Q180. The original Great Stupa at Sanchi was built under the patronage of:
[DSSSB MTS – 2026]
A. Harsha
B. Kanishka
C. Ashoka
D. Samudragupta
Answer: C. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka’s patronage helped establish Sanchi as an important Buddhist centre. The original Mauryan brick stupa was subsequently enlarged and furnished with railings and gateways.
Q179. Kesaria, famous for an enormous ancient Buddhist stupa, is situated in which state?
[DSSSB MTS – 2026]
A. Maharashtra
B. Bihar
C. Odisha
D. Karnataka
Answer: B. Bihar
Explanation: Kesaria Stupa is located in East Champaran district of Bihar. The archaeological monument is associated with the Buddhist tradition and ranks among India’s largest ancient stupas.
Q178. Buddhism became firmly established in the Deccan under which important post-Mauryan dynasty?
[UGC NET History – 2026]
A. Satavahanas
B. Palas
C. Cholas
D. Pratiharas
Answer: A. Satavahanas
Explanation: Buddhist establishments flourished across the Deccan under Satavahana-era patronage, trade and donations. Sites such as Amaravati, Nasik and western Deccan caves benefited from this expansion.
Q177. The Buddhist work ‘Mahavastu’ is particularly associated with which linguistic characteristic?
[UGC NET History – 2026]
A. Pure Tamil composition
B. Mixed Sanskrit-Prakrit idiom
C. Classical Persian
D. Greek only
Answer: B. Mixed Sanskrit-Prakrit idiom
Explanation: Mahavastu, associated with the Lokottaravada tradition, preserves a hybrid linguistic form. It reflects the gradual increasing use of Sanskrit within sections of Buddhist literature.
Q176. Which statement concerning women in early Buddhism is correct?
[UGC NET – 2026]
A. Women were permanently prohibited from Buddhist learning.
B. Buddhist traditions preserve evidence of learned nuns and women teachers.
C. Ashoka first created the female Sangha.
D. Yashodhara established Buddhism.
Answer: B. Buddhist traditions preserve evidence of learned nuns and women teachers.
Explanation: The Therigatha preserves verses attributed to early Buddhist nuns, demonstrating women’s participation in religious and intellectual life after the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha.
Q175. In Buddhist monastic tradition, ‘Upsampada’ refers to:
[UGC NET – 2026]
A. Beginning elementary literacy
B. Higher monastic ordination
C. Completion of Vedic education
D. Royal coronation
Answer: B. Higher monastic ordination
Explanation: Upasampada denotes full ordination into the Buddhist monastic community, generally following the preliminary novice ordination known as pabbajja or pravrajya.
Q174. Which ancient centre became particularly renowned as a great residential Buddhist university?
[UGC NET – 2026]
A. Nalanda
B. Ujjain
C. Madurai
D. Kanchi only
Answer: A. Nalanda
Explanation: Nalanda in Bihar developed into an internationally famous residential centre of Buddhist scholarship, attracting students and monks from India and numerous Asian regions.
Q173. The earliest Buddhist Tripitaka traditions are broadly associated with which period?
[UGC NET History – 2026]
A. 1500–1200 BCE
B. 500–100 BCE
C. 500–800 CE
D. 1200–1500 CE
Answer: B. 500–100 BCE
Explanation: Early Buddhist canonical traditions developed through oral transmission following Buddha’s lifetime and were progressively systematised before being committed to writing in later centuries.
Q172. What is the special significance of Ananda in the preservation of Buddhist teachings?
[Delhi Police – 2026]
A. He founded Mahayana Buddhism.
B. He traditionally recited Buddha’s discourses at the First Council.
C. He built Sanchi Stupa.
D. He ruled Magadha.
Answer: B. He traditionally recited Buddha’s discourses at the First Council.
Explanation: Ananda, Buddha’s close attendant, was renowned for his memory. Buddhist tradition credits him with reciting the discourses that formed the basis of the Sutta collection.
Q171. Which feature characteristically distinguishes Gupta-period Buddha images of the Sarnath school?
[MP Police SI – 2026]
A. Heavy Hellenistic armour
B. Serene expression and transparent clinging robe
C. Absence of spiritual symbolism
D. Colossal royal crowns
Answer: B. Serene expression and transparent clinging robe
Explanation: Gupta Sarnath Buddhas are celebrated for spiritual calm, smooth modelling, downcast eyes and nearly transparent robes, representing a highly refined classical Buddhist sculptural style.
