- The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
- Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
- Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
Answer: Only two
Notes: The correct answer is [B] Only two. Statements 2 and 3 are correct, while Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Concept of Stupa (Statement 1 – Incorrect): While the Stupa became a quintessential symbol of Buddhism, the concept is not Buddhist in origin. The practice of raising mounds of earth and stone over burial sites (tumuli) existed in India since the Vedic period. The Rigveda mentions the term "stupa" to describe the blaze of Agni or a heap/mound.
- Repository of Relics (Statement 2 – Correct): Stupas were primarily built to house the sacred remains (relics) of the Buddha or other prominent monks. These relics, such as teeth, hair, or bone fragments, were placed in a casket (dhata-garbha) at the core of the structure.
- Votive and Commemorative Structure (Statement 3 – Correct): Beyond being reliquaries, stupas were constructed for diverse purposes. Votive stupas were built by devotees to gain spiritual merit, while commemorative stupas marked significant spots associated with the Buddha’s life or major events in Buddhist history.
