Test your preparation with Buddhism MCQ quiz for UPSC Prelims. Includes important Ancient India topics like Buddha’s teachings, councils, sects, and key philosophical concepts.
This quiz contains 82 carefully selected multiple-choice questions (MCQ) with detailed explanations for each answer. Questions cover important topics from History.
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Ancient India Buddhism MCQ Quiz for UPSC Prelims
Description
Test your preparation with Buddhism MCQ quiz for UPSC Prelims. Includes important Ancient India topics like Buddha’s teachings, councils, sects, and key philosophical concepts.
Difficulty
Hard
Num Questions
82
Points Per Question
1
Time Limit
80 minutes
All MCQ Questions with Answers and Explanations
Question 1: Assertion (A): Buddhism upholds the principle of equality. Reason (R): It grants everyone the right to attain Nirvana.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
Buddhism upholds the principle of equality by rejecting the caste system and allowing all individuals to attain Nirvana through their own efforts. Thus, both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 2: Consider the following statements: (1) ‘Ahimsa’ holds special importance in Buddhism. (2) Buddhism supports animal sacrifice.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1
Explanation:
Ahimsa is important; hence statement 1 is correct, and statement 2 is incorrect as Buddhism does not support animal sacrifice.
Question 3: Assertion (A): The ‘Sangha’ was an important institution in Buddhism. Reason (R): It served as a means for preserving Buddhist teachings.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
The Sangha preserved Buddhist teachings; hence R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 4: Assertion (A): Buddhism accepts the doctrine of Karma. Reason (R): The results of actions are received in the future.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
The fruits of karma are experienced in the future; hence R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 5: Assertion (A): ‘Compassion’ holds importance in Buddhism. Reason (R): It denotes a feeling of kindness towards all beings.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
Compassion signifies kindness; therefore, R correctly explains A.
Question 6: Assertion (A): The ‘Middle Path’ is important in Buddhism. Reason (R): It teaches the renunciation of both indulgence and extreme austerity.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
The Middle Path advocates avoiding both extremes; hence R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 7: Assertion (A): ‘Prajna’ is important in Buddhism. Reason (R): It denotes knowledge and wisdom.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
Prajna represents knowledge and wisdom; therefore, both are correct and R explains A.
Question 8: Assertion (A): The doctrine of ‘Anicca’ is important in Buddhism. Reason (R): It denotes the permanence of all things.
Correct Answer:
C
— A is correct, R is incorrect
Explanation:
Anicca denotes impermanence, not permanence; therefore, A is correct and R is incorrect.
Question 9: Consider the following statements: (1) Buddhism opposed the varna system. (2) People of all varnas were admitted into the Buddhist Sangha.
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Buddhism was egalitarian in nature; hence both statements are correct.
Question 10: Consider the following statements: (1) ‘Right Mindfulness’ is a part of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism. (2) It represents only a state of meditation.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1
Explanation:
Right Mindfulness is broader awareness; hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
Question 11: Consider the following statements: (1) Buddhism considers ‘Avidya’ (ignorance) as the root cause of suffering. (2) Avidya means only ignorance of religious texts.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1
Explanation:
Avidya refers to broader ignorance; hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
Question 12: Consider the following statements: (1) Buddhism considers ‘dukkha’ (suffering) as a universal truth. (2) The cause of suffering is ignorance and craving.
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
According to the Four Noble Truths, both statements are correct.
Question 13: ‘Yogachara’ philosophy is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Mahayana
Explanation:
Yogachara is a branch of Mahayana; other options are unrelated.
Question 14: Who propounded the doctrine of ‘Shunyavada’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Nagarjuna
Explanation:
Nagarjuna propounded the doctrine of Shunyavada; other philosophers are associated with different doctrines.
Question 15: Which of the following is not a part of the ‘Panch Skandha’?
Correct Answer:
D
— Soul
Explanation:
The Panch Skandha include Rupa, Vedana, Samjna, Samskara, and Vijnana; soul is not included.
Question 16: Consider the following statements: (1) Buddhism accepts the doctrine of momentariness (Kshanikavada). (2) This doctrine states that all elements are permanent.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1
Explanation:
In Buddhist momentariness, everything is impermanent; hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
Question 17: Which of the following were major causes for the decline of Buddhism in India?
