Buddha → Shakyamuni, Tathagata | Nayaputta → Mahavira, not Buddha
Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Sanghabhuti (in China 381–384 CE) → commentary on the Sarvastivada Vinaya
Consider the following statements with reference to Jainism : 1. Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana outside the town of Jrimbhikagrama, on the banks of river Rijupalika and in the field of a householder named Samaga.) 2. The state when the Karma particles actually begin to flow towards the Jiva to bind it is known as Asrava. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Mahavira → Kaivalya outside Jrimbhikagrama, bank of Rijupalika, field of Samaga | Asrava → Karma particles begin to flow towards the Jiva
Which one of the following animals does not come under the category of four noble animals (Maha-Ajaneya Pasu) carved on the rounds drum (Anda-Phalaka) of the lion capital at Sarnath
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Not a noble animal on the Sarnath Lion Capital abacus → Deer (of: Deer, Lion, Bull, Horse)
Consider the following observations about the largest stupa at Sanchi 1. Going by information available from the inscriptions on the railings of the stupa, the construction of part of one of its gateways was financed by the Guild of Ivory workers. 2. In its original early form, this stupa was plain except for the stone railings and the gateways, which were richly carved. 3. The panels on the four gateways contain sculptures only in the front and have no sculptures on the rear side. 4. In 1918, when the stupa was discovered, all of its four gates were intact but, the mound was in poor condition. 5. Art historians have established clear connections between the sculptures of the stupa with events described in Jataka Tales. 6. War scenes have also been depicted in these sculptures. Which of the observations given above are correct ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Sanchi → Ivory workers' guild financed part of a gateway | Originally plain except railings and richly carved gateways | Sculptures linked to Jataka Tales | War scenes depicted | Discovered 1818, not 1918; mound in good condition | NOT: gateway panels sculpted only on the front
Who among the following were referred to as the „Theris‟ in ancient India?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Theris → elder nuns in Buddhism
Which one of the following statements about the Shvetambara Sect of Jainism is not correct ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Shvetambara → white-clad monks; 12 Angas; women can attain salvation | Southern migration (Vindhyas) → Digambara, not Shvetambara
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? Ancient Text / Term Meaning
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Harmika → railing/platform above a stupa, not a Chola temple style
Consider the following pairs : Site Well known for 1. Besnagar Shaivite cave shrine 2. Bhaja Buddhist cave shrine 3. Sittanavasal Jain cave shrine How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Bhaja → Buddhist cave shrine | Sittanavasal → Jain cave shrine | Besnagar → Heliodorus pillar, not a Shaivite cave shrine
With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements : 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. How many of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Stupa → generally a repository of relics | Stupa → votive and commemorative Buddhist structure | NOT: concept of Stupa Buddhist in origin
“Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.” The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Souls also in rocks and running water → Jainism
Consider the following statements regarding Sanchi and its archaeological findings : 1. When Sanchi was discovered in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen 2. Animals depicted at Sanchi include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Sanchi discovered 1818 → three of four gateways standing, fourth fallen on the spot | Sanchi animals → elephants, horses, monkeys, cattle
Which of the following statements about sculptures at Sanchi is/are correct ? 1. In some sculptures there is representation of Shalabhanjika, 2. The figure of Shalabhanjika is represented by a woman surrounded by lotuses and elephants. 3. The Shalabhanjika motif was not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Shalabhanjika → represented in Sanchi sculptures | Not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas | Shalabhanjika → woman next to or holding a tree, not surrounded by lotuses and elephants
Which one of the following statements with regard to historical importance of Kushinagar, is correct ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Kushinagar → Buddha passed away (Mahaparinirvana)
With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: Historical person Jaina scholar 1. Aryadeva Jaina scholar 2. Dignaga Buddhist scholar 3. Nathamuni Vaishnava scholar How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Dignaga → Buddhist scholar | Nathamuni → Vaishnava scholar | Aryadeva → Mahayana Buddhist (disciple of Nagarjuna), not Jaina
With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: 1. Nettipakarana 2. Parishishtaparvan 3. Avadanashataka 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana Which of the above are Jaina texts
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Jaina texts → Parishishtaparvan and Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana | Nettipakarana, Avadanashataka → Buddhist
Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha‟s presence shown by the early sculptors?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Buddha's presence (early sculptors) → Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa
Madhyamika Karika, the basic text of Madhyamika School, was composed by
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Madhyamika Karika → Nagarjuna
Who among the following was not a Jain Acharya ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Not a Jain Acharya → Khema (Buddhist bhikkhuni)
