1. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with a hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes. (UPSC 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 this life is transitory.
d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context.
Answer. b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara.
2. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? (UPSC 2013)
a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
d) There is no material difference between the two
Answer. b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
3. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? (UPSC 2013)
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
Answer. a) The extinction of the flame of desire;
The extinction of the flame of desire describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism.
4. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? (UPSC 2014)
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
Answer. c) 3 and 4 only
5. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. b) 2 and 3 only
6. Which reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (UPSC 2018)
a) Avalokiteshvara
b) Lokesvara
c) Maityera
d) Padmapani
Answer. c) Maityera
7. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Trading 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
Answer. d) 1, 2 and 3
8. Concerning the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term paramitas? (UPSC 2019)
a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts are written in an 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
Answer. c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
9. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. 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 above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. b) 2 and 3 only
10. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist center under the Mahasanghikas, located? (UPSC 2023)
a)Andhra
b)Gandhara
c) Kalinga
d) Magadha
Answer. a)Andhra
11. Concerning ancient India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2023)
1. The concept of the Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in the Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Answer. b) Only two
12. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times? (UPSC 2010)
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
Answer. a) 1 only
Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times because Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism. And other two statements are false.
13. In which State is the Buddhist site Tabo Monastery located? (UPSC 2009)
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Sikkim
d) Uttarakhand
Answer. b) Himachal Pradesh
14. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2006)
1. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer. b) 2 only
The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were supporters of Buddhism. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
15. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? (UPSC 2006)
a) Vikramsila Monastery: Uttar Pradesh
b) Hemkund Gurudwara : Himachal Pradesh
c) Udayagiri Caves: Maharashtra
d) Amaravati Buddhist Stupa: Andhra Pradesh
Answer. d)Amaravati Buddhist Stupa: Andhra Pradesh
Vikramsila Monastery: Bihar
Hemkand Gurudware: Uttaranchal
Udayagiri: Orissa
16. Concerning the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
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
Answer. b)
Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Buddhism.
Sarvastivadin is an early realist school of Buddhism that believes in the existence of all materials, mental, and other elements in the Present, past, and future. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
Sautrantika and Sammitiya sub-sects emerged within the Sarvastivadin. Sautrantika is who follows the sutras ( the word of Budhha).
17. Consider the following pairs : (UPSC 2023)
The site is 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?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Answer. b) Only two
Besnagar is also known as Vidisha and it is in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for the Vishnu idol.
Bhaja caves are located in Pune, Maharashtra. This cave belongs to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Sittanavasal cave is located in the Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, it belonged to Jainism.
18. Concerning Indian history, consider the following pairs: Historical person Known as : (UPSC 2022)
1. Aryadeva – Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga – Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamuni – Vaishnava scholar.
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
a) None of the pairs
b) Only one pair
c) Only two pairs
d) All three pairs
Answer. (c) Only two pairs
Aryadeva was a Mahayana Buddhist monk and Buddhist Philosopher.
Dignaga was a Buddhist scholar and he was the founder of Hetu Vidya( reason or logic knowledge).
Nathamuni was a Vaishnava scholar who was also known as Sri Ranganathamuni.
19. In which state of India the largest number of Buddhists is found?
a) Bihar
b) Karnataka
c) Maharashtra
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer. c) Maharashtra
20. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir? (UPSC 2001)
a) Parsva
b) Nagarjuna
c) Sudraka
d) Vasumitra
Answer. d) Vasumitra
21. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2003)
1. Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavio chief Chetaka.
2. Gautam Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Koshalan Dynasty
3. Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthanakra, belonged to Banaras.
Which one of the statements is/are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 1,2 and 3
Answer. c) 2 and 3
Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the sister of Lichchhavio chief Chetaka, so one statement is wrong.
Gautam Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Koshalan Dynasty, and he spent his most of the time teaching ( 12 years ) in Kosala Mahajanpada.
Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankra, belonged to Banaras. The symbol of lord Parshvanatha is the snake.
22. Which of the following is not one of the truths among the four noble truths of Buddhism philosophy?
a) The truth of love
b) The truth of Suffering
c) The truth of the cause of suffering
d) The truth of the cessation of suffering
Answer. a) The truth of love
The four Noble (great) truths of Buddhism Philosophy:
The following are four noble truths:
The truth of Suffering (Dukha): the world is full of sorrow and misery.
The truth of the cause of suffering: The cause of all pain and misery is desire and attachment.
