UPSC Prelims PYQ › Ancient & Medieval › Jainism, Buddhism & Sects

Jainism, Buddhism & Sects — UPSC Prelims Ancient & Medieval previous year questions

77 solved previous year questions on Jainism, Buddhism & Sects, papers from 1991 to 2023, drawn from UPPCS, UPSC CSE Prelims, State PCS. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #1UPSC CSE Prelims 1994
   Who built statue at Sravanabelagola?
   • AChamundraya
   • BKrishan- I
   • CKumarpala
   • DTejpala
   Answer: (A) Chamundraya
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct Gomateshwara statue is a monolithic statue of son of first Tirthankar Rishabhanatha. It is a 60 tall statue carved out of a single block of granite. located on Vindhyagiri Hill in Sravanabelagola, in district of Karnataka, India. The statue was the 10th century CE by Chamundraya, a minister of Ganga dynasty. Chamundraya was a Jain, and the statue as a gesture of his devotion to Solution: Option b is the correct was also known as Vishnugupta. The is associated with Chanakya, and it the end of one of his texts. While some scholars to be his actual name and Chanakya a gotra r ! (clan) name, others suggest that it could be a pen name name of an editor

2. #2UPSC CSE Prelims 1991
   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 learningSelect the correct answer using the code given below
   • A1, 2, 3 and 4
   • B3 and 4
   • C1, 2 and 4
   • D1 and 2
   Answer: (C) 1, 2 and 4
   Explanation

   Exp) Option c is the correct l is correctly matched- Lothal is an ancient city Gujarat, India. It was a major port city during the Civilization. The ruins of include an which is one of the earliest known dockyards 2 is con-ectly matched- Sarnath is a town in India. It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, after enlightenment. The ruins of a Buddhist stupa and monastery can be found in Sarnath. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched- The lion capital of Ashoka is located in Sarnath. Pair 4 is correctly matched- Nalanda a town _in Bihar, It was a major center of learning during th_e Gupta Nalanda a famo_us of Bµddhist learning. The ruins of Nalanda University be found in 27 Solution: (b) Exp) Opi'ion b is the c_o.r rect In the Second Major Rock Edict, Ashoka references the South Indian kingdoms of Pandyas, Satyapuras, and Keralaputras. The edict also discusses topi

3. #3UPPCS 2014
   Sir Edwin Arnold book 'The Light of the Asia' is based on
   • ADivavadana
   • BLalitvistar
   • CSuttapitak
   • DAbhidhammapitak
   Answer: (B) Lalitvistar
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Light of Asia is poem by Sir Edwin Arnold, 1879. It is a free adaptation of the Lalitavistara, Buddhisf text that tells the story of the The Lalitavistara is a Sanskrit text that was composed in the 2nd or 3rd century. CE. It is a vast that tells the story of the Buddha's life from his his enlightenment. The Light of Asia is a more accessible version of the Lalitavistara. It tells the the Buddha's life in a way that is appealing to a The poem is divided into 27 cantos, or canto tells a different story about the Buddha's life. is written in blank verse, which means that it does Important Tips Divavadana: The Divavadana is a collection of Buddhist legends. Suttapitaka: The Suttapitaka is the collection of discourses of the Buddha. Abhidhammapitak: The Abhidhammapitak is the collection of philosophical treatises of Buddhism

4. #4UPPCS 2013
   Whowasthelastperson to get enlightenment from Gautam Buddha?
   • AAnand
   • BSariputta
   • CMogglan
   • DSubhadda
   Answer: (D) Subhadda
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct was a wandering ascetic who met the before his death He was impressed by the and asked to be admitted to the order of Buddha agreed, and Subhadda became the last be enlightened by the Buddha. Important Tips Who was Subhadda? Once, there was a wandering monk named Subhadda near Kusinagar. He heard that Buddha was going to pass away soon, and he wanted to meet him. Subhadda had a question he answer himself, so he thought Buddha could help clear his doubts. Subhadda decided to visit the sala tree grove where Buddha was. He asked Venerable Ananda if he could see Buddha. Ananda, however, was concerned about Buddha's tiredness and told Subhadda not to disturb him. Subhadda asked the same question two more times, and each time, Ananda gave the same reply. However, Buddha overheard part of their conversation and called Ananda over. He told Ananda to let Subhadda come, say