Correct Answer:
D
— All of the above
Explanation:
The decline of Buddhism in India was due to multiple factors, including destruction of monasteries by foreign invasions, revival of Brahmanism, and indiscipline and corruption within the Sangha.
Question 18: Consider the following statements: (1) Buddhism accepts the doctrine of rebirth. (2) Buddhism considers the soul to be permanent.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1
Explanation:
Rebirth is accepted, but the concept of a permanent soul is not; hence only statement 1 is correct.
Question 19: Consider the following statements: (1) Buddhism opposed yajnas. (2) Buddhism promoted non-violence.
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Buddhism opposed yajnas and supported non-violence; hence both statements are correct.
Question 20: Which of the following is not a part of the ‘Triratna’ of Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
D
— Vedas
Explanation:
The Triratna includes Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; the Vedas are not included.
Question 21: ‘Pratityasamutpada’ is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Cause and effect relationship
Explanation:
Pratityasamutpada refers to the principle of cause and effect; other options are not its aspects.
Question 22: Consider the following statements: (1) Buddhism accepts the permanent existence of the soul. (2) Buddhism supports the doctrine of Anatmavada (non-self).
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 2
Explanation:
Buddhism supports the doctrine of non-self; hence statement 2 is correct while statement 1 is incorrect.
Question 23: How is the concept of Buddha viewed in Mahayana?
Correct Answer:
B
— Divine-like
Explanation:
In Mahayana, Buddha is considered a transcendental and cosmic being (with concepts like Bodhisattva and multiple Buddhas), unlike the human teacher emphasis in Theravada.
Question 24: ‘Four stages of meditation (Jhana)’ are related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Mental development
Explanation:
Jhana refers to stages of mental concentration; other options are irrelevant.
Question 25: What is the significance of ‘Uposatha Day’ in Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
B
— Meditation and fasting
Explanation:
Uposatha is a day of religious observance; other options are incorrect.
Question 26: ‘Kathavatthu’ is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
C
— Abhidhamma Pitaka
Explanation:
Kathavatthu is a part of the Abhidhamma Pitaka; other options are incorrect.
Question 27: Which path is prescribed for attaining Nirvana?
Correct Answer:
B
— Eightfold Path
Explanation:
Nirvana can be attained through the Eightfold Path; other means are irrelevant.
Question 28: Who were included in the Buddhist Sangha?
Correct Answer:
C
— Monks and nuns
Explanation:
The Sangha included both monks and nuns; other options are incomplete.
Question 29: What is the main principle of ‘Madhyamika’ philosophy?
Correct Answer:
B
— Emptiness
Explanation:
Madhyamika philosophy is based on the concept of emptiness; other principles are not central.
Question 30: ‘Vasubandhu’ is associated with which philosophy?
Correct Answer:
B
— Yogachara
Explanation:
Vasubandhu is associated with Yogachara, while Madhyamika is linked to Nagarjuna.
Question 31: What does ‘Vijnana’ represent in the Five Skandhas?
Correct Answer:
B
— Consciousness
Explanation:
Vijnana means consciousness, while the concept of soul is not accepted in Buddhism.
Question 32: What is the purpose of ‘Meditation’ in Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
B
— Mental purification
Explanation:
Meditation is for mental purification; other options are unrelated.
Question 33: What was the use of ‘Buddhist Viharas’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Residence and education
Explanation:
Viharas were used for residence and education of monks; not for other purposes.
Question 34: ‘Right View’ is a part of which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Eightfold Path
Explanation:
Right View is a component of the Eightfold Path; other options are incorrect.
Question 35: ‘Sutta Pitaka’ is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Teachings
Explanation:
Sutta Pitaka contains discourses (teachings) of Buddha, while philosophical analysis is in Abhidhamma and rules in Vinaya.
Question 36: What is the subject of ‘Abhidhamma Pitaka’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Philosophy and doctrines
Explanation:
Abhidhamma Pitaka deals with philosophical analysis; other subjects are covered in other Pitakas.
Question 37: What is ‘Trishna’ considered in Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
B
— Cause of suffering
Explanation:
Trishna is considered the cause of suffering; other options are unrelated.
Question 38: Which of the following is not included in ‘Panchsheel’?
