Buddhism & Jainism — Set 1
Indian History · बौद्ध और जैन धर्म · Questions 1–10 of 90
Which of the following Pitakas contains the rules of discipline for the Buddhist monastic order?
Correct Answer: A. Vinaya Pitaka
The Vinaya Pitaka deals with the rules and regulations for the monastic community (Sangha). It includes the Patimokkha, a list of offenses for monks and nuns. It is considered the oldest of the three Pitakas.
Who presided over the Third Buddhist Council held at Pataliputra?
Correct Answer: B. Moggaliputta Tissa
The Third Buddhist Council was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa. It was patronized by Emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE. The main objective was to purify the Buddhist movement from opportunistic factions.
In Jainism, which Tirthankara is historically associated with the symbol of the 'Snake' or 'Serpent'?
Correct Answer: B. Parshvanatha
The 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, is associated with the symbol of the snake or serpent. He lived approximately 250 years before Lord Mahavira. His followers were known as Niganthas, meaning free from bonds.
The concept of 'Anekantavada' is a core theory of which philosophy?
Correct Answer: D. Jainism
Anekantavada is a fundamental doctrine of Jainism. It refers to the principles of pluralism and the multiplicity of viewpoints. It suggests that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse points of view.
Which Buddhist text primarily deals with the philosophical analysis and psychology of the Dharma?
Correct Answer: A. Abhidhamma Pitaka
The Abhidhamma Pitaka contains the philosophical and psychological analysis of the Buddha's teachings. It is the third division of the Tripitaka. Unlike the Suttas, it does not use a narrative format but classifies reality into ultimate constituents.
Who was the first female disciple to be ordained into the Buddhist Sangha?
Correct Answer: B. Mahaprajapati Gautami
Mahaprajapati Gautami was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni. She was the stepmother and maternal aunt of Gautama Buddha. Her ordination marked the beginning of the order of nuns in Buddhism.
The term 'Nirgranthas' was used to refer to the followers of which sect?
Correct Answer: B. Jains
The correct answer is 'Jains'. The followers of Jainism, specifically those of Parshvanatha and Mahavira, were called Nirgranthas. The term literally means 'those without bonds' or 'free from knots'. It signifies liberation from worldly attachments.
Which Mauryan ruler is credited with spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer: A. Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka is credited with propagating Buddhism outside India, including to Sri Lanka. He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to the island nation. They carried a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree with them.
Which of the following sites is NOT associated with the life of Gautama Buddha?
Correct Answer: C. Pavapuri
Pavapuri is associated with the death (Nirvana) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara. Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath are key sites related to Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and first sermon respectively. Therefore, Pavapuri is a Jain pilgrimage site, not a Buddhist one.
The 'Dilwara Temples' at Mount Abu are famous for which religious architecture?
Correct Answer: D. Jain Temples
The Dilwara Temples are a famous group of Jain temples located at Mount Abu, Rajasthan. They were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by the Chalukya dynasty. These temples are renowned for their intricate marble carvings.