5. #5UPPCS 2008
   Svetambara Agama was finally edited at the Jain Council of
   • AVaishali
   • BBalabhi
   • CPawa
   • DPataliputra
   Answer: (D) Pataliputra
   Explanation

   Option d is tlie correct answer. The Svetambara Agamas are the sacred of the Svetambara sect of Jainism They were compiled over a period of time, and the final editing was done at the Jain Council of Pataliputra in century CE. The council was presided over by Devarddhi-gani Kshamashramana, who was a renowned Jain monk

6. #6Previous year
   First Buddhist Conference after the death of Buddha was presided over by: P.P. (Pre) 2000)
   • AMahakashyapa
   • BD harm a sen
   • CAjatashatru
   • DNagasen
   Answer: (A) Mahakashyapa
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct led the first Buddhist council Rajagriha around 483 BC, approximately 90 days final Nirvana. This council was sponsored by and saw the compilation of the Vinay Pitaka Pitaka

7. #7State PCS 2000
   Karmapa Lama belongs to which of the following sects of Tibetan Buddhism?
   • AGelugpa
   • BKagyupa
   • CSakyapa
   • DLingarnapa
   Answer: (B) Kagyupa
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Kannapa Lama is the head of the Kagyupa school Buddhism. The Kagyupa school is one of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for on meditation and the practice of Mahamudra. Important Tips Gclugpa: The Gelugpa school is the largest schoo l of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its emphasis on monasticism and scho larship. Sakyapa: The Sakyapa school is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its emphasis on tantric Buddhism. Nyingmapa: The Nyingmapa school is the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its emphasis on the preservation of ancient texts and practices. Lingamapa: The Lingampa school is a small school of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its emphasis on the practice of Vajrayana Buddhism

8. #8UPPCS 1992
   The standing statue of Gautam Buddha was built in which period?
   • AGupta period
   • BKushana Period
   • CMaurya Period
   • DGuptotar Period
   Answer: (B) Kushana Period
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct standing statue of Gautama Buddha was built in period, which lasted from the 1st to the CE. It is located in Sarnath, Varanasi, The standing statue of Gautama Buddha is one most famous examples of Kushana Buddhist art. It large sculpture that is made of sandstone. The statue as the Buddha standing with his right hand the Abhaya Mudra, which is a gesture of fearlessness. is thought to have been originally located in a Buddhist shrine

9. #9Previous year
   The salvation place of Mahavirji, the originator of Jain religion, is located at: [63rd (Pre.) 2017)
   • AManer
   • BRajgir
   • CPavapuri
   • DJalan Port (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
   Answer: (C) Pavapuri
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct special place where Mahavir Ji, who started salvation is Pavapuri. Pavapuri is in the of Bihar. It's a very important place for Jains where Mahavir Ji was cremated. In Pavapuri, there's called Jal Mandir, which means Water Temple. called Apapuri, meaning a town without sins is really respected by people because it's dedicated Mahavira, the 24th special leader of Jainism

10. #10State PCS 1995
    Who used the caves of Barabar as their i shelter-house?
    • AAjivakas
    • BTharus
    • CJains
    • DTantrikas
    Answer: (A) Ajivakas
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct answer. The Barabar caves are a group of rock-cut caves located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar, India. They were built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The caves are dedicated to the Ajivikas, a sect of Indian ascetics who flourished in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The caves are carved out of sandstone hills and are simple in design. They consist of a single chamber with a square or rectangular plan. The caves are decorated with pillars and pilasters, and some of th em have inscriptions

11. #11State PCS 2004
    Buddhist centre of learning is
    • AVikramshila
    • BVaranasi
    • CGimar
    • DUjjain
    Answer: (A) Vikramshila
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct was a Buddhist university located in Bihar. founded in the late 8 th or early 9th century CE, and one of the most important centers of Buddhist the world. The university attracted students from all and it was known for its rigorous academic standards

12. #12UKPSC 2005
    Which Indian Buddhist had been sent to China in the first century.A.D.?
    • ATsang
    • BAshvaghosha
    • CVasumitra
    • DNagarjuna
    Answer: (D) Nagarjuna
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct was an important person in Kanishka's Tsang thought of him as one of the four great the world. In his book "Madyamik Karika:' about relative ideas. People also call him the Indian In Chinese stories, Nagarjuna went to China about Buddhism