Correct Answer:
D
— Performing yajna
Explanation:
Panchsheel includes moral conduct, not rituals like yajna.
Question 39: ‘Panchsheel’ is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Moral rules
Explanation:
Panchsheel refers to moral conduct rules; other options are irrelevant.
Question 40: In Buddhism, the term ‘Samskara’ is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Mental formations
Explanation:
Samskara refers to mental processes; other options are incorrect.
Question 41: ‘Nagarjuna’ is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Mahayana philosophy
Explanation:
Nagarjuna was a प्रमुख philosopher of Mahayana; other options are incorrect.
Question 42: What is ‘Dhammapada’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Collection of teachings
Explanation:
Dhammapada contains the teachings of Buddha; other options are incorrect.
Question 43: What is the meaning of ‘Sangha’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Community
Explanation:
Sangha refers to the community of monks; other options are irrelevant.
Question 44: ‘Anathapindika’ is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
A
— Lay disciple and wealthy merchant (setthi)
Explanation:
Anathapindika was a wealthy merchant (setthi) and a prominent lay disciple of Gautama Buddha. He is best known for donating the famous Jetavana Vihara at Shravasti to the Buddha and his Sangha, making him one of the greatest patrons of Buddhism.________________________________________
Question 45: The concept of ‘Bodhisattva’ is prominent in which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Mahayana
Explanation:
The Bodhisattva ideal is central to Mahayana; it is not prominent in others.
Question 46: What is the meaning of the ‘Middle Path’?
Correct Answer:
C
— Balance between the two
Explanation:
The Middle Path represents a balanced way of life; other options denote extremes.
Question 47: Theravada tradition is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
A
— Early Buddhist tradition
Explanation:
Theravada tradition is associated with the early Buddhist tradition. It is based on the original teachings of Buddha and is predominantly practiced in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Question 48: ‘Jataka tales’ are related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Previous births of Buddha
Explanation:
Jataka tales describe the previous births of Buddha; other options are incorrect.
Question 49: Due to whose efforts were women admitted into the Buddhist Sangha?
Correct Answer:
A
— Ananda
Explanation:
Women were admitted into the Sangha at the request of Ananda; others had different roles.
Question 50: What is the meaning of ‘Nirvana’ in Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
C
— End of suffering
Explanation:
Nirvana signifies the end of suffering; other options represent different concepts.
Question 51: The ‘Eightfold Path’ is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
A
— Attainment of Nirvana
Explanation:
Eightfold Path is the path leading to the cessation of suffering and attainment of Nirvana.
Question 52: What was the main basis of Buddha’s teachings?
Correct Answer:
B
— Four Noble Truths
Explanation:
The Four Noble Truths form the core of Buddhism; other options are associated with Brahmanical traditions.
Question 53: Through which route did Buddhism mainly spread to China?
Correct Answer:
B
— Silk Route
Explanation:
Buddhism spread to China mainly through the Silk Route; other options are less significant.
Question 54: The term ‘Tathagata’ is used for whom?
Correct Answer:
B
— Buddha
Explanation:
Tathagata is an epithet of Buddha; other options are incorrect.
Question 55: Who was responsible for the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer:
A
— Mahendra
Explanation:
Mahendra (son of Ashoka) introduced Buddhism in Sri Lanka, while Sanghamitra (his daughter) later spread it further and brought the Bodhi tree sapling.
Question 56: What is the characteristic feature of ‘Gandhara Art’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Greek influence
Explanation:
Gandhara art shows Greco-Roman influence, especially in the realistic depiction of Buddha images.
Question 57: Which of the following was not a major center of Buddhist art?
Correct Answer:
D
— Ujjain
Explanation:
Ujjain was not a major center of Buddhist art, whereas the other three were.
Question 58: Where is Ashoka’s Lion Capital (National Emblem) located?
Correct Answer:
B
— Sarnath
Explanation:
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is located at Sarnath and has been adopted as the National Emblem of India.
Question 59: The Buddhist text ‘Milindapanho’ is based on the dialogue between whom?
Correct Answer:
B
— Menander and Nagasena
Explanation:
Milindapanho records the dialogue between Menander and Nagasena; other options are unrelated.
Question 60: What does ‘Dharmachakra Pravartana’ mean?
