Q1.Which of the following is the earliest known example of Buddhist rock-cut architecture in India?
a) Karle Caves
b) Barabar Caves
c) Ajanta Caves
d) Ellora Caves
Correct Answer: (b) Barabar Caves
Explanation:
- Barabar Caves (Bihar) — excavated during Ashoka’s reign (3rd century BCE).
- Associated with Ajivikas but show earliest examples of rock-cut chaityas influencing later Buddhist caves.
- Ajanta and Karle came later (2nd century BCE–5th century CE).
Q2. Assertion (A): Early Buddhist art was predominantly aniconic.
Reason (R): The depiction of Buddha in human form was considered disrespectful in early Buddhist philosophy.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Early art (Sanchi, Bharhut, Amaravati) avoided human images of Buddha — used symbols (lotus, wheel, empty throne, footprints).
- Reason is partly true but not exact — it was ideological restraint, not about “disrespect”.
| List I (Monuments) | List II (Dynasty/Patronage) |
| A. Amaravati Stupa | 1. Satavahana |
| B. Karle Chaitya | 2. Western Deccan Merchants |
| C. Sanchi Stupa | 3. Maurya |
| D. Barabar Caves | 4. Ashoka |
Q3.
a) A–1, B–2, C–4, D–3
b) A–2, B–1, C–3, D–4
c) A–1, B–2, C–3, D–4
d) A–4, B–1, C–2, D–3
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Amaravati: Satavahanas (Andhra region).
- Karle: Built by merchant guilds in Western Deccan under Satavahanas.
- Sanchi: Ashoka’s initiative.
- Barabar: Mauryan period (Ashoka’s rule).
Q4. Consider the following statements about Gandhara Art:
- It shows strong Greek influence in drapery and realism.
- It used grey schist stone.
- It originated under Satavahana patronage.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- (1) & (2) correct — Greco-Roman influence and use of grey schist.
- (3) incorrect — patronized by Kushan kings (esp. Kanishka).
Q5. A recently discovered stupa site shows figures of Buddha in multiple mudras, Avalokiteshvara images, and tantric motifs. Which phase of Buddhism does it likely belong to?
a) Hinayana
b) Mahayana
c) Vajrayana
d) Theravada
Correct Answer: (c) Vajrayana
Explanation:
- Presence of Bodhisattvas (Avalokiteshvara) and tantric imagery indicates Vajrayana phase (8th–12th CE).
- Spread largely in Bengal, Bihar, Tibet.