13. #13UPSC CDS 2022
    From among the following Mahajanapadas, identify the gana/sangha (oligarchy)
    • AMagadha
    • BVajji
    • CAvanti
    • DKosala
    Answer: (B) Vajji
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct was a Mahajanapada in ancient India that was its unique political system based on a republican government called "gana" or "sangha." The Vajji an oligarchic system where power shared among of ruling clans or families. It had al? assembly the Vajji Mahasabha, which consisted of various clans and made decisions through a The Vajji sangha is mentioned in Buddhist and as an example of a well-governed republic in Important Tips Few facts about Mabajanpadas: Magadha: Located in present-day Bihar, it was one of the most powerful Mahajanapadas, known for its strategic location and strong political influence. Kosala: Located in present-day Uttar Pradesh,,it was an important Mahajanapada ruled by Prasenajit and later by King Pasenadi. Vajji: Located in present-day Bihar and Nepal, it was a confederation of several tribes known for their republican form of government. Avanti

14. #14UPSC CDS 2018
    The story Gandatindu Jataka was written in which language?
    • ASanskrit
    • BTelugu
    • CTamil
    • DPali
    Answer: (D) Pali
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct answer Gandatindu one of the Jataka stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. tales were written in Pali, which i.s an ancient

15. #15Previous year
    The dialogue on Varna between King Avantiputta and Kachchana, a disciple of Buddha, appears in which one of the following Buddhist texts? [CDS 2018
    • AMajjhima Nikaya
    • BSamyutta Nikaya
    • CAnguttara Nikaya
    • DAmbattha Sutta
    Answer: (A) Majjhima Nikaya
    Explanation

    Option' a is the The dialogue on Varna bet ween King Avantiputta a disciple of Buddha, appears in the The Majjhima Nikaya is a collection of 152 suttas, that are to the Buddha Important Tips dialogue on Varna is a significant text in the histor of Buddhism it challenges the traditional view of the caste system In the dialogue, King Avantiputta asks Kachchana to explain origins of the caste system. Kachchana argues that the caste system is not natural or divinely ordained, but is a social construct that has been by humans. T-he dialogue on Varna is a reminder that Buddhism does not endorse the caste system. In fact, the Buddha taught that all people are equal, regardless of their caste or social status._, Option a is the correct Rigveda is recognized as the oldest religious text world, consisting of ten mandalas. The tenth 191 hymns, and among them is the Surya.sukta, that reflects upon m

16. #16UPSC CDS 2014
    Which one of the following statements about ancient Indian Mahajanapadas is correct?
    • AAll Mahajanapadas were oligarchies where power was exercised by a group of people
    • BAll Mahajanapadas were located in Eastern India
    • CNo army was maintained by the Mahajanapadas
    • DBuddhist and Jaina texts list sixteen Mahaj anapadas
    Answer: (D) Buddhist and Jaina texts list sixteen Mahaj anapadas
    Explanation

    Option cl is the correct were ancient kingdoms or rep ublics in the Indian subcontinent around the 6th The exact number and composition of vary based on different historical sources, but Jaina texts generally list sixteen a is incorrect: While some Mahajanapadas may oligarchies, others had different forms of monarchies and b is incorrect: Mahajanapadas were spread regions of ancient India, including both eastern parts of th e Indian c is incorrect: Mahajanapadas had their own protect their territories and engage in warfare if necessary

17. #17UPSC CDS 2014
    The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the leadership of
    • ABindusara
    • BAshoka
    • CKunal
    • DKanishka
    Answer: (D) Kanishka
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Fourth Buddhist Council is believed to have in the first century CE during the reign of the Kanishka Kanishka was a patron of Buddhism a significant role in its promotion and convened the council in Kashmir to preserve and Buddhist scriptures and teachings. Important Tips The First Buddhist Council took place shortly after the passing of Gautama Buddha, around 483 BCE, in Rajgir, the capital of the Magadha kingdom The Second Buddhist Council was held approximately a century after the First Council, around 383 BCE, in Vaishali. The Third Buddhist Council took place in the 3rd century BCE, around 250 BCE, in Pataliputra (present day Patna)

18. #18UPSC CSE Prelims 2004
    Consider the following statements:22. 1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka. 2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 Only
    • B2 Only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct 1 is incorrect: Fa-Hien did not attend the Buddhist Council held by Kanishka. According to he visited India in the early fifth century after the council took place in the late first or century CE. He did mention that he saw a stupa built Kanishka in Purushapura (Peshawar) and recollected had predicted the birth of a king named he did not witness the council 2 is incon-ect: Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and to be very supportive of Buddhism. According to he was honored by Harsha in his Kanauj and invited to attend the Prayaga assembly. He lavish gifts and protection from Harsha, who by his devotion and knowledge of described Harsha as a generous, virtuous king who worked hard for the welfare __of and promoted Buddhism in his empire