According to Jaina tradition, who was the first Jain Tirthankara ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)First Jain Tirthankara → Rishabhadeva
In Jainism, which one of the following does not form part of tri-ratna ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Not part of Jain tri-ratna → Samyak panch-mahavrata
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?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Parivrajaka → renunciant and wanderer | Upasaka → lay follower of Buddhism | Shramana → one who labours/exerts, not a high-status priest
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasangliikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Lokottaravadin → offshoot of Mahasanghika | Mahasanghika deification of Buddha → fostered Mahayana | Sthaviravadins → not Mahayana
With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term „paramitas‟?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Paramitas → perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
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?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Mahayana features → deification of Buddha, Bodhisattva path, image worship and rituals
Which of the following statements about Jainism is/are correct? 1. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated, even stones, rocks and water have life. 2. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Jainism → entire world animated; stones, rocks, water have life | Asceticism and penance → needed to free oneself from Karma
Who among the following was Buddha’s foster mother?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Buddha's foster mother → Mahapajapati Gotami
Which of the following statements about Bodhisattas is/are correct? 1. They were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts. 2. They made attempt to attain Nibbana. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Bodhisattas → deeply compassionate, accumulated merit | NOT: they attempted to attain Nibbana (they delayed it)
The Buddhist text Majjhima Nikaya is in
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Majjhima Nikaya → Pali
Which Buddhist text contains an account of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Buddhist text with an account of Ashoka → Mahavamsa
The story Gandatindu Jataka was written in which language?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Gandatindu Jataka → Pali
The dialogue on Varna between king Avantiputta and Kachchana, a disciple of Buddha, appears in which one of the following Buddhist texts?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Dialogue on Varna (Avantiputta and Kachchana) → Majjhima Nikaya
With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Future Buddha yet to come → Maitreya
With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Sthanakvasi sect → Jainism
Which of the following statements with regard to the heterodox sect between sixth and fourth century BC are correct? 1. The Jain ideas were already being circulated in the seventh century BC by Parshva. 2. Although Buddhism, and to a lesser extent Jainism, took account of the changes in material life and reacted against orthodoxy, neither of these sought to abolish the caste system. 3. The first female disciple of mahavira is said to have been a captured slave woman. 4. Buddha held that nuns could attain spiritual liberation just like a monk and granted them an equal status in the mendicant order. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Parshva → Jain ideas circulated in seventh century BC | Neither Buddhism nor Jainism sought to abolish caste | Mahavira's first female disciple → a captured slave woman | NOT: Buddha granted nuns equal status with monks
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?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Sarvastivadin → constituents of phenomena not wholly momentary, exist forever in latent form | Sautrantika and Sammitiya → Buddhist, not Jaina sects
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 own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Bodhisattva → compassionate one on way to enlightenment | Delays own salvation to help all beings | Bodhisattva concept → central to Mahayana, not Hinayana
Which one of the following is believed to be a compilation of the psalms sung by the women ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Psalms sung by women → Therigatha
Composition of the biography of the Buddha occupies a special place in Buddhist literature. Which one among the following, is a full-fledged biography of the Buddha ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Full-fledged biography of the Buddha → Lalitavistara
Consider the following statements 1. The Jains believed that Mahavira had twenty-three predecessors. 2. Parshvanatha was twenty-third Tirthankara. 3. Rishava was immediate successor of Mahavira. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Mahavira → twenty-three predecessors | Parshvanatha → twenty-third Tirthankara | Rishava → first Tirthankara, not Mahavira's successor
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the leadership of
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Fourth Buddhist Council (Kashmir) → Kanishka
Which of the following statements is/ are correct? 1. Early Buddhist literature is generally composed of the canonical text. 2. The Buddhist schools classify their canonical literature as only the Pitakas. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Early Buddhist texts → canonical and non-canonical | Canon classified variously (Angas etc.), not only as Pitakas
With reference to Buddhist history, tradition, and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Tabo Monastery → Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The significant difference between Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Buddhism lay in that
