Buddhist Sites — Set 5
Famous Places · बौद्ध स्थल · Questions 41–50 of 60
The Lumbini Garden, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, is located in which modern country?
Correct Answer: B. Nepal
Lumbini is situated in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is one of the four main pilgrimage sites in Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and erected a pillar to mark the exact spot of Buddha's birth.
Which ruler is most responsible for the initial spread of Buddhism through monuments and pillars across India?
Correct Answer: C. Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War and sent missionaries to various parts of the world. He built thousands of stupas and erected stone pillars with moral edicts. His efforts transformed Buddhism from a regional sect into a major world religion.
The 'Diamond Triangle' of Buddhist heritage sites is located in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Odisha
The Diamond Triangle refers to the archaeological sites of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri in Odisha. These sites were major centers of Buddhist learning and art between the 5th and 12th centuries. They are famous for their unique combination of Mahayana and Vajrayana influences.
What is the primary architectural purpose of a 'Chaitya' in a Buddhist monastery complex?
Correct Answer: C. Prayer hall or shrine
A Chaitya is a prayer or assembly hall that usually contains a stupa at one end. In rock-cut architecture, they are distinguished by their horseshoe-shaped windows and vaulted roofs. They were the centers of communal worship for Buddhist monks.
In which city is the famous 'Lion Capital' of Ashoka, now the State Emblem of India, located?
Correct Answer: B. Varanasi (Sarnath)
The Lion Capital was originally placed on top of a pillar in Sarnath by Emperor Ashoka. It features four lions standing back-to-back on an abacus with a dharma chakra. It is preserved in the Sarnath Museum and represents India's rich historical legacy.
The 'Vihara' in Buddhist terminology refers to a?
Correct Answer: B. Monastic residence
Viharas were originally built as temporary shelters for wandering monks during the rainy season. Over time, they evolved into permanent monastic complexes with living quarters and courtyards. Many famous cave complexes like Ajanta consist primarily of Viharas.
Which Buddhist council was held at Vaishali during the reign of King Kalashoka?
Correct Answer: B. Second Council
The Second Buddhist Council took place approximately 100 years after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha. It was called to resolve disputes over monastic discipline (Vinaya). This council eventually led to the first major schism in the Buddhist community.
The fourth Buddhist council, which saw the formal division into Hinayana and Mahayana, was held under whose patronage?
Correct Answer: A. Kanishka
The Fourth Council was held at Kundalvana in Kashmir or Jalandhar around the 1st century CE. Kanishka was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism and helped spread it to Central Asia and China. The council resulted in the compilation of the Mahavibhasha, a massive encyclopedia of Buddhist philosophy.
The cave architecture of Karle, Bhaja, and Kanheri is located in which mountain range?
Correct Answer: B. Western Ghats
Most of India's famous rock-cut Buddhist caves are located in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) of Maharashtra. The proximity to ancient trade routes ensured the survival and funding of these monastic centers. The basaltic rock of the range was ideal for carving large halls and intricate sculptures.
Which Chinese traveler wrote extensively about his studies at Nalanda University during the 7th century?
Correct Answer: B. Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)
Xuanzang spent several years in India and studied under the monk Shilabhadra at Nalanda. His detailed journals are a primary source for the history and social conditions of India during the reign of Harshavardhana. He carried hundreds of Buddhist texts back to China.