The truth of the cessation of suffering: Pain and misery can be ended by killing or controlling the desire.
The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering: Desire can be controlled by following the eight-fold paths or Astanamarg.
23. Kalachakra is associated with which religion?
a) Hinduism
b) Jainism
c) Buddhism
d) Judaism
Answer. c) Buddhism
Kalachakra ( the wheel of Time) is practiced by the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, mostly in the Gelug lineage. The main tantric practice of Kalachakra is the Jonang school.
24. "Tripitaka" scripture is associated with which religion?
a) Hinduism
b) Jainism
c) Buddhism
d) Judaism
Answer. c) Buddhism
"Tripitaka" scripture is associated with the Buddhism religion. It is comprised of three Buddhist literatures namely Sutpitaka, Vinayapitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. Pali language is used in Tripitaka literature.
Sutpitaka contains a collection of Sermons of Gautam Buddha.
Vinayapitaka contains the conduct of Buddhist monks.
Abhidhamma Pitaka contains the Buddhist philosophy.
25. Which of the following propounded the Philosophy of "Eightfold Path ( Ashtanga Marga)"?
a) Parashvanatha
b) Mahavir Swami
c) Shankaracharya
d) Gautam Buddha
Answer. d) Gautam Buddha propounded the Philosophy of the "Eightfold Path ( Ashtanga Marga)".
26. Who was the chairman of the first Buddhist Council?
a) Ajatashatru
b) Moggaliputta Tisaa
c) Mahakasyapa
d) Sabakami
Answer. c) Mahakasyapa presided over the first Buddhist Buddhist council.
1st Buddhist Councils: ( 400 BC)
Place: Sattapanni caves in Rajgirha
Under King Ajatashatru.
President: Monk Mahakasyapa
Tipitaka complied
2nd Buddhist Councils:( 383 BC)
Place: Vaishali
King: Kalashoka
President: Monk Sabakami
Two sects emerged;
First: Theravada ( conservative thinkers) later become Hinayana. It is also called HinaSanghic
Second: Mahasamghikas later become Mahayana
3rd Buddhist Councils( 250 BC):
Place: Pataliputra
king: Ashoka
President: Monk Moggaliputta Tisaa
4th Buddhist Council( 72 AD):
Place: Kashmir
King: Kanishka
President: Vasumitra and Ashaghosha
Hinayana ( means small vehicles) and Mahayana ( means great vehicles)sects emerged.
27. The third Buddhist Council was held under the presidency of?
a) Ajatashatru
b) Moggaliputta Tisaa
c) Mahakasyapa
d) Sabakami
Answer. b) Moggaliputta Tisaa presided over the third Buddhist council.
28. The first Buddist Council was held at?
a) Rajgriha
b) Vallabhi
c) Pataliputra
d) Vaishali
Answer. a) Rajgriha was the venue of the first Buddhist Council
29. The second Buddist Council was held at?
a) Kashmir
b) Vallabhi
c) Pataliputra
d) Vaishali
Answer. d) Vaishali was the venue of the second Buddhist Council.
30. The third Buddist Council was held at?
a) Kashmir
b) Vallabhi
c) Pataliputra
d) Vaishali
Answer. c) Pataliputra was the venue of the third Buddhist Council.
31. The fourth Buddist Council was held at?
a) Kashmir
b) Vallabhi
c) Pataliputra
d) Vaishali
Answer. a) Kashmir was the venue of the third Buddhist Council.
32. Bodhisattva concept is related to which sect of Buddhism?
a) Hinayana
b) Mahayana
c) Vajrayana
d) Kalachkra
Answer. b) Mahayana
About Bodhisattvas:
Bodhisattva is the person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so through compassion for suffering beings.
Important Bodhisattvas are Avalokitesvars ( Padmapani), Manjuri, Samantabhadra, Ksitifarbha, Maitreya, Vajrapani, Sadaparibhuta, Akasagarbha.
Avalokitesvars ( Padmapani) is said to incarnate in Dalai Lama. The cave wall painting of Avalokitesvars ( Padmapani) is devoted to Ajanta Cave. It is depicted as a Female.
Majusri is the manifestation of great wisdom and meditation. Manjuri is depicted as a male bodhisattva with a flaming sword in his right hand.
Ksitigarbha means Earth Womb.
Maitreya is future Budhha, he is also known as Ajita Bodhisattva.
