Q1. Consider the following statements about Buddhism:
- Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini.
- He attained enlightenment at Rajgir.
- His first sermon was delivered at Sarnath.
How many statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation :
1. Born at Lumbini — Correct
- Birth c. 563 BCE in Lumbini (present-day Nepal Terai).
- Clan: Shakya; father Shuddhodana (chief of Shakyas), mother Maya.
- Lumbini pillar inscription of Ashoka confirms site
2. Enlightenment at Rajgir — Incorrect
- Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (Uruvela) under the Bodhi tree on Niranjana river.
- Rajgir (Rajagriha) important later:
- Early residence of Buddha.
- Site of First Buddhist Council (Saptaparni cave).
3. First sermon at Sarnath — Correct
- Event: Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Dharma).
- Audience: Five ascetics (former companions).
- Doctrinal core introduced:
- Four Noble Truths
- Middle Path
Q2. With reference to Jainism:
- Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara.
- Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas.
- Jain philosophy believes in the existence of an eternal soul.
How many are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
1. Mahavira = 24th Tirthankara — Correct
- Jain tradition lists 24 Tirthankaras.
- First: Rishabhanatha.
- Historical evidence clearer for Parshvanatha (23rd) and Mahavira (24th).
2. Rejects Vedic authority — Correct
- Rejects:
- Vedic ritualism
- Brahmanical sacrificial culture
- Social appeal among trading & urban groups.
3. Belief in eternal soul — Correct
- Core dualism:
- Jiva (soul, conscious)
- Ajiva (matter, non-conscious)
- Karma seen as material particles binding the soul.
- Liberation (moksha) = freeing soul from karmic matter via right faith, knowledge, conduct.
Q3. Which of the following were features of the Mahajanapada period?
- Use of punch-marked coins
- Rise of fortified cities
- Beginning of land grants to Brahmanas
Select correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
1. Punch-marked coins — Correct
- Earliest metallic currency in India.
- Mostly silver; irregular shapes with symbols.
- Indicates:
