1. During its zenith, Nalanda Mahavihara was a renowned center for which branch of Buddhism?
[A] Theravada
[B] Hinayana
[C] Sautrāntika
[D] Mahayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahayana]
Notes:
Nalanda Mahavihara, established in Bihar, flourished as a major center for Mahayana Buddhism, later accommodating Vajrayana studies. It attracted scholars from across Asia and held an extensive library. Supported by Indian and foreign rulers, its influence shaped Buddhist thought across the region for centuries.
2. Naropa, a prominent scholar from Vikramshila University in Bihar, was an eminent figure in which branch of Buddhism?
[A] Vajrayana
[B] Theravada
[C] Mahayana
[D] Hinayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vajrayana]
Notes:
Naropa from Vikramshila was a key proponent of Vajrayana Buddhism, especially known for the Six Yogas of Naropa; his teachings significantly shaped the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
3. Who is regarded as the patron saint of childbirth in Theravāda Buddhism, particularly associated with Bihar?
[A] Upāli
[B] Sāriputta
[C] Mahākassapa
[D] Aṅgulimāla
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aṅgulimāla]
Notes:
Aṅgulimāla, once a feared brigand from ancient India, later became a disciple of the Buddha after his conversion. He is venerated as the patron saint of childbirth in Theravāda Buddhism, especially in regions like Bihar. His story exemplifies transformation and redemption.
4. Which Maurya emperor is credited with promoting the spread of Buddhism in Gujarat?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bindusara
[C] Samprati
[D] Ashoka
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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.
5. 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
Show Answer
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.
6. 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
Show Answer
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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