Correct Answer:
B
— First sermon of Dhamma
Explanation:
Dharmachakra Pravartana refers to the first sermon; other options are incorrect.
Question 61: Which of the following is not included in the ‘Buddhist Four Sacred Sites’?
Correct Answer:
D
— Taxila
Explanation:
The four sacred sites are Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), and Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana).
Question 62: What is the literal meaning of the word ‘Buddha’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Enlightened/Awakened
Explanation:
Buddha means “Enlightened”; other options give partial or incorrect meanings.
Question 63: In which form is Buddhism predominant in Tibet?
Correct Answer:
C
— Vajrayana
Explanation:
Vajrayana is predominant in Tibet, while other branches are found in different regions.
Question 64: Who was ‘Amrapali’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Courtesan and devotee
Explanation:
Amrapali was a courtesan of Vaishali and a follower of Buddha; other options are incorrect.
Question 65: ‘Kapilavastu’ is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Childhood of Buddha
Explanation:
Kapilavastu was the capital of the Shakya clan where Siddhartha Gautama spent his early life before renunciation.
Question 66: ‘Dhamma Mahamatras’ were appointed by whom?
Correct Answer:
B
— Ashoka
Explanation:
Ashoka appointed the Dhamma Mahamatras; other rulers did not.
Question 67: ‘Sanchi Stupa’ is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Buddhism
Explanation:
Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist monument; it is not related to other religions.
Question 68: What was the purpose of ‘Buddhist Stupas’?
Correct Answer:
B
— Memorial and preservation of relics
Explanation:
Stupas were built to preserve relics; they did not serve other purposes.
Question 69: How many spokes are there in the ‘Dharmachakra’?
Correct Answer:
A
— 8
Explanation:
The 8 spokes represent the Eightfold Path; other numbers are incorrect.
Question 70: Which council took place during the time of Kanishka?
Correct Answer:
D
— Fourth
Explanation:
The Fourth Buddhist Council (Mahayana tradition) was held in Kashmir during Kanishka’s reign.
Question 71: ‘Vaishali’ is associated with which event?
Correct Answer:
B
— Second Council
Explanation:
The Second Council was held at Vaishali, while other councils took place at different locations.
Question 72: What is the significance of ‘Shravasti’ in Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
B
— Major preaching site
Explanation:
Buddha delivered many sermons at Shravasti; other events are linked to different places.
Question 73: Who were ‘Sariputta’ and ‘Moggallana’?
Correct Answer:
C
— Chief disciples of Buddha
Explanation:
They were the chief disciples of Buddha; other options do not define their identity.
Question 74: Who contributed the most to the spread of Buddhism outside India?
Correct Answer:
B
— Ashoka
Explanation:
Ashoka sent missionaries like Mahendra and Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka and also promoted Buddhism in Central Asia and Southeast Asia through inscriptions and patronage.
Question 75: ‘Ajatashatru’ was associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— King of Magadha
Explanation:
Ajatashatru was the ruler of Magadha; other options are incorrect.
Question 76: Where did Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
Correct Answer:
B
— Kushinagar
Explanation:
Mahaparinirvana occurred at Kushinagar; other places are linked to different events.
Question 77: Where was the First Buddhist Council held?
Correct Answer:
B
— Rajagriha
Explanation:
The First Council was held at Rajagriha; other places are associated with different councils.
Question 78: Through which medium did Ashoka propagate Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
B
— Inscriptions
Explanation:
Ashoka’s inscriptions were the medium of propagating Dhamma; other options are incorrect.
Question 79: ‘Vinaya Pitaka’ is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Rules and discipline
Explanation:
The Vinaya Pitaka contains rules of the Sangha; other Pitakas deal with different subjects.
Question 80: In which language were the ‘Tripitaka’ written?
Correct Answer:
C
— Pali
Explanation:
The Tripitaka are in the Pali language; other languages were used in later texts.
Question 81: At which place was Buddha’s first sermon delivered?
Correct Answer:
B
— Sarnath
Explanation:
The Dharmachakra Pravartana (first sermon) took place at Sarnath; other places are related to different events.
Question 82: Where did Gautama Buddha attain enlightenment?
Correct Answer:
C
— Bodh Gaya
Explanation:
Enlightenment was attained under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya; other places are associated with different events.