Buddhist Sites — Set 6
Famous Places · बौद्ध स्थल · Questions 51–60 of 60
The Dhammapada is a famous collection of sayings of the Buddha. In which language was it originally written?
Correct Answer: B. Pali
Pali was the language used for the Theravada Buddhist scriptures, also known as the Tipitaka. It was a common language in ancient North India, making the teachings accessible to the masses. Many early Buddhist inscriptions are also found in this language.
The famous Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna is associated with which major South Indian site?
Correct Answer: A. Nagarjunakonda
Nagarjuna founded the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism. Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh became a prominent center for his school of thought. The site was one of the largest Buddhist centers in South India for several centuries.
Where did Buddha spend the maximum number of rainy seasons (Varshavas) during his life?
Correct Answer: C. Shravasti
Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons at Shravasti, specifically at the Jetavana and Purvarama monasteries. This city was the capital of the Kosala kingdom. It was a strategic location for spreading his teachings due to its importance on trade routes.
The Jetavana monastery, a favorite retreat of the Buddha, was located in which city?
Correct Answer: B. Shravasti
The Jetavana monastery was purchased and gifted to the Buddha by the wealthy merchant Anathapindika. It is the site where many of the Buddha's most important discourses were delivered. The ruins of the monastery are found today in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh.
Which Buddhist cave site in Maharashtra is known for the sculptural representation of the 'Descent of Buddha from Trayastrimsa Heaven'?
Correct Answer: B. Ellora
Ellora's Buddhist caves contain various life scenes of the Buddha. Cave 12 is a three-story monastery that demonstrates the complex architectural planning of the time. The site represents the co-existence of different faiths in ancient India.
The Piprahwa excavations near the Nepal border are famously associated with which ancient city?
Correct Answer: B. Kapilavastu
Piprahwa is widely identified as the archaeological site of the lost city of Kapilavastu, where Buddha spent his youth. Relic caskets found there are inscribed with the name of the Shakya clan. It is a site of immense historical and religious value.
The Sarnath pillar of Ashoka originally featured how many lions?
Correct Answer: D. Four
The Sarnath Lion Capital features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back on a circular abacus. It symbolized the power of the Buddha's word spreading in all four directions. This capital is now the national symbol of India.
Which of the following describes the 'Jataka' tales?
Correct Answer: A. Stories of Buddha's previous births
Jataka tales are moral stories used in Buddhist preaching to illustrate the virtues practiced by the Buddha in his past lives. They are often depicted in sculptures and paintings at sites like Sanchi and Ajanta. There are over 500 such stories in the Pali Canon.
The Hemis Monastery in Ladakh belongs to which lineage of Tibetan Buddhism?
Correct Answer: C. Drukpa
Hemis is the main seat of the Drukpa lineage in Ladakh. It is tucked away in a hidden valley, which helped it escape destruction during historical invasions. It is the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
In Buddhist art, the 'Mudras' refer to?
Correct Answer: C. Symbolic hand gestures
The correct answer is 'Symbolic hand gestures'. Mudras are used in Buddhist iconography to represent specific events or philosophical concepts. Examples include the Bhumisparsha (earth-touching) mudra and the Dharmachakra (teaching) mudra. They help devotees identify the specific state or action of the Buddha being depicted.