Buddhist Sites — Set 3
Famous Places · बौद्ध स्थल · Questions 21–30 of 60
The Barabar Caves, though featuring Ajivika inscriptions, are significant in the evolution of Buddhist cave architecture. In which state are they located?
Correct Answer: D. Bihar
The Barabar Caves are located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar and date back to the Maurya period. They represent the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. Their polished walls and circular chambers influenced later Buddhist caves like those at Ajanta.
Which Buddhist monastery in Himachal Pradesh is famous for the annual Hemis Festival celebrating Guru Padmasambhava?
Correct Answer: D. Hemis Monastery
Actually, Hemis Monastery is located in Ladakh, not Himachal Pradesh, but it is one of the most famous and wealthiest monasteries in the region. The festival features the famous mask dances known as 'Chams'. It is hidden in a gorge on the west bank of the Indus River.
The 'Venuvana' monastery, gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisara, was located in which ancient city?
Correct Answer: A. Rajgir
Venuvana or the 'Bamboo Grove' was the first formal monastery given to the Buddhist Sangha. Rajgir in Bihar was the capital of the Magadha Empire during the time of Buddha. The site is still a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists.
Which stupa site in Madhya Pradesh is considered older than Sanchi and features an Ashokan pillar?
Correct Answer: C. Deorkothar
Deorkothar in Rewa district was a significant Buddhist center on the ancient trade route. It features brick stupas that predate the stone casings found at Sanchi. Excavations have revealed inscriptions and pillars dating back to the Mauryan era.
The site of Shravasti, where Buddha is said to have performed miracles, is located in which modern Indian state?
Correct Answer: D. Uttar Pradesh
The correct answer is 'Uttar Pradesh'. Shravasti was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala. It is famous for the Jetavana Monastery where Buddha spent many rainy seasons. It is one of the eight important pilgrimage places mentioned in Buddhist traditions.
The Guntupalli Buddhist Caves, often called the 'Ajanta of Andhra', are located in which district?
Correct Answer: D. West Godavari
The correct answer is 'West Godavari'. Guntupalli features a group of rock-cut monasteries and brick stupas dating from the 3rd century BCE. The chaitya hall is a unique circular structure with a rock-cut stupa inside. It is one of the most significant early Buddhist sites in South India.
Which major Buddhist site in Odisha is part of the 'Diamond Triangle' along with Lalitgiri and Udayagiri?
Correct Answer: A. Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri was once a world-class university and center for Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana). It features massive monasteries and beautifully carved doorways. Excavations have revealed thousands of small votive stupas at the site.
The Dhauli Hills near Bhubaneswar are significant because they contain?
Correct Answer: C. Ashokan rock edicts and a peace pagoda
Dhauli is believed to be the site of the Kalinga War, which led to Ashoka's conversion to non-violence. The hill features a rock-cut elephant and edicts promoting peace and justice. A modern white peace pagoda (Shanti Stupa) was built on top of the hill in the 1970s.
Which Buddhist monastery in Karnataka is famous for its Golden Temple and the large community of Tibetan settlers?
Correct Answer: D. Bylakuppe (Namdroling)
Namdroling Monastery is located in Bylakuppe near Mysore and is a major center for the Nyingma lineage. It is famous for its ornate 'Golden Temple' featuring three large statues of Buddha. It is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India.
The Karla Caves, famous for having the largest and best-preserved Buddhist chaitya (prayer hall) in India, are located in?
Correct Answer: A. Lonavala
The Karla Caves are located near Lonavala in Maharashtra and date back to the 2nd century BCE. The main chaitya features a massive wooden roof and rows of pillars with elephant-carved capitals. It represents the peak of Hinayana Buddhist architecture.