19. #19Previous year
    King Kharavela is reiated to - [43rd. (Pre) 1999)
    • APiller inscription of Gimar
    • BPiller inscription of Junagarh
    • CHathigumpha inscription
    • DSarnath inscription
    Answer: (C) Hathigumpha inscription
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Kharavela is related to the Hathigumpha Hathigumpha inscription, found in the near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is attributed to Jain of the Kalinga kingdom. Dated between the BCE and the 1st century CE, it provides Kharavela's biographical sketch, projeas, military endeavors, society, The inscription is considered a significant for the region

20. #20Previous year
    What is/are correct in reference to Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves? 1. It has both natural and artificial caves. 2. Udayagiri has 18 and Khandagiri has 15 caves. 3. Khandagiri caves are famous for Hathigumpha inscription.Code: [Chhattisgarh PCS (Pre) 2021)
    • A1, 2 and 3
    • B1 and 3
    • C1 and 2
    • DOnly 1
    Answer: (C) 1 and 2
    Explanation

    Option C is the correct I is correct: The Udayagiri and constitute a complex featuring a combination formed and artificially carved caves These utilized as dwelling spaces by Jain monks and carvings and 2 is correct: Udayagiri means "Sunrise has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri, called lena or in these were taken out mostly during the reign for the abode of Jain ascetics. 3 is incorrect: Udayagiri caves and not are famous Hathigumpha inscription which out in Brahmi script. It narrates the achievements Kharavela of the dynasty and provides into the social, political, and cultural aspects India. Important Tips Khandagiri Caves - Features: These caves were renovated during the reign of Uddyotakeshari of the Somvanshi dynasty. Barabhuji Gumpha features Sasana Devis and Tirthankar sculptures. Trushula Gumpha showcases Jain Teerthankars, Rishab Dev. Ambika G

21. #21Previous year
    In travel through India, Fahhien has mentioned a hospital, it was located at- [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019)
    • AUjjain
    • BKaushambi
    • CTamra lip ti
    • DPataliputra
    Answer: (D) Pataliputra
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler India between 399 and 414 CE. He was one of Chinese pilgrims to record his journey to India back Buddhist scriptures and relics to China. He travelogue called A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms, the geography, culture, religion, and society and other countries he Hien has mentioned a hospital at Patliputra, the the Gupta Empire, which was endowed by Fa Hien's account of the hospital at Patliputra is the earliest records of a public health institution in It shows the advanced level of medical science service in India during the Gupta period. He the hospital was well-maintained and had a large beds. The patients were treated free of charge;' Important Tips Important facts about Fa-Hien: Fa-Hien was a Chinese pilgrim who visited India during the period of Chandragupta II. He came to India for his religious mission. He stayed i

22. #22UPSC CSE Prelims 2004
    Who was the last ruler of the Tughluq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate?
    • AFiruz Shah Tughluq
    • BGhiyasuddin Tughluq Shah-II
    • CNasiruddin Mahmud
    • DNusrat Shah
    Answer: (C) Nasiruddin Mahmud
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Fourth Buddhist Council took place in 72 AD ne ar Srinagar, Kashmir, under the King Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty. Vasumitra head of the council, with Asvaghosa as his main goal of the fourth council was to address a between the Gandhara and the from Kashmir. During this council, the beliefs Sarvastivadins were organized into a includ ed three large explanations of the pitakas

23. #23UPPCS 2007
    Kumaradevi, a queen of Govind Chandra Gahadavala, constructed Jaina Vihara at
    • ABodh Gaya
    • BRajgriha j
    • CKushinagar
    • DSarnath
    Answer: (D) Sarnath
    Explanation

    Option dis the correct the queen of Govind Chandra attributed to the construction of the Vihara at Sarnath. This monastery, from the 12th century CE, is situated the Mulagandhakuti Vihara. Though presently in state, the Dharmachakra-Jina Vihara displays architectural composition, including and dwelling cells. It holds historical a creation that bridges the late Gupta and early contribu.t ing to the heritage of Sarnath

