1. Consider the following regarding Buddhist traditions in North-East India:
- The region reflects a syncretic integration of Buddhism and indigenous tribal customs.
- Only Theravāda and Vajrayāna traditions are practiced in this region.
- The spread of Buddha Dhamma in this area is historically linked to Emperor Ashoka’s reign.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1 and 3 only]
Notes:- Statement 1 is correct – Tribes in the North-East have integrated Buddha Dhamma with their customs.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – The region practices Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna, not just Theravāda and Vajrayāna.
- Statement 3 is correct – Buddha Dhamma expanded into the region during Ashoka’s reign.
2. Consider the following pairs:
| Gounsa Temple | Ancient Buddhist temple complex in South Korea |
| Haeinsa Temple | Home to the Tripitaka Koreana, one of the oldest woodblock prints |
| Jogyesa Temple | Head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism |
How many pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- Gounsa Temple: It is indeed an ancient Buddhist temple complex in South Korea, originally built in 681 A.D. during the Shilla dynasty, making this pair correct.
- Haeinsa Temple: This temple is famous for housing the Tripitaka Koreana, which is one of the oldest and most complete collections of Buddhist texts, thus this pair is correct.
- Jogyesa Temple: It is recognized as the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, which is the most prominent sect in Korea, confirming this pair is also correct.
3. With reference to the historical significance of ancient inscriptions, consider the following statements:
- The Ashoka Edicts are a collection of inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka, promoting Buddhism and moral governance.
- The Rosetta Stone, inscribed with three scripts, was key in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
- The Behistun Inscription, created by Darius the Great, is crucial for understanding Old Persian cuneiform.
- The Sanchi Stupa inscriptions provide insights into the Mauryan period and Buddhist architecture.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All four]
Notes:- The Ashoka Edicts are a collection of inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka, promoting Buddhism and moral governance. Correct: They were inscribed on pillars and rocks across India during the 3rd century BCE.
- The Rosetta Stone, inscribed with three scripts, was key in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. Correct: Discovered in 1799, it features Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphs, enabling the translation of ancient Egyptian texts.
- The Behistun Inscription, created by Darius the Great, is crucial for understanding Old Persian cuneiform. Correct: Carved in the 5th century BCE, it provided the key to deciphering cuneiform scripts.
- The Sanchi Stupa inscriptions provide insights into the Mauryan period and Buddhist architecture. Correct: They date back to the 3rd century BCE and reflect the artistic achievements of the time.
4. With respect to the Bodhisattva Prajnaparamita, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The Bodhisattva Prajnaparamita is often depicted as a female figure in Buddhist art.
- The Bodhisattva Prajnaparamita symbolizes ultimate wisdom and understanding in Buddhism.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Nor 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- Female Depiction (Correct): The Bodhisattva Prajnaparamita is indeed often depicted as a female figure, symbolizing wisdom in various Buddhist traditions.
- Symbol of Wisdom (Correct): Prajnaparamita represents ultimate wisdom and understanding, embodying the concept of ‘perfection of wisdom’ in Mahayana Buddhism.
5. Consider the following pairs:
| Al-Biruni | Famous Persian scholar known for his work on India |
| Ibn Battuta | Noted for his travel accounts across the Islamic world |
| Fa-Hien | Chinese monk who traveled to India to study Buddhism |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three pairs]
Notes:- Al-Biruni: He was a Persian scholar who made contributions to various fields, including history and geography, and is well-known for his detailed accounts of India in his work “Kitab al-Hind”. So, this pair is correct.
- Ibn Battuta: He is famous for his extensive travels across the Islamic world and beyond, documented in “Rihla”, making this pair correct as well.
- Fa-Hien: He was a Chinese monk who traveled to India in the 5th century to study Buddhism and is known for his writings about his journey, thus making this pair correct too.
Thus, all three pairs are correct.
6. In the light of the historical context of South Indian kingdoms, consider the following statements:
- The Pallavas were known for their rock-cut temples and contributed to Dravidian architecture.
- The Pandyas established a trade network with the Romans, particularly in pearls and textiles.
- The Ikshvakus were a prominent dynasty in the Deccan region, known for their patronage of Buddhism.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- The Pallavas were known for their rock-cut temples and contributed to Dravidian architecture: This is correct. The Pallavas built famous temples like the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram.
- The Pandyas established a trade network with the Romans, particularly in pearls and textiles: This is correct. The Pandyas were famous for their high-quality pearls, which were exported to Rome.
- The Ikshvakus were a prominent dynasty in the Deccan region, known for their patronage of Buddhism: This is correct. The Ikshvakus played a key role in the spread of Buddhism in the region, supporting monasteries and stupas.
Thus, all of the statements are correct. The correct answer is (c) All three.
7. In the light of India’s historical centres of learning, consider the following statements:
- Nalanda University was established in the 5th century CE and was one of the first residential universities in the world.
- Vikramsila University was founded by King Dharmapala and specialized in Tantric Buddhism.
- Oddantapura University was known for its contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
- Valabhi University was renowned for its studies in philosophy and was a Buddhist learning centre.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:- Nalanda University was established in the 5th century CE and was one of the first residential universities in the world: Correct, it attracted students from various countries.
- Vikramsila University was founded by King Dharmapala and specialized in Tantric Buddhism: Correct, it was a prominent centre for Buddhist studies.
- Oddantapura University was known for its contributions to mathematics and astronomy: Correct, it contributed to these fields.
- Valabhi University was renowned for its studies in philosophy and was a Buddhist learning centre: Correct, it played a crucial role in Buddhist education.
Thus, all four statements are correct.
8. In the context of ancient Indian influence on Southeast Asia, consider the following statements:
- Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world.
- Borobudur in Indonesia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents Mahayana Buddhism.
- Champa was an ancient kingdom in Vietnam known for its Hindu culture.
- Dvaravati was a historical region in Thailand that flourished under Indian influence.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:- Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world: This is correct. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu.
- Borobudur in Indonesia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents Mahayana Buddhism: This is correct. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple complex.
- Champa was an ancient kingdom in Vietnam known for its Hindu culture: This is correct. It was influential in spreading Hinduism and Indian culture in Southeast Asia.
- Dvaravati was a historical region in Thailand that flourished under Indian influence: This is correct. It was known for its early adoption of Indian culture and Buddhism.
Thus, all four statements are correct. The correct answer is (c) All four.
9. Which of the following ancient cities was a center for the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia?
[A] Dvaravati
[B] Champa
[C] Amaravati
[D] Angkor Wat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Angkor Wat]
Notes:
Angkor Wat, located in Cambodia, was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. Over time, it became a Buddhist temple and a center for Buddhism in Southeast Asia. The temple complex is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, reflecting both Hindu and Buddhist influences.
10. With respect to Buddhism and its spread, which of the following observations is/are correct?
- Kumarajiva was a notable Indian scholar who spent 12 years in China to promote Buddhism.
- Fa-Hien was the first Chinese monk to visit India during the reign of Chandragupta II.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Nor 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- Kumarajiva’s Contribution (Correct): Kumarajiva was indeed a prominent Indian scholar who played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in China, spending 12 years there translating texts and teaching.
- Fa-Hien’s Journey (Correct): Fa-Hien is recognized as the first Chinese monk to travel to India, where he sought Buddhist scriptures during the reign of Chandragupta II, contributing to the cultural exchange between the two regions.