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Mahayana–Hinayana difference → Mahayana allowed transference of merit; Hinayana helped others only by example and advice
The Buddhist Sangha was an organization of monks
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Buddhist Sangha → organisation of monks who became teachers of Dhamma
Consider the following statements Statement I : Ashoka called the Third Buddhist Council in 252 BC at Pataliputra and it was there that the Buddhist Church became divided into two sects—the Hinayana and the Mahayana. Statement II : Kanishka called the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalvana near Srinagar and Vasumitra was believed to have acted as President. Code :
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Fourth Buddhist Council → Kanishka at Kundalvana (Kashmir), Vasumitra president | Hinayana–Mahayana division → Fourth Council, not Ashoka's Third Council
Consider the following statements Statement I: Mahavira initially joined a group of ascetics called Nirgranthas. Statement II: The sect was founded 200 years earlier by Parsva. Codes
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Mahavira → initially joined the Nirgranthas | NOT: the sect was founded 200 years earlier by Parsva
Which of the following was/were not related to Buddha‟s life? 1. Kanthaka 2. Alara Kalama 3. Channa 4. Goshala Maskariputra Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Not related to Buddha's life → Goshala Maskariputra | Kanthaka → Buddha's horse | Alara Kalama → early teacher | Channa → charioteer
Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? 1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance. 2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul. 3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Jain doctrine → penance surest way to annihilate Karma | Every object, even the smallest particle, has a soul | Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended
Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? [2013]
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Nirvana in Buddhism → extinction of the flame of desire
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Chaitya → place of worship | Vihara → dwelling place of monks
What was the Kutagarashala literally, a hut with a pointed roof?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Kutagarashala → place of intellectual debates among mendicants
Lord Buddha‟s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called „Bhumisparsha Mudra‟. It symbolizes
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Bhumisparsha Mudra → Buddha calling the Earth to witness his purity despite Mara's temptations
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/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 the efficacy of rituals Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Common to Buddhism and Jainism → indifference to Vedic authority | Denial of efficacy of rituals | NOT: avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
The earliest Buddhist literature which deal with the stories of the various birth of Buddha are
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Earliest literature on Buddha's births → Jatakas
The Jainas believe the Jainism is the outcome of the teachings of 24 tirthankaras. In the light of this statement, which one among the following is correct of Vardhamana Mahavira?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Mahavira → last and 24th tirthankara; reformer, not founder of the faith
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Jain philosophy: world created and maintained by → universal law (no creator deity)
Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times? 1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism. 2. Invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists. 3. Kings of the Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Buddhism's early-medieval decline → Buddha considered an incarnation of Vishnu, absorbed into Vaishnavism
In Buddhist principle, the performance of Sila and the achievement of Samadhi and Prajna lead to Nirvana. What does this Sila stand for ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Sila (with Samadhi and Prajna, leading to Nirvana) → physical control
The Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as Turning of the wheel of law‟ at
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Answer B (official UPSC key)First sermon 'Turning of the wheel of law' → Sarnath
In Buddhism, what does Patimokkha stand for?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Patimokkha → rules of the Sangha
Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Anekantavada → Jainism
Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for whom of the following?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Mahamastakabhisheka → Bahubali
With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Jainism → patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela
Consider the following statements : 1. Vardhamana Mahavira's mother was the daughter of Lichchavi chief Chetaka. 2. Gautama Buddha's mother was a princess from the Koshalan dynasty. 3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras. Which of these statements is/are correct?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Buddha's mother (Mahamaya) → Koshalan princess | Parshvanatha, 23rd Tirthankara → Banaras | Mahavira's mother Trishala → sister, not daughter, of Lichchavi chief Chetaka
In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Pavarana → confession by monks of offences during the rainy-season stay
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Gomateshwara statue, Shravana Belagola → Bahubali (son of Rishabhanatha), not the last Tirthankara
Who among the following g presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Presided over Kanishka's Kashmir Buddhist Council → Vasumitra
Assertion (A): The emphasis of Jainism on nonviolence (ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism. Reason (R): Cultivation involved killing of insects and pests.