33. Which of the following is true about the Hinayana teaching of Buddhism?
a) Gautam Buddha is greater than God. So follow him.
b) Be your own guide in life and focus on Individual salvation.
c) Promote the idol worship of Gautama Buddha.
d) Seek the grace of Buddhism for salvation.
Answer. b) Be your own guide in life and focus on Individual salvation.
The Hinayana sect of Buddhism:
The meaning of Hinayana is Lesser Vehicle. They believe in Buddha as an ordinary person and focus on individual salvation ( through self-discipline and meditation) by following the original teaching of Buddha.
Hinayana believes in the future Buddha (named Maitreya) that is yet to come to save the world.
This sect believed Gautma Budhha was a great person, not God. This sect does not believe in idol worship.
Pali is the main language used by Hinayana.
The follower of the Hinayana sect is mainly found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Subsects of Hinayana Buddhism are Vaibhasika and Sautantrika.
34. When did Gautam Buddha born? ( MPPSC)
a) 563 B.C
b) 558 B. C
c) 561 B.C
d) 544 B.C
Answer. a) 563 B.C
Gautam Buddha was the founder of the Buddhism Sect.
Birth: 563 B. C.
Birth Place: Lumbini, Kapilvastu (Nepal)
Childhood name: Siddharth
Father name: Suddodhana ( Head of Sakya Gan in Vajii Mahajanpada).
Mother Name: Maya Devi ( Princess of Kosal ( Koliya) king)
35. What was the childhood name of Gautama Budhha?
a) Rahul
b) Siddharth
c) Suddodhana
d) Vardhamana
Answer. b) Siddharth
36. Mother of the Gautama Buddha ( Maya Devi) belonged to which clan?
a) Shakya clan
b) Maya clan
c) Lichchhavi clan
d) Koliye clan
Answer. d) Koliye clan
Mother Name: Maya Devi ( Princess of Kosal ( Koliya) king)
37. Father of the Gautama Buddha ( Suddodhna ) belonged to which clan?
a) Shakya clan
b) Maya clan
c) Lichchhavi clan
d) Koliye clan
Answer. a) Shakya clan
Father name: Suddodhana ( Head of Skakya Gan in Vajii Mahajanpada).
38. Which event of Gautam Budha is known as Mahabhishkramana or Great Renunciation?
a) Birth
b) Leaving Home
c) Enlightenment
d) Death
Answer. b) Leaving Home
The following are important events related to Buddha's life and its symbol:
Buddha's Birth is symbolized by Lotus and Bull.
He left home at 29 years of age. This event was known as Mahabhishkramana or Great Renunciation. The horse is the symbol of Mahabhishkramana.
He got enlightenment under the Bodhi tree ( Peepal tree) in Bodhgaya after 6 years of penance ( Tapsya) at the age of 35 years. Bodhgaya was one place of Magadh Mahajanpada, and now it is in Bihar. He got enlightenment on the bank of the Falgu River in Purnima ( full moon). Enlightenment is also known as Nirvana which means the extinction of the flame of desire, it is symbolized by Bodhi Tree.
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the place in Kashi Mahajanpada. Now, it is Varanasi. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, it is symbolized by a Wheel.
Gautam Buddha died in Kushinagar the capital of Malla Mahajanpada. This event is also known as Parinirvana or Mahanirvana, it is symbolized by Stupa.
The first women's name was Prajapati Gautmi who become part of Baudh Monk.
Most sermons of Gautam Budha were in Kosal Mahajanpada (mother's home). He spent 21 years in the Koshal Kingdom.
The last sermon was given to Subhdad in Kushinagar.
39. At what age Gautam Buddha left home for Nirvana?
a) 28
b) 29
c) 30
d) 35
Answer. b) 29;
He left home at 29 years of age. This event was known as Mahabhishkramana or Great Renunciation. The horse is the symbol of Mahabhishkramana.
40. At what age Gautam Buddha got Nirvana (enlightenment)?
a) 28
b) 29
c) 30
d) 35
Answer. d) 35;
He got enlightenment under the Bodhi tree ( Peepal tree) in Bodhgaya after 6 years of penance ( Tapsya) at the age of 35 years. Bodhgaya was one place of Magadh Mahajanpada, and now it is in Bihar. He got enlightenment on the bank of the Falgu River in Purnima ( full moon). Enlightenment is also known as Nirvana which means the extinction of the flame of desire, it is symbolized by Bodhi Tree.
41. Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the Sarnath was located in which Mahajanpada?
a) Vajji
b) Magadha
c) Kashi
d) Kosal
Answer. c) Kashi
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the place in Kashi Mahajanpada. Now, it is Varanasi. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, it is symbolized by a Wheel.
42. The First Sermon of Gautam Buddha is known as?
a) Nirvana
b) Dharma Chakra Parivartan
c) Mahabhishkramana
d) Mahaparinirvana
Answer. b) Dharma Chakra Parivartan
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the place in Kashi Mahajanpada. Now, it is Varanasi. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, it is symbolized by a Wheel.
43. Which event of Gautama Buddha is symbolized as the Wheel?
a) Nirvana
b) Dharma Chakra Parivartan
c) Mahabhishkramana
d) Mahaparinirvana
Answer. b) Dharma Chakra Parivartan
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the place in Kashi Mahajanpada. Now, it is Varanasi. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, it is symbolized by a Wheel.
44. The birthplace of Gautam Buddha is?
a) Kapilvastu
b) Vaishali
c) Lumbini
d) Vallabhi
Answer. c) Lumbini
Birth: 563 B. C.
Birth Place: Lumbini, Kapilvastu (Nepal)
Childhood name: Siddharth
Father name: Suddodhana ( Head of Sakya Gan in Vajii Mahajanpada).
Mother Name: Maya Devi ( Princess of Kosal ( Koliya) king)
Caretaker mother: Prajapati Gautami ( Maternal Aunt)
Wife: Yashodhara
Son: Rahul
Cousin brother's name: Devadatt
Other names for Gautam Buddha are Tathagat and Shakya Muni.
45. Which of the following is not another name for Gautam Buddha?
a) Siddharth
b) Tathagat
c) Shakya Muni
d) Prachhann Baudh
Answer. d) Prachhann Baudh is the other name of Sankracharya.
The childhood name of Gautam Buddha is Siddharth.
Other names for Gautam Buddha are Tathagat and Shakya Muni.
46. "Rummindei pillar" of Ashoka give us information about?
a) Birthplace of Buddha
b) Nirvana of Buddha
c) First Sermon of Buddha
d) Mahaparinirvana of Buddha
Answer. a) Birthplace of Buddha
After 12 years of his reign, Ashoka went to Lumbani, and the Rummindei pillar provide us the Birthplace of Buddha which is Lumbini.
47. Pillar edict of which king provides us about the birthplace of Gautama Buddha?
a) Ashoka
b) Kanishka
c) Harsh
d) Dharmpal
Answer. a) Ashoka;
After 12 years of his reign, Ashoka went to Lumbani, and the Rummindei pillar provide us the Birthplace of Buddha which is Lumbini.
48. Gautam Budha attain Nirvana in which place?
a) Lumbini
b) Sarnath
c) Bodhgaya
d) Kushinagar
Answer. c) Bodhgaya
Buddha's Birth is symbolized by Lotus and Bull.
He left home at 29 years of age. This event was known as Mahabhishkramana or Great Renunciation. The horse is the symbol of Mahabhishkramana.
He got enlightenment under the Bodhi tree ( Peepal tree) in Bodhgaya after 6 years of penance ( Tapsya) at the age of 35 years. Bodhgaya was one place of Magadh Mahajanpada, and now it is in Bihar. He got enlightenment on the bank of the Falgu River in Purnima ( full moon). Enlightenment is also known as Nirvana which means the extinction of the flame of desire, it is symbolized by Bodhi Tree.
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the place in Kashi Mahajanpada. Now, it is Varanasi. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, it is symbolized by a Wheel.
Gautam Buddha died in Kushinagar the capital of Malla Mahajanpada. This event is also known as Parinirvana or Mahanirvana, it is symbolized by Stupa.
The first women's name was Prajapati Gautmi who become part of Baudh Monk.
Most sermons of Gautam Budha were in Kosal Mahajanpada (mother's home). He spent 21 years in the Koshal Kingdom.
The last sermon was given to Subhdad in Kushinagar.
49. Gautam Budha gave his first sermon in which place?
a) Lumbini
b) Sarnath
c) Bodhgaya
d) Kushinagar
Answer. b) Sarnath
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the place in Kashi Mahajanpada. Now, it is Varanasi. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, it is symbolized by a Wheel.