24. #24State PCS 1999
    Who among the following had built Sompura Mahavihar? A. Akbar B.Muhammad
    • AKumaragupta-I Tughluq
    • BHarsha C. Iltutmish
    • CDharmapala
    • DVijayasena D. Sher Shah _ 5.: I fl I fl _,_
    Answer: (C) Dharmapala
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Sompura Mahavihar was built by Dharmapala. Buddhist monastery is located in Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh. It 27 acres of land and is one of the largest of the Himalayas. It served as a significant occupied by Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus. Despite of history, it survived and was recognized cultural value, eventually becoming a UNESCO site in 1985. Important Tips Dharmapala 770-810 CE), Pala king: Initially faced defeats from Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas but later expanded Pala empire in northern India. Bengal and Bihar under direct rule; sovereignty recognized by rulers in west, south India, Tibet. Defeated by Pratihara king Nagabhatta near Monghyr Founded attracted students from India, Tibet, translated texts to Tibetan. Established Somapuri monastery, granted 200 villages to Nalanda University. Scholar Santarakshita under his reign united Nagarjuna's Madhya

25. #25State PCS 2011
    Which ruler of Bengal founded the ancient University called 'Vikramshil - '(a) Dharamapala
    • A4, 2 3
    • BGopala
    • CDevpala
    • DMahipala 164. Match list-I with list-II and select t correct
    Answer: (A) 4, 2 3
    Explanation

    Optiona a is the correct ruler of Bengal who founded the ancient was Dharmapala. He was a Pala dynasty P [ ] ruler who reigned from 783 to 820 AD. It is in the present day Bihar district of Bhagalpur. Dharmapala established Vikramshila University in response to a in the level of education at Nalanda. Vikramshila University was an important center of Buddhist learning and attracted students and various parts of India and even from It played a significant role in propagating other disciplines like I -i () t and more. Around 1203 Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar G espjte' S

26. #26UPSC CSE Prelims 2001
    Which among the following ports was called Babul Mecca ( Gate of Mecca) during the Mughal Period?
    • ACalicut
    • BBharuch
    • CCambay
    • DSurat
    Answer: (B) Bharuch
    Explanation

    Option bis the corred plays written during the Sudras speak Prakrit, men and speak Sanskrit. This wa's done to reflect the linguistic diversity of the Indian society and to create between the and the rustic characters. the famous Sanskrit playwrights who used Prakrit in were Kalidasa, Bhasa, Shudraka, and was derived from Sanskrit, the classical and of ancient India, but was simpler and more natural. Important Tips Pali is a Prakrit dialect that was used in early Buddhism. It is the language of the Pali Canon, the collection of Buddhist scriptures. Sauraseni is a Prakrit dialect that was spoken in the region of Saurashtra in northwestern India. It was the language of many of the Sanskrit plays that were written during the Gupta period

27. #27Previous year
    Palitana temple is located near- (UPSC CSE
    • ABhavnagar
    • BMount Abu
    • CNasik
    • DUjjain
    Answer: (D) Ujjain
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct era: This era was founded by King drove the Sakas out of Ujjain in 58 BCE. Hence, is celebrated as a symbol of era: This era was founded by the Saka king Ujjain 137 years after Vikramaditya in 78 CE. also known as the Shalivahana era or the Indian era: This era was founded by the Gupta I, who assumed the imperial title and established the Gupta dynasty in It is also known as the Chandra era or the Golden India Kali era: This era is based on the Hindu cosmological four yugas or ages, of_which Kali Yuga is the last and degenerate one. It to have started at s February BCE, which also considered as when Krishna left the earth. It is often used for and rarely for political ones

28. #28UPSC CSE Prelims 1999
    Consider the following statements The striking feature of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir completed by Zain-ul-Abidin 1. Turret 2. Similarity with Buddhist pagodas 3. Persian styleWhich of the above statements is/are correct?
    • A1 alone
    • B1, 2 and 3
    • C2 and 3
    • D1 and 3
    Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 3
    Explanation

    Option bis the correct I is correct: The turret is one of the features of the Jama Masjid The Masjid total area of 384 x 381 feet and is quadrangular in four turrets. These arc in the middle of each covered with pyramidal roofs. All of the turrets by spacious halls, with bright yellow the mossy brick 2 is correct: The turrets of the Jama Masjid to the turrets found on Buddhist pagodas, which slender structures with a pyramidal 3 is correct: The influence of Persian is observed in various aspects of the mosque's as the arches, decorations, and overall layout, similarities to Persian architectural traditions