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Jain ahimsa → prevented agriculturalists embracing Jainism | Cultivation → killing insects and pests | R explains A
The concept of Eight-fold path forms the theme of
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Eight-fold path → theme of Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta
In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara → also known as Padmapani
Which one of the following is not a part of early Jaina literature?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Not early Jaina literature → Therigatha (Buddhist) (of: Therigatha, Acarangasutra, Sutrakritanga, Brihatkalpasutra)
Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? A. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment B. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas C. Denial of efficacy of rituals D. Non-injury to animal life Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1, 2, 3 and 4 2, 3 and 4 1,3 and 4 1 and 2
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Common to Buddhism and Jainism → indifference to Vedic authority, denial of efficacy of rituals, non-injury to animal life | NOT: avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Anuvrata → Jainism
Which one of the following is the most fundamental difference between Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana Buddhism?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Most fundamental Mahayana–Hinayana difference → worship of gods and goddesses (of: the four options)
The last in the succession of Jaina Tirthankaras was
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Last Jaina Tirthankara → Mahavira
The Buddhist sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Mahayana formally came into existence → reign of Kanishka
In Jainism 'perfect knowledge' is referred to as
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Perfect knowledge in Jainism → kaivalya
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called chaityas while the others viharas. What is the difference between the two?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Chaitya → place of worship | Vihara → dwelling place of monks
It is said that of the five doctrines taught by Jainism four were taken over by Mahavira from previous teachers and only one was added by him. Which one of the following was the doctrine added by him?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Doctrine added by Mahavira → Brahmacharya (observe continence)
Which one of the following does not indicate the difference between Mahayanism and Hinayanism?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Not a Mahayana–Hinayana difference → admission of women into monasteries (both admitted women)
The First Buddhist Council met at
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Answer A (official UPSC key)First Buddhist Council → Rajagriha
Jain is differed from Buddhism in which of the following aspects?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Jainism differed from Buddhism → belief in fasting (of: Karma, Ahimsa, fasting, rejection of Yagna)
Match the following : [1989] List I List II A. Chaitya 1. Amaravati B. Stupa 2. Besnagar C. Pillar 3. Karle D. Brick Temples 4. Bhitragaon Select the correct answer from the codes given below: A B C D
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Chaitya → Karle | Stupa → Amaravati | Pillar → Besnagar | Brick Temples → Bhitragaon
Arrange the following Buddhist councils in a chronological order 1. Vaishali 2. Rajagraha 3. Patliputra 4. Sri Nagar The correct order is
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Buddhist councils in order → Rajagraha → Vaishali → Pataliputra → Srinagar
Which of the following can be regarded as the chief contribution of Buddhism to India?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Chief contribution of Buddhism to India → Ahimsa and self-purification (of: the four options)
Match the columns : A. Amarnath : 1. Buddhist caves B. Rock cut temples : 2. Jain saint C. Ajanta : 3. Hindu shrine D. Bahubali: 4. Mahabalipuram Select the correct answer from the codes given below A B C D
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Amarnath → Hindu shrine | Rock cut temples → Mahabalipuram | Ajanta → Buddhist caves | Bahubali → Jain saint
Main preaching‟s of Buddha were in regard to
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Main preachings of Buddha → right faith (thought) and conduct (action)
Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana (enlightenment) → Bodh Gaya
At which place Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Buddha's first sermon → Sarnath
Which of the following is the most important cause for the decline of Buddhism after Ashoka?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Most important cause of Buddhism's decline after Ashoka → licentious practices in Buddhist centres (of: the four options)
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