50. Where did Gautam Budha attain Mahanirvana?
a) Lumbini
b) Sarnath
c) Bodhgaya
d) Kushinagar
Answer. d) Kushinagar
Gautam Buddha died in Kushinagar the capital of Malla Mahajanpada. This event is also known as Parinirvana or Mahanirvana, it is symbolized by Stupa.
51. What is the symbol of Buddha's Birth?
a) Horse
b) Lotus
c) Bodhi Tree
d) Stupa
Answer. b) Lotus
Buddha's Birth is symbolized by Lotus and Bull.
52. What is the symbol of the Mahabhishkramana or the Great Renunciation event of Buddha's life?
a) Horse
b) Lotus
c) Bodhi Tree
d) Stupa
Answer. a) Horse
He left home at 29 years of age. This event was known as Mahabhishkramana or Great Renunciation. The horse is the symbol of Mahabhishkramana.
53. What is the symbol of the Nirvana or Enlightenment event of Buddha's life?
a) Chakra ( Wheel)
b) Lotus
c) Bodhi Tree
d) Stupa
Answer. c) Bodhi Tree
He got enlightenment under the Bodhi tree ( Peepal tree) in Bodhgaya after 6 years of penance ( Tapsya) at the age of 35 years. Bodhgaya was one place of Magadh Mahajanpada, and now it is in Bihar. He got enlightenment on the bank of the Falgu River in Purnima ( full moon). Enlightenment is also known as Nirvana which means the extinction of the flame of desire, it is symbolized by Bodhi Tree.
54. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, what is the symbol of it?
a) Chakra ( Wheel)
b) Lotus
c) Bodhi Tree
d) Stupa
Answer. a) Chakra ( Wheel)
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath, the place in Kashi Mahajanpada. Now, it is Varanasi. The First Sermon of Gautam Budhha was known as Dharma Chakra Parivartan, it is symbolized by a Wheel.
55. Gautam Budhha was born in which Mahajanpada ( Kingdome )?
a) Vajji
b) Magadha
c) Kashi
d) Malla
Answer. a) Vajji
Lumbini ( Nepal) was located in Vajji Mahajanpada, the Capital of Vajji Mahajanpaad was Vaishali.
56. Gautam Budhha got Nirvana (Enlightenment) in which Mahajanpada ( Kingdome)?
a) Vajji
b) Magadha
c) Kashi
d) Malla
Answer. b) Magadha;
Bodhgaya is the Nirvana Place of Gautam Budha. Bodhgaya was located in Magadha Janpada, and the capital of Magatha Mahajanpada was Patliputra.
57. Gautam Budhha got Parinirvana (death) in which Mahajanpada ( Kingdome)?
a) Kosala
b) Magadha
c) Kashi
d) Malla
Answer. d) Malla
Kushinagar is the Parinivana place of Buddha, it was the capital of Malla Mahajanpada.
58. Gautam Buddha gave the first sermon in which Mahajanpada ( Kingdom)?
a) Kosala
b) Magadha
c) Kashi
d) Malla
Answer. c) Kashi;
Sarnath was located in Kashi Mahajanpada.
59. Who was the last disciple( Student) of Gautam Buddha?
a) Ananda
b) Vasumitra
c) Goshala
d) Subhadda
Answer. d) Subhadda was the last disciple or student of Gautam Buddha.
60. Who was Alara Kalama?
a) Disciple of Buddha
b) Guru of Buddha
c) First Monk of Buddha
d) The first women monk of Buddhism
Answer. b) Guru of Buddha
The two main teachers of Gautma Buddha were Alara Kalama ( Philospher of Samkhya philosophy ) and Uddaka Ramaputta.
61. Who was Uddaka Ramaputta?
a) Disciple of Buddha
b) Guru of Buddha
c) First Monk of Buddha
d) The first women monk of Buddhism
Answer. b) Guru of Buddha
62. Gautam Buddha gave maximum sermons in which Mahajanpada ( Kingdome)?
a) Kosala
b) Magadha
c) Kashi
d) Malla
Answer. a) Kosala
Gautam Buddha gave maximum sermons for 12 years in Shravasti, the capital of the Kosal kingdom.
Udayan was king of Shravasti during the Buddha time.
63. Saptaparni cave is situated in which place?
a) Vaishali
b) Rajagriha
c) Nalanda
d) Pawapuri
Answer. b) Rajagriha;
Saptaparni cave is located in Rajgriha where the first Buddhist council was organized.