29. #29UPPCS 2022
    In which of the following stupas, the features of a platform with 'Aryak-Pillars' are found?
    • AGhantshal
    • BBodhgaya
    • CNagarjunikonda
    • DAmaravati
    Answer: (D) Amaravati
    Explanation

    Option dis the correct features of a platform with 'Aryak-Pillars' are the stupas at Amaravati Stupa is a stupa located in Amaravathi, Palnadu Pradesh, India. The stupa dates back to around century BCE to the 3rd century CE and is known intricate sculptural art and architecture. The platform Amaravati Stupa is made of brick and is surrounded by The railing is decorated with sculptures of and other Buddhist figures. The are located on the corners of the platform. decorated with sculptures of lions, elephants, animals. The 'Aryak-Pillars' are a unique feature Amaravati Stupa. They are believed to have been support the umbrella that once covered the stupa. Important Tips Gandhara School of Art - Major Features: Geographical Presence: Gandhara sculptures discovered in Taxila ruins and other ancient sites in Afghanistan and Pakistan Subject Matter: Primarily Buddha images and relief sculpture

30. #30UPSC CSE Prelims 1997
    Milindapanha is in the form of a dialogue between king Menander and Buddhist monk
    • ANagarjuna
    • BNagabhatta
    • CNagasena
    • DKumarilabhatta
    Answer: (C) Nagasena
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct was a Buddhist monk and scholar who the 2nd century BC. He is famous for his dialogue Menander I, also known as Milinda, who was an ruler of a large empire in northwestern India. is recorded in the Milindap afi.ha, a Buddhist dates from sometime between 100 BC and 200 AD. covers various topics of Buddhist practice, such as the nature of the self, karma, meditation, ethics, and logic. It is written in a engaging style, using parables, analogies, and illustrate the points The Milindapaiiha is regarded as text by the Burmese Theravada tradition, and valuable source of information by other Buddhist school

31. #31UPPCS 2008
    Which one of the following, wrote the famous works 'Ram Chandrika' and 'Rasik- Priya'?
    • AKeshav
    • BMatiram
    • CRaskhan
    • DSenapati
    Answer: (B) Matiram
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct a renowned Jain scholar, adorned the Kumarapala, who was the ruler of the Hemachandra, born in 1088, was a poet, and philosopher. He became an advisor Kumarapala around 1125. During his time in Hemachandra wrote works on politics from a such as "Arhanniti," and produced the "Trishashti-shalaka-purusha-charita" detailing of significant figures in Jainism. His influence led to Jainism becoming the official Gujarat, with bans on animal slaughter and

32. #32UPSC CDS 2023
    Who among the following is the author of the book, Bandi Jivan?
    • ARash Behari Bose
    • B_Veer Savarkar
    • CAruna Asaf Ali
    • DSachindranath Sanyal
    Answer: (D) Sachindranath Sanyal
    Explanation

    Option dis the correct answer, 11 Jivan (A life of Captivity) is the account written by Sachindranath Sanyal was an Indian revolutionary and figure in the Indian independence was one of the founding members of the Association (HRA) and played a significant various revolutionary activities against British I. Solution Option b is the correct Therigatha (Therigatha), often translated as Verses Elder Nuns (Pali: theri: elder (feminine) gatha verses) is a Buddhist text, a collection of short poems of who were elder nuns (having experienced 10 monsoon periods)

33. #33UPSC CDS 2016
    The epic, Silappadikaram refers to the
    • Astory of Rama
    • BJaina elements in the storyline
    • Cculture of Sri Lankan Buddhists
    • Dcult of Shakti worship
    Answer: (B) Jaina elements in the storyline
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct is an ancient Tamil epic that narrates of Kannagi, a virtuous woman who seeks justice husband's wrongful execution. The epic is its portrayal of moral values, social customs, aspects of ancient Tamil society. While it on the story of Kannagi, the epic also of Jainism in its storyline. These Jaina references to Jain philosophy, teachings, and

34. #34UPSC CSE Prelims 2002
    In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the
    • AOccasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamtna and the other on Vinaya
    • BConfession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
    • CCeremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and when yellow robes are offered
    • DGathering 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 rainy season
    Answer: (B) Confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
    Explanation

    Option bis the correct is a Buddhist ceremony held at the end of season retreat (vassavasa). During the rainy are not supposed to travel, so they stay in one meditate. At the end of the rainy season, they and confess any offenses they may have the retreat. The Pavarana ceremony is a way to cleanse themselves of any negative karma have accumulated during the rainy season It is also for them to renew their commitment to the

