Buddhism

Total Questions: 138

91. Which of the following laid the foundation of idol worship in the country? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]

(a) Jainism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Ajivikas
(d) Vedic religion

Correct Answer: (b) Buddhism

Solution:In context of the following, Buddhism laid the foundation of idol worship in the country. The followers of Mahayana primarily started worshipping the idols of Buddha.

92. Name the 'Mudra' which is represented by the Gandharan Buddha image of Sarnarth first Sermon. [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]

(a) Abhaya
(b) Dhyana
(c) Dharm Chakra
(d) Bhumisparsha

Correct Answer: (c) Dharm Chakra

Solution:The Gandharan Buddha image was inspired by Hellenistic realism, tempered by Persian, Scythian and Parthian models. The main subject of this art is based on the life of Buddha. The images consist of Dharma Chakra posture, Meditation posture, Abhaya postures of Gautama Buddha.

93. The standing statue of Gautam Buddha was built in which period ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]

(a) Gupta
(b) Kushana Period
(c) Maurya Period
(d) Guptotar Period

Correct Answer: (b) Kushana Period

Solution:In India, the Gandhara art flourished during the Kushana rule. Particularly Kanishka, the greatest of the Kushanas was a great patron of art and architecture. It was during his reign that Gandhara school of art flourished. Both sitting and standing posture of Buddha's statues were carved out in the Mathura school. The Kushana art of Gandhara is mainly known for the wealth of sculptures recovered from the numerous Buddhist stupas and monasteries.

94. The oldest sculpture of Buddha is made in which style ? [66ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020]

(a) Gandhara Style
(b) Mathura Style
(c) Mauryan Style
(d) Gupta Style
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Correct Answer: (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Solution:During the Kushana period various statues of Buddha and Bodhisatva (both in standing and sitting position) were made in Mathura and Gandhara style. As per V.S. Agrawal, Buddh statues were first made in Mathura only. As per Huein Tsang first Buddha's statue was made in Kaushambi but various other historian gives credit to Gandhara style for first statue of Buddha. Hence it can not be said conclusively where first statue of Buddha was made.

95. Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ;' Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes. [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2012]

(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.

Correct Answer: (b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

Solution:In Bhumisparsha Mudra, Buddha is seen seated with his right hand as a pendant over the right knee stretching towards the ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne. The left hand can be seen with the palm upright in his lap. This gesture represents the moment of the Buddha's awakening as he claims the earth as the witness of his enlightenment just before he relized enlightenment. It is believed that the demon Mara tried to frighten hi with the armies of demons which represents the defeat of Mara and his demonic army by Buddha.

96. Sarnath Buddha image of Bhumisparsha Mudra belongs to - [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]

(a) Maurya period
(b) Shunga period
(c) Kushana period
(d) Gupta period

Correct Answer: (d) Gupta period

Solution:The Bhumisparsha Mudra of Gautama Buddha at Sarnath belongs to the Gupta period. This mudra represents steadfastness. The "Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya" also is associated with the earth witness mudra because he was immovable in keeping a vow never to feel anger or disgust at others. The mudra also symbolizes the union of skilful means (upaya), symbolized by the left hand on the lap in a meditation posture.

97. Sarnath Buddha image of Bhumi sparsh mudra belongs to - [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010, U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010]

(a) Kushan period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Vardhana period
(d) Rajput period

Correct Answer: (b) Gupta period

98. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs : [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]

List-I	List-II
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

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Solution:Upasaka are lay followers of Buddhism who are not monks. Parivrajaka literally means male renunciant & wanderer. Buddhist Bhikkhu is Primarily a parivrajaka. A Shramana is a wandering monk in certain ascetic traditions, including Jainism, Buddism & Ajvikism.

99. Which one of the following rulers did not contribute towards the expansion of Buddhism? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]

(a) Harshavardhan
(b) Kanishka
(c) Ashoka
(d) Pushyamitra Shunga

Correct Answer: (d) Pushyamitra Shunga

Solution:Pushyamitra Shunga (184-149 BCE) was the founder and the first ruler of the Shunga empire in east India. Pushyamitra was originally a "General" of the Mauryan Empire. In 184 BCE he assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha and proclaimed himself emperor. Buddhist texts state that Pushyamitra cruelly persecuted the Buddhist.

100. Assertion (A) : Kushinagar was the capital of Malla Republic. [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]

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.

Correct Answer: (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Solution:Kaushinagar was the capital of Malla and also one of the sixteen Mahajanpadas of the 6ᵗʰ century B.C. Lord Buddha's Mahaparinirvana took place in Kushinagar.

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