11. Which of the following factors contributed to the transformation of Buddhism into a world religion during the Kushan era?
- Royal patronage by Kanishka
- Development of Mahayana philosophy
- Trade along the Silk Road
- Missionary activities along Central Asian routes
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] 1, 2 and 4 only
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
During the Kushan era, Buddhism expanded significantly due to multiple factors. Emperor Kanishka’s royal patronage supported the religion’s growth and the development of Mahayana philosophy enriched its doctrinal appeal. Trade along the Silk Road facilitated cultural exchanges and spread Buddhist ideas beyond India. Additionally, missionary activities along Central Asian routes helped establish Buddhism in new regions, transforming it into a world religion encompassing all these factors.
12. Consider the following:
- Ratnagiri
- Lalitgiri
- Udaygiri
- Vikramshila University
- Nalanda University
How many of the above were associated with the development of Vajrayana Buddhism?
[A] Only two
[B] Only three
[C] Only four
[D] All five
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All five]
Notes:Based on historical evidence, all the options provided are associated with the development of Vajrayana Buddhism (also known as Tantric or Esoteric Buddhism) in India:
- Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udaygiri: Known as the “Diamond Triangle” of Odisha, these sites were major centers of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, flourishing between the 7th and 12th centuries CE. Tibetan tradition specifically considers Ratnagiri a crucial center for the spread of Kalachakra Tantra.
- Vikramshila University: Founded by King Dharmapala, this was a premier center for the study and dissemination of Vajrayana/Tantric Buddhism.
- Nalanda University: While initially a Mahayana center, in its later stages (11th-12th centuries), Nalanda became a vital center for Vajrayana studies.
Therefore, the correct option is:Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udaygiri, Vikramshila University, and Nalanda University.
13. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times?
- Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism.
- The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
- The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2010)
[A] 1 only
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 only]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct; by the 8th century, Puranic Hinduism incorporated Buddha as the 9th incarnation of Vishnu to absorb Buddhist followers, aiding decline. Statement 2 is incorrect; Central Asian invaders disrupted both religions but did not systematically persecute Buddhists till post-Gupta period. Statement 3 is false; Gupta kings like Chandragupta II patronized Buddhism, building monasteries. The decline later accelerated due to Hindu revival and Turkic invasions in the 12th century.
14. Which of the following statements regarding the Pala dynasty of Assam is/are correct?
- Its founder was Brahmapala.
- It adopted Buddhism as state religion.
- Its political centre was in western Assam.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[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:
The Pala dynasty of Kamarupa was founded by Brahmapala in the 9th century CE after political instability. Unlike Bengal Palas, they did not adopt Buddhism as a state religion; Shaivism remained influential. Their political centre was primarily in western Assam, especially around the lower Brahmaputra valley. Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
15. Consider the following statements regarding religion and culture in early medieval Assam:
- Shaivism and Shaktism received significant royal patronage.
- The Hayagriva Madhava shrine symbolized Vaishnavite presence.
- Buddhism completely disappeared from the Brahmaputra valley during this period.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
Shaivism and Shaktism were prominent, especially under Pala rulers who patronized temples and Tantric practices. The Hayagriva Madhava temple at Hajo reflects Vaishnavite worship with syncretic associations. Buddhism did not completely vanish; though it declined institutionally, its cultural influences persisted. Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is false.
16. Which Assam community in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia follows Theravada Buddhism?
[A] Ahom
[B] Mishing
[C] Bodo
[D] Tai Phake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tai Phake]
Notes:
The Tai Phake community in Assam’s Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts follows Theravada Buddhism. They speak a Tai language with a unique script and celebrate the Poi Sangken festival, a traditional water festival. Tai Phake have a democratic village council system and are mainly engaged in agriculture.
17. Which ancient city in Uttar Pradesh was among the six prominent centers of early Buddhism and is frequently mentioned in the Vinaya Pitaka?
[A] Kaushambi
[B] Shravasti
[C] Sankisa
[D] Kushinagar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shravasti]
Notes:
Shravasti, capital of Kosala, hosted Jetavana monastery and is often noted in Vinaya Pitaka as a key site of Buddha’s teachings.
18. Why is Uttar Pradesh often called the “Cradle of Buddhism”?
[A] It is the birthplace of Buddha.
[B] The first Buddhist council was held here.
[C] It is home to the oldest Buddhist temple in India.
[D] Buddha spent much of his life and taught extensively in the region.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Buddha spent much of his life and taught extensively in the region.]
Notes:
Buddha delivered many sermons and spent significant time in Uttar Pradesh, including Sarnath and Kushinagar, making it pivotal in Buddhism’s early history.
19. Where was the ancient university Pandita Vihara, known for its association with Tantric Buddhism, located in present-day terms?
[A] India
[B] Nepal
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Bhutan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Pandita Vihara was an 8th-century Buddhist university located in eastern Bengal, now part of Bangladesh, known for Tantric Buddhism and scholars like Atiśa.
20. Which ancient city in Uttar Pradesh was renowned from the 2nd century BCE for pioneering devotional icons in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism?
[A] Mathura
[B] Varanasi
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Kanpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mathura]
Notes:
Mathura was a major artistic center from 2nd century BCE, known for early devotional icons across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, producing influential red sandstone sculptures.