35. #35UPPCS 2014
    Which of the following religions does not trust in the concept of 'final annihilation of the world'?
    • ABuddhism
    • BJainism
    • CHinduism
    • DIslam
    Answer: (A) Buddhism
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct answer. Assertion is true: Muhammad Tughluq's token currency scheme was unsuccessful. Issuing brass and copper coins with equal value to gold and silver coins led to devaluation. Variations in design and material eroded trust in the currency's value, disrupting trade and causing its failure Reason (R) is true and is correct explanation of Assertion (A}: Muhammad Tughluq's lack of proper control over currency issuance contributed to the failure of his financial measures. He introduced token currency in 1330 due to financial constraints. He issued brass and copper coins with equivalent nomin al value t o gold and silver coins. While aiming to save precious metals and increase circulation, this led to coin devaluation, trade disruption, and counterfeit confusion. Tughluq's attempt to control currency issuance failed, as coins of varying materials and values without s

36. #36UPPCS 2014
    Which of the events of Buddha's life is known as 'Mahabhinishkramana'?
    • AHis death
    • BHis birth
    • CHis departure from home
    • DHis attainment of enlightenment
    Answer: (B) His birth
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and the indicators of Puranas. Matsya Purana list of a Purana. These are called the The topics covered by Purana are as follows: The creation of the world or Cosmogony Cosmogony and cosmology Vansa: - Genealogy of the sages, gods. Cosmic cycles, history of the world during the time of one patriarch Account of royal dynasties dynasty, including the Chandravamshi and Suryavamshi kings Important Tips Puranas: The Puranas are mainly known for the intricate layers of symbolism depicted within their stories. These are mainly composed primarily in Sanskrit, but also in Tamil and other Indian languages. Several Puranas are named after major Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Shakti. The Puranic genre of literature is found in both Jainism and Hinduism

37. #37Previous year
    Yapaniya was the sect of- [ (Pre) 2010)
    • ABuddhist
    • BJainism
    • CShaivists
    • DVaishnavists
    Answer: (B) Jainism
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct was a group in Jainism that existed in 4th to 15th century. It started with the Digambars, also agreed with some ideas of the Shwetambars. to pray to naked statues of the special leaders in

38. #38Previous year
    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 PhilosophersCode: [. (Pre) 2009)
    • A1, 2 and 3
    • B2, 3 and 4
    • C1, 2, 3 and 4
    • D2, 3, 4 and 5
    Answer: (C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct answer. Statement I is correct- Buddhism is a very simple religion. Its teachings are easy to understand and follow, even by people with li mited educatio n. This m ade it app ealing to people from all walks of life. Statement 2 is correct- Buddhism appealed to the Dali ts who were considered to be the lowest caste in the Hindu society. Buddhism offered them a way to escape the discrimination they faced in 3 is correct- Buddhism had a missionary means that Buddhists were encouraged to spread of Buddhism to others. This helped to to new areas. Statement 4 is correct- Buddha spoke in Prakrit, the language people used in India back then. This allowed people easy to learn and understand the Buddhism religion. On the other hand, Vedic Religion uses Sanskrit as a language which was monopoly of the Brahmins. Statement 5 is incorrect- The soundness of Vedic spirit by Phil

39. #39CGPSC 2017
    Who has propounded the doctrine of momentariness?
    • ABuddha
    • BJaina
    • CCharvaka
    • DNyaya (e) None of these
    Answer: (A) Buddha
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Buddha's teaching of impermanence is often as the doctrine of momentariness. This is because taught that the five mental formations, and consciousness) momentary. This means that they are constantly passing away. There is no permanent self or soul that up of these aggregates

40. #40UPSC CAPF 2018
    Who among the following was Buddha's foster mother?
    • APurna
    • BGajalakshmi
    • CMaya
    • DMahapajapati Gotami
    Answer: (D) Mahapajapati Gotami
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Gotami was the foster-mother of the She raised him after his birth mother Maya also became the first woman to seek ordination from and became the first Buddhist nun. Important Tips Purna was one of the chief disciples of the Buddha who was known for his eloquence and teaching skills. He was also the first missionary of Buddhism who went to preach in Sunaparanta, a region in western India. Gajalakshmi was a form of the goddess Lakshmi who was associated with elephants, wealth and prosperity. She was not related to the Buddha or Buddhism

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