Q1. Which ruler is associated with distributing the relics of Buddha and constructing stupas over them?
- Bimbisara
- Ajatashatru
- Ashoka
- Kanishka
Correct Option: 3. Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE), after embracing Buddhism, played a vital role in spreading it across India and beyond. According to the Ashokavadana (a Buddhist text), he collected the relics of the Buddha and redistributed them to build 84,000 stupas throughout his empire.
This act symbolized the universal presence of Buddha’s teachings.
The Lumbini pillar inscription also confirms that Ashoka visited Lumbini to commemorate the Buddha’s birth. His patronage transformed Buddhism from a regional sect into a pan-Indian and international faith.
Q2. The Harmika in a stupa represents:
- The relic chamber
- The railing around the mound
- The abode of gods
- The umbrella of protection
Correct Option: 3. The abode of gods
Explanation: A stupa is a hemispherical mound built to enshrine sacred relics. Its key architectural parts include:
• Anda – The dome or mound symbolizing the world mountain (Meru).
• Harmika – A square railing or platform at the top of the dome representing the heavenly realm or abode of gods.
• Yashti – The central pillar or mast arising from the harmika.
• Chhatra (umbrella) – Symbol of royal dignity and spiritual protection.
• Vedika (railing) – Separates the sacred and secular areas.
This architectural symbolism mirrors Buddhist cosmology, linking earth, heaven, and enlightenment.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a reason for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism?
- Reaction of Kshatriyas against Brahmanical dominance
- Support of Vaishyas seeking social uplift
- Desire for animal sacrifice in agriculture
- Common people’s acceptance of simple and ethical life
Correct Option: 3. Desire for animal sacrifice in agriculture
Explanation: In the 6th century BCE, socio-economic and political changes led to the emergence of new religions like Buddhism and Jainism.
Reasons for their rise include:
• Kshatriya reaction: Opposition to Brahmanical rituals and hierarchy.
• New agrarian economy: Encouraged preservation of animals essential for ploughing and transport.
• Support from Vaishyas: Merchants and traders favored non-violence, equality, and peace, conducive to trade.
• Commoners’ attraction: Simplicity, moral conduct, and equality appealed to the masses.
Hence, the idea of animal sacrifice contradicted the agrarian and ethical values of the time.
Q4. The Eightfold Path in Buddhism is also known as:
- Triratna
- Ashtangika Marga
- Panchsila
- Dasa Dhamma
Correct Option: 2. Ashtangika Marga
Explanation: The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) provides a practical guideline for achieving liberation (Nirvana). It is divided into three ethical and mental disciplines:
(1) Prajna (Wisdom): Right View, Right Intention.
(2) Sila (Moral Conduct): Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood.
(3) Samadhi (Concentration): Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.
The path avoids extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification — hence called the Middle Path (Majjhima Patipada).
Q5. Which of the following places is correctly matched with the event in Buddha’s life?
- Sarnath – Birth
- Bodh Gaya – Enlightenment
- Kusinagara – First Sermon
- Lumbini – Death
Correct Option: 2. Bodh Gaya – Enlightenment
Explanation: The Four Great Sites (Chaturmahapratiharya) in the life of the Buddha are:
1. Lumbini (Nepal) – Birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.
2. Bodh Gaya (Bihar) – Attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
3. Sarnath (UP) – Delivered the First Sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartana).
4. Kusinagara (UP) – Attained Mahaparinirvana (death).
These became major Buddhist pilgrimage centres, each marked by stupas and monuments built by Ashoka and later dynasties.