Q10. Where did Gautama Buddha deliver his first sermon?
[WBCS – 2018]
A. Sarnath
B. Bodh Gaya
C. Shravasti
D. Vaishali
Answer: A. Sarnath
Explanation: Buddha travelled to Sarnath after enlightenment and delivered his first discourse to five ascetics, beginning the organised propagation of Buddhist Dharma.
Q9. Which statement about early Buddhist stupas is NOT correct?
[UPSC CDS – 2018]
A. They could enshrine relics.
B. They became objects of worship.
C. Circumambulation was associated with them.
D. They were characteristically located only in remote rural areas.
Answer: D. They were characteristically located only in remote rural areas.
Explanation: Stupas existed in pilgrimage centres, towns, monastic complexes and trade-linked locations; they were not inherently confined to remote rural environments.
Q8. In Buddhist tradition, which Bodhisattva is regarded as the future Buddha?
[UPSC CSE – 2018]
A. Maitreya
B. Avalokiteshvara
C. Manjushri
D. Vajrapani
Answer: A. Maitreya
Explanation: Maitreya is believed to be the future Buddha who will appear when Gautama Buddha’s teachings have disappeared and will rediscover and teach the Dharma.
Q7. The essential foundation of Buddha’s teaching consists of the Four Noble Truths and the:
[RRB Group D – 2018]
A. Noble Eightfold Path
B. Four Vedas
C. Six Vedangas
D. Five Great Sacrifices
Answer: A. Noble Eightfold Path
Explanation: The Fourth Noble Truth prescribes the Eightfold Path, combining wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline to overcome craving and ultimately attain Nirvana.
Q6. Which Chinese Buddhist pilgrim studied at Nalanda during his Indian journey in the seventh century CE?
[RRB ALP – 2018]
A. Xuanzang
B. Megasthenes
C. Al-Biruni
D. Marco Polo
Answer: A. Xuanzang
Explanation: Xuanzang reached India in the seventh century, studied for years at Nalanda and later produced invaluable accounts of Indian Buddhism, geography and society.
Q5. Permanent shelters or monasteries of Buddhist and Jain monks were commonly called:
[SSC Scientific Assistant – 2017]
A. Viharas
B. Stupas
C. Toranas
D. Yajnas
Answer: A. Viharas
Explanation: Viharas developed from temporary rainy-season shelters into permanent residential monasteries housing monks, study spaces and, in many later examples, religious shrines.
Q4. The Buddhist Council traditionally associated with the division into Hinayana and Mahayana was held in:
[Allahabad High Court Group D – 2017]
A. Kashmir
B. Rajgir
C. Vaishali
D. Pataliputra
Answer: A. Kashmir
Explanation: The northern tradition associates Kanishka’s Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalavana in Kashmir with major doctrinal developments and the rise of Mahayana.
Q3. According to Buddhism, what is the fundamental cause of suffering?
[WBCS – 2016]
A. Trishna or craving
B. Krodha alone
C. Maya alone
D. Ritual impurity
Answer: A. Trishna or craving
Explanation: The Second Noble Truth identifies craving or tanha—desire for pleasure, existence or non-existence—as the principal cause sustaining suffering and rebirth.
Q2. Where was the Fourth Buddhist Council traditionally held under Kanishka?
[HP TGT – 2016]
A. Kashmir
B. Gaya
C. Prayag
D. Sarnath
Answer: A. Kashmir
Explanation: According to northern Buddhist tradition, Kanishka convened the Fourth Council at Kundalavana in Kashmir, with Vasumitra usually identified as president.
2015
Q1. Where and approximately when was the Second Buddhist Council held?
[IB ACIO – 2015]
A. Pataliputra, c. 250 BCE
B. Vaishali, c. 383 BCE
C. Kashmir, first century CE
D. Sri Lanka, first century BCE
Answer: B. Vaishali, c. 383 BCE
Explanation: Traditional Buddhist chronology places the Second Council at Vaishali about a century after Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, under Kalashoka’s patronage, primarily over questions of monastic discipline.
