11. Which branch of Buddhism did Acharya Dignaga initially support?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Vajrayana
[C] Hinayana
[D] Sarvastivada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hinayana]
Notes:
Acharya Dignaga, born in Andhra Pradesh, initially supported the Hinayana (Theravada) tradition before influencing Mahayana Buddhist logic.
12. Who influenced Dignaga to abandon the Hinayana path and adopt Mahayana Buddhism?
[A] Vasubandhu
[B] Dharmakirti
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Asanga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vasubandhu]
Notes:
Vasubandhu’s teachings inspired Dignaga to shift from Hinayana to Mahayana and to develop foundational Buddhist logic texts.
13. 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.
14. What was the significance of Virapurushadatta’s reign in the history of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh?
[A] It marked a golden age for Buddhism, with Satavahana patronage fostering the growth of Nagarjunakonda monasteries and the Amaravati Stupa, flourishing Mahayana sects, increased monastic activity, and extensive inscriptions.
[B] It witnessed the decline of Buddhism and the rise of Shaivism with reduced patronage for monasteries and stupas.
[C] Buddhism was introduced for the first time in Andhra Pradesh, replacing all prior religious practices.
[D] Buddhist teachings were completely banned, with pilgrimage and monastic activities halted.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It marked a golden age for Buddhism, with Satavahana patronage fostering the growth of Nagarjunakonda monasteries and the Amaravati Stupa, flourishing Mahayana sects, increased monastic activity, and extensive inscriptions.]
Notes:
Virapurushadatta’s reign (2nd–3rd century CE) saw peak Satavahana patronage, construction of key Buddhist institutions, emergence of Mahayana sects, production of art and inscriptions, and elevated Andhra Pradesh as a Buddhist center.
15. What does the third-century CE inscription of Upasika Bodhisri at Nagarjunakonda reveal about the patronage of Buddhism during the Ikshvaku dynasty?
[A] It shows only royal men sponsored Buddhist viharas in Andhra region.
[B] It provides evidence of Hindu temples established by Ikshvakus in Guntur district.
[C] It highlights that Jainism was the dominant religion under the Ikshvakus.
[D] It confirms significant royal and lay female patronage for Mahayana Buddhism in Andhra under Ikshvakus.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [It confirms significant royal and lay female patronage for Mahayana Buddhism in Andhra under Ikshvakus.]
Notes:
The inscription proves both royal and lay female support for Mahayana Buddhist establishments at Nagarjunakonda, demonstrating the Ikshvaku dynasty’s and Andhra’s key roles in Buddhist development.
16. Which location in Andhra Pradesh is renowned for the flourishing of Buddhism during the era of political fragmentation?
[A] Amaravati
[B] Salihundam
[C] Nagarjunakonda
[D] Bhattiprolu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagarjunakonda]
Notes:
Nagarjunakonda was a major Buddhist center in Andhra Pradesh that thrived during periods of political fragmentation.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
