1. Where did Gautam Buddha deliver his first sermon?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Bodh Gaya
[C] Kushinagar
[D] Lumbini
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Correct Answer: A [Sarnath]
Notes:
Buddha’s first sermon, known as Dharmachakra Pravartana, was delivered at Sarnath.
2. In which city did Gautam Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
[A] Lumbini
[B] Rajgir
[C] Kushinagar
[D] Sarnath
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Correct Answer: C [Kushinagar]
Notes:
Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar in 483 BCE at age 80.
3. Who is the current Vice Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida?
[A] Prof. Rajendra Prasad
[B] Prof. Anil Kumar Singh
[C] Prof. Suresh Chandra
[D] Prof. Rana P Singh
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Correct Answer: D [Prof. Rana P Singh]
Notes:
Prof. Rana P Singh, a cancer biologist from Uttar Pradesh, is the Vice Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University.
4. At which ancient city in Bihar did Gautam Buddha initiate his aunt Mahaprajapati Gautami, thereby allowing women to join the Buddhist Sangha?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Vaishali
[D] Rajgir
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Correct Answer: C [Vaishali]
Notes:
Vaishali is where Buddha allowed women into the Sangha by initiating Mahaprajapati Gautami. It’s a key Buddhist pilgrimage site, houses the Relic Stupa, the Ashokan lion pillar, and hosted the Second Buddhist Council in 383 BCE. Also associated with the Vajji republic and Jain Lord Mahavira.
5. Who was the chief female patron of Gautama Buddha from Magadha?
[A] Mallika
[B] Mahapajapati Gotami
[C] Ambapali
[D] Visakha
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Correct Answer: D [Visakha]
Notes:
Visakha, called Migāramāta, was Gautama Buddha’s chief female patron and foremost lay disciple in generosity from Magadha. She supported the Sangha, built the Migāramātupāsāda monastery in Savatthi, and was highly revered in early Buddhist history.
6. Who is the author of the play Siddharth-Buddha, which portrays the life and transformation of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Nrusinh Vibhakar
[B] Rabindranath Tagore
[C] Harivansh Rai Bachchan
[D] Munshi Premchand
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Correct Answer: A [Nrusinh Vibhakar]
Notes:
Nrusinh Vibhakar authored the play Siddharth-Buddha, depicting Gautama Buddha’s life and transformation.
7. Which of the following evidences support(s) that Gautama Buddha was preceded by six Buddhas?
- Nigali Sagar Edict of Ashoka
- Bharhut Stupa
- Sarnath Stupa
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
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Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:- The support to the contention that Gautama Buddha was preceded by six Buddhas is provided by the Nigali Sagar Edict of Asoka which refers to the enlargement of a stupa erected in honour of Kanakamuni by the Mauryan monarch. Five of these past Buddhas, except Sikhi, are represented in the art of Bharhut, understandably by means of their characteristic tree-symbols along with identification labels.
8. Which of the following places is/are associated with the life of Gautama Buddha?
- River Niranjana
- Pavapuri
- Rajagriha
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
River Niranjana (modern Lilajan) is where Buddha meditated before enlightenment. Pavapuri is where Buddha spent his last days. Rajagriha was significant as Buddha sought instruction there from teachers like Uddaka. Hence, all three places are related to important phases in Buddha’s life—enlightenment, guidance, and his last days.
9. Which of the following sects of Buddhism believes that Gautama Buddha was preceded by six Buddhas?
[A] Hinayana
[B] Mahayana
[C] Mahasanghikas
[D] Sarvastivadins
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Correct Answer: B [Mahayana]
Notes:- It was held that Gautama Buddha was preceded by six Buddhas, viz. (1) Vipasyi, (2) Sikhi, (3) Visvabhu, (4) Krakuchchhanda, (5) Kanakamuni, and (6) Kasyapa, and the prevalence of their worship among the Buddhists is confirmed by their representations in Buddhist art.
10. Consider the following statements regarding the Doctrines of Buddhism:
- Life is considered to be full of sorrows, and suffering arises due to human desires.
- Gautama Buddha recommended an Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) for the cessation of human misery.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Neither 1 nor 2
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Both statements are correct. Buddhism’s foundational Four Noble Truths state that life is characterized by suffering due to desire. Buddha’s solution was the Eightfold Path, which guides right conduct, livelihood and thought, aiming to eliminate suffering and attain Nirvana. The Eightfold Path is central to Buddhist doctrine and practice.