64. Who was the president of the Fourth Buddhist Council?
a) Vashumitra
b) Moggaliputta Tisaa
c) Mahakasyapa
d) Sabakami
Answer. a) Vashumitra;
The fourth Buddhist council happened in Kundalvan ( Kashmir) under the patronage of Kushana king Kanishka. Vashumitra was the president of this council.
The Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged in the fourth Buddhist council.
65. Under which king, the Mahayana sects of Buddhism emerged?
a) Ajatshatru
b) Ashoka
c) Dharmpal
d) Kanishka
Answer. d) Kanishka
66. Arrange the following place in the chronological order of their occurrence of Buddhist Council?
1. Vaishali
2. Rajgriha
3. Kundalvan
4. Pataliputra
Codes:
a) 1,2,3,4
b) 4,3,2,1
c) 2,1,3,4
d) 2,1,4,3
Answer. d) d) 2,1,4,3;
First Buddhist Council: Rajagriha ( Magadha Capital)
Second Buddhist Council: Vaishali ( Vajji Capital))
Third Buddhist Council: Patliputra ( Magadha Capital)
Fourth Buddhist Council: Kundalvan, Kashmir.
67. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
a) First Buddhist Council: Bimbisara
b) Second Buddhist Council: Kalashoka
c) Third Buddhist Council: Ashoka
d) Fourth Buddhist Council: Kanishka
Answer. a) First Buddhist Council: Bimbisara ( Ajatshatru).
68. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
List-I ( Event of Buddha): List-II ( Place)
a) Birth: Lumbani
b) Nirvana: Bodhgaya
c) First Sermon: Pawapuri
d) Parinirvana: Kishinagar
Answer. c) First Sermon: Pawapuri
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath ( Kashi).
69. Match the following:
List-I ( Event of Buddha): List-II ( Symbol)
A. Birth 1. Bodhi Tree
B. First Sermon 2. Wheel
C. Parinirvana 3. Horse
D. Great Renunciationon 4. Lotus
Codes:
A B C D
a) 1 2 3 4
b) 4 3 2 1
c) 3 4 1 2
d) 4 2 1 3
Answer. d) 4 2 1 3
70. Gautam Budhha got Nirvana or Enlightenment on the bank of which river?
a) Ganga River
b) Niranjana River
c) Ghaghara river
d) Son river
Answer. b) Niranjana River ( falgu river).
71. Who was the Cousin brother of Buddha?
a ) Mallic
b) Tapasso
c) Ananda
d) Devdatta
Answer. d) Devdatta
Devdatta was the cousin and brother of Buddha.
Mallic and Tapasso were the first two disciples of Buddha.
Ananda was the beloved disciple of Buddha.
72. To whom was Gautam Buddha nominated as the leader of Baudh monks after his death?
a) Ananda
b) Tapasso
c) Mahakassap
d) None
Answer. d) None;
No one was nominated as the leader by Gautam Buddha.
73. Where did the first Women become Buddhist monks?
a) Shravasti
b) Vaishali
c) Rajgriha
d) Kushinagar
Answer. b) Vaishali;
74. Which of the following literature is the collection of the teaching of Buddha?
a) Vinay Pitaka
b) Sutta Pitaka
c) Abhidhamma Pitana
d) Jataka Katha
Answer. b) Sutta Pitaka
"Tripitaka" scripture is associated with the Buddhism religion. It is comprised of three Buddhist literatures namely Sutpitaka, Vinayapitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. Pali language is used in Tripitaka literature.
Sutpitaka contains a collection of Buddha teaching; In Sutta Pitana, the name of sixteen (16) Mahajanpada was mentioned.
Vinayapitaka contains the conduct of Buddhist monks.
Abhidhamma Pitaka contains the Buddhist philosophy.
75. Which of the following literature contains the conduct of Buddhist monks?
a) Vinaya Pitaka
b) Sutta Pitaka
c) Abhidhamma Pitana
d) Jataka Katha
Answer. a) Vinaya Pitaka
76. Which of the following literature contains Buddhist Philosophy?
a) Vinaya Pitaka
b) Sutta Pitaka
c) Abhidhamma Pitana
d) Jataka Katha
Answer. c) Abhidhamma Pitana
77. The "Stupa" word was first mentioned in which text?
a) Vinaya Pitaka
b) Sutta Pitaka
c) Abhidhamma Pitana
d) Riga Veda
Answer. d) Riga Veda
78.
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