Q140. The residential monastery of Buddhist monks is called a:
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Vihara
B. Torana
C. Stupa
D. Shikhara
Answer: A. Vihara
Explanation: A vihara originally functioned as a residence for monks, especially during rainy retreats, and gradually developed into permanent monastic and educational complexes.
Q139. Which statement about Buddhist stupas is correct?
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Uddeshika stupas could commemorate sacred events or places.
B. Bharhut is in Uttar Pradesh.
C. Every stupa contained Buddha’s bodily remains.
D. Stupas were exclusively royal palaces.
Answer: A. Uddeshika stupas could commemorate sacred events or places.
Explanation: Buddhist tradition distinguishes different kinds of stupas, including commemorative Uddeshika monuments. Bharhut is in Madhya Pradesh, and not every stupa contained bodily relics.
Q138. What is a dome-shaped Buddhist monument containing or commemorating sacred relics called?
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Vihara
B. Stupa
C. Mandapa
D. Gopuram
Answer: B. Stupa
Explanation: Stupas developed from funerary mounds and became major Buddhist reliquary and commemorative monuments, serving as focal points for devotion and ritual circumambulation.
Q137. Which Buddhist structures were commonly constructed to enshrine the remains or relics of revered monks and nuns?
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Stupas
B. Sabha halls
C. Garbhagrihas
D. Gopurams
Answer: A. Stupas
Explanation: Stupas frequently housed relics of Buddha or distinguished members of the Buddhist community. They became sacred monuments around which devotees practised circumambulation and worship.
Q136. Sanchi was rediscovered by General Henry Taylor in which year?
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. 1757
B. 1818
C. 1857
D. 1905
Answer: B. 1818
Explanation: The Sanchi complex, long abandoned, came to modern scholarly attention after its rediscovery in 1818, eventually leading to archaeological documentation, conservation and restoration.
Q135. How many principal toranas stand around the Great Stupa at Sanchi?
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Two
B. Four
C. Six
D. Eight
Answer: B. Four
Explanation: Four monumental toranas face the cardinal directions at Sanchi. They bear densely carved narratives concerning Jatakas, Buddhist symbols and episodes connected with Buddha.
Q134. The ancient Piprahwa Stupa was primarily constructed using:
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Bricks
B. Marble
C. Timber only
D. Granite blocks
Answer: A. Bricks
Explanation: Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh is an important early Buddhist archaeological site whose brick stupa yielded relic deposits and inscriptions linked with early Buddhist traditions.
Q133. Who is associated with the archaeological discovery and excavation of the Bharhut Stupa?
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Alexander Cunningham
B. James Prinsep
C. John Marshall
D. Mortimer Wheeler
Answer: A. Alexander Cunningham
Explanation: Alexander Cunningham documented and excavated Bharhut in the nineteenth century. Its railing sculptures and inscriptions became vital evidence for studying early Buddhist art.
Q132. Amaravati, famous for its ancient Buddhist stupa, is located in:
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Rajasthan
C. Punjab
D. Kerala
Answer: A. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh was an important Buddhist centre on the Krishna River, renowned for its large stupa and sophisticated limestone narrative reliefs.
Q131. Dhamek Stupa is located at:
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A. Sarnath
B. Kushinagar
C. Rajgir
D. Nalanda
Answer: A. Sarnath
Explanation: Dhamek Stupa stands at Sarnath near Varanasi, where Buddhist tradition places Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of his public teaching career.
