MCQs Based On Ancient History – (35)

Correct Option: 2. Decline in moral standards among some monks
Explanation: While the inclusion of women in the Buddhist Sangha (Bhikkhuni Sangha) under the Buddha was a progressive step toward gender equality, over time, it led to issues of monastic discipline. Historical sources suggest that, in later centuries, some monks and nuns failed to maintain celibacy, and moral scandals became public. Such incidents eroded the moral authority of Buddhist institutions and created disillusionment among lay followers. The Sangha, once seen as a symbol of purity and righteousness, began to lose respect, weakening the social and moral foundations of Buddhism in India.

Correct Option: 1. Achieving magical power called “Vajra” for salvation
Explanation: Vajrayana Buddhism, which emerged around the 8th century CE under the influence of Guru Padmasambhava, represented a later phase of Buddhist development. It combined elements of Tantric rituals, mysticism, and esotericism. Vajrayana practitioners believed that spiritual enlightenment could be achieved through the mastery of magical and mystical powers known as Vajra (symbolizing indestructibility and spiritual energy). The sect also introduced new deities such as the Taras and placed emphasis on mantras and rituals. Although influential in Tibet and Eastern India, its complex rituals made Buddhism appear mystical and less rational, alienating ordinary followers and contributing to its decline in India.

Correct Option: 1. Sasanka
Explanation: Sasanka, the 7th-century ruler of Bengal (Gauda), was a staunch Shaivite and known for his opposition to Buddhism. Historical accounts suggest that he ordered the destruction of the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. He also reportedly persecuted Buddhist monks and suppressed Buddhist worship in his territory. His actions created an atmosphere of fear and decline for Buddhism in eastern India. Although Emperor Harsha later revived Buddhism to some extent, the damage done by Sasanka’s persecutions had already weakened Buddhist institutions significantly.

Correct Option: 1. Buddhism became more philosophical and less practical
Explanation: In its later stages, particularly under Mahayana and Vajrayana, Buddhism became increasingly intellectual and metaphysical, focusing on abstract ideas such as emptiness (śūnyatā) and cosmic Buddhas. The religion’s earlier simplicity—focused on personal ethics, meditation, and salvation—was overshadowed by scholasticism, rituals, and monastic debates. Ordinary people found it difficult to relate to these complex doctrines. In contrast, Hinduism’s Bhakti movement provided an emotional, personal, and practical path to salvation, making it more accessible and appealing. This philosophical drift distanced Buddhism from everyday life and contributed to its decline among commoners.

Correct Option: 2. Jainism and Buddhism competed for the same followers
Explanation: Both Buddhism and Jainism arose in the same cultural and religious environment as non-Vedic, ascetic traditions that rejected Brahmanical rituals and the caste hierarchy. They appealed primarily to merchants, artisans, and urban populations seeking an alternative to Vedic orthodoxy. However, Jainism managed to adapt better to changing times, maintaining strong regional bases—especially in western and southern India. Its ethical focus on ahimsa (non-violence) and its flexibility in accepting limited ritual practices allowed it to coexist with Hinduism. As Buddhism weakened, many of its followers gravitated toward Jainism, further accelerating Buddhism’s disappearance from India.