Buddhism & Jainism — Set 5
Indian History · बौद्ध और जैन धर्म · Questions 41–50 of 90
Who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism?
Correct Answer: D. Parshvanatha
Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. He was a prince of Banaras (Varanasi). He proposed four vows for Jains, to which Mahavira added the fifth (Brahmacharya).
Which Buddhist text is known as the 'Bible of Mahayana Buddhism'?
Correct Answer: B. Prajnaparamita Sutra
The Prajnaparamita Sutra is central to Mahayana Buddhism. It deals with the concept of 'Shunyata' (Emptiness) and the perfection of wisdom. It is often regarded as the foundational text for Mahayana philosophy.
The earliest Buddhist literature was written in which language?
Correct Answer: A. Pali
The earliest Buddhist texts, the Tripitakas, were written in Pali. Pali was a vernacular language used by the common people, which Buddha preferred over Sanskrit. This helped in the wider spread of his teachings.
Which king is associated with the construction of the Sanchi Stupa?
Correct Answer: C. Ashoka
The Great Stupa at Sanchi was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. It is located in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a masterpiece of Buddhist art.
What is the primary difference between Digambara and Shvetambara monks regarding clothing?
Correct Answer: C. Digambaras are sky-clad (naked), Shvetambaras wear white
Digambara monks do not wear any clothes, following the literal meaning 'sky-clad'. They believe nudity is essential for non-attachment. Shvetambara monks wear simple white robes.
Which Buddhist Council settled the dispute between the Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika sects?
Correct Answer: A. Second
The Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali addressed the schism. The disagreement arose over ten points of monastic discipline. This led to the first major split in the Sangha into Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika.
The 'Milinda Panho' is a dialogue between King Menander I and which Buddhist monk?
Correct Answer: B. Nagasena
The 'Milinda Panho' (Questions of Milinda) records a dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander and the monk Nagasena. It discusses profound Buddhist concepts. It is a vital non-canonical Pali text.
In Jain iconography, the 'Bull' is the symbol of which Tirthankara?
Correct Answer: A. Rishabhanatha
The Bull is the symbol of Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), the first Tirthankara. Each Tirthankara has a specific animal or object symbol to identify their idols. Rishabhanatha is considered the founder of the Jain tradition in the current cosmic cycle.
Who wrote the 'Buddhacharita', a biography of the Buddha?
Correct Answer: A. Ashvaghosha
Ashvaghosha wrote the Buddhacharita. He was a court poet of the Kushana King Kanishka. Written in Sanskrit, it is an epic poem describing the life of Gautama Buddha.
Which of the following sites is famous for its rock-cut Jain caves?
Correct Answer: D. Ellora
Ellora is famous for having Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves together. Caves 30 to 34 at Ellora are Jain caves belonging to the Digambara sect. They were excavated between the 9th and 10th centuries.