1. Which Maurya emperor is credited with promoting the spread of Buddhism in Gujarat?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bindusara
[C] Samprati
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ashoka]
Notes:
Buddhism spread in Gujarat during the Maurya Dynasty, especially under Emperor Ashoka, who patronized and facilitated its growth in the region.
2. Which sacred mountain near Junagadh in Gujarat is revered by Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism?
[A] Mount Abu
[B] Mount Girnar
[C] Ambaji Hill
[D] Palitana Hills
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Correct Answer: B [Mount Girnar]
Notes:
Mount Girnar in Gujarat, near Junagadh, is a sacred mountain revered in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, believed to resemble the face of a sleeping Lord Shiva, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
3. During whose reign did Buddhism receive significant royal patronage in the Ikshvaku Kingdom of Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Ehuvula Chamtamula
[B] Rudrapurushadatta
[C] Virapurushadatta
[D] Mathariputra
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Correct Answer: C [Virapurushadatta]
Notes:
Virapurushadatta (c. 270–310 CE) of the Ikshvaku dynasty from Andhra Pradesh patronized Buddhism, overseeing major monastic construction at Nagarjunakonda and providing land grants and inscriptions supporting Buddhist institutions.
4. Who is traditionally credited with contributing significantly to the spread of Buddhism during the reign of Virapurushadatta?
[A] Queen Rudrama Devi
[B] Upasika Bodhisri
[C] Kumara Ilango
[D] Ayyana Mahadevi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Upasika Bodhisri]
Notes:
Traditional references attribute the propagation of Buddhism during Virapurushadatta’s reign to Upasika Bodhisri, though there is no epigraphic or archaeological evidence for either figure in Andhra Pradesh’s Buddhist history.
5. Which Buddhist monk traveled to Tibet in the 11th century AD to propagate Mahayana Buddhism?
[A] Atisha Pragnya
[B] Dipankara Srijnana
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Prajnavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dipankara Srijnana]
Notes:
Dipankara Srijnana, known as Atisha, went to Tibet around 1042 CE at the invitation of Tibetan kings, introducing Mahayana doctrines, Vairochana Tantra, and Sakyapa teachings that shaped Tibetan Buddhism.
6. According to the Kondamudi copper edict, which dynasty was held responsible for the rise of Brahmanism and the decline of Buddhism in coastal Andhra?
[A] Pallavas
[B] Chalukyas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kakatiyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pallavas]
Notes:
The Kondamudi copper edict attributes the rise of Brahmanism and the decline of Buddhism to Pallava patronage, especially through land grants and Vedic rituals in coastal Andhra.
7. During the Salankayana period in Andhra, where did Buddhism primarily spread as its influence declined locally?
[A] Sri Lanka and Maldives
[B] Kerala and Tamil Nadu
[C] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[D] Burma and Cambodia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Burma and Cambodia]
Notes:
During the Salankayana rule, Buddhism receded in Andhra but was carried by maritime traders and monks to Burma and Cambodia, fostering Theravada communities.
8. Which branch of Buddhism did Acharya Dignaga initially support?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Vajrayana
[C] Hinayana
[D] Sarvastivada
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Correct Answer: C [Hinayana]
Notes:
Acharya Dignaga, born in Andhra Pradesh, initially supported the Hinayana (Theravada) tradition before influencing Mahayana Buddhist logic.
9. Who influenced Dignaga to abandon the Hinayana path and adopt Mahayana Buddhism?
[A] Vasubandhu
[B] Dharmakirti
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Asanga
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Correct Answer: A [Vasubandhu]
Notes:
Vasubandhu’s teachings inspired Dignaga to shift from Hinayana to Mahayana and to develop foundational Buddhist logic texts.
10. During the reign of which ruler of Andhra Pradesh did Buddhism flourish, marked by significant patronage of monastic complexes and Buddhist art at Nagarjunakonda?
[A] Virapurushadatta
[B] Gautamiputra Satakarni
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] Pulakeshin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Virapurushadatta]
Notes:
Buddhism flourished under King Virapurushadatta of the Ikshvaku dynasty (3rd century CE), who patronized Buddha viharas, stupas, and learning centers at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh.
