Q130. Which statements regarding Buddhist viharas are correct? [SSC MTS – 2024]
- They commonly included monks’ cells.
- Ajanta and Nashik contain important examples.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Rock-cut viharas typically contain halls, verandas and monastic cells. Important surviving examples occur at Ajanta, Nashik and many other western Deccan cave complexes.
Q129. Which pairing is incorrect?
[SSC Selection Post – 2024]
A. Sanchi Stupa – Madhya Pradesh
B. Bavikonda – Andhra Pradesh
C. Dhamek Stupa – Uttar Pradesh
D. Piprahwa Stupa – Sikkim
Answer: D. Piprahwa Stupa – Sikkim
Explanation: Piprahwa is in Uttar Pradesh near the Nepal border, not Sikkim. It is archaeologically significant for relic deposits linked with early Buddhism.
Q128. The tall sculptural figures decorating the Bharhut Stupa prominently include:
[SSC Selection Post – 2024]
A. Yakshas and Yakshinis
B. Mughal emperors
C. European saints
D. Chola kings
Answer: A. Yakshas and Yakshinis
Explanation: Bharhut’s railings contain prominent yaksha and yakshini figures, demonstrating how older popular nature-deity traditions were incorporated into early Buddhist religious art.
Q127. Which architectural monument is particularly symbolic of Buddhism?
[SSC Selection Post – 2024]
A. Stupa
B. Gopuram
C. Minaret
D. Ziggurat
Answer: A. Stupa
Explanation: The stupa became one of Buddhism’s most distinctive sacred forms, serving to preserve relics, commemorate sacred events and provide a focus for circumambulation.
Q126. The Great Stupa at Amaravati belongs to which present-day state?
[SSC Selection Post – 2024]
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Odisha
C. Bihar
D. Gujarat
Answer: A. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Amaravati’s ancient Mahachaitya stood in the lower Krishna valley of present Andhra Pradesh and became a major centre of Buddhist artistic and religious activity.
Q125. What is the ‘Medhi’ in a Buddhist stupa?
[SSC Stenographer – 2024]
A. Ornamental gateway
B. Circular terrace around the dome
C. Umbrella above the stupa
D. Underground chamber
Answer: B. Circular terrace around the dome
Explanation: The medhi is an elevated circular terrace associated with circumambulation. It forms part of the structural organisation of developed Indian Buddhist stupas.
Q124. Which Buddhist sage is traditionally connected with the conversion of Indo-Greek king Menander?
[SSC Stenographer – 2024]
A. Nagasena
B. Vasumitra
C. Ananda
D. Upali
Answer: A. Nagasena
Explanation: The Milindapanho presents philosophical discussions between King Menander, called Milinda, and Buddhist monk Nagasena, ending traditionally with Menander’s acceptance of Buddhist teaching.
Q123. The paintings and sculptures at Ajanta and the Buddhist caves of Ellora principally represent:
[SSC Stenographer – 2024]
A. Buddhist religious art
B. Persian miniature painting
C. Gothic art
D. Islamic calligraphy
Answer: A. Buddhist religious art
Explanation: Ajanta is overwhelmingly Buddhist, while Ellora contains Buddhist, Hindu and Jain groups. Their Buddhist caves preserve monastic architecture, sculptures and religious iconography.
Q122. Saga Dawa, a sacred Buddhist observance, generally falls between:
[SSC Stenographer – 2024]
A. January–February
B. March–April
C. May–June
D. October–November
Answer: C. May–June
Explanation: Saga Dawa corresponds to the fourth Tibetan lunar month and commemorates major events in Buddha’s life, especially enlightenment and Parinirvana.
Q121. What was the theme of the first Asian Buddhist Summit held in 2024?
[RRB Technician – 2024]
A. Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia
B. Buddhist Archaeology and Tourism
C. Buddhism and Maritime Trade
D. Ancient Indian Coinage
Answer: A. Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia
Explanation: The summit emphasised Buddhism’s shared cultural heritage and the potential of Buddha Dhamma to contribute to dialogue, cooperation and connections among Asian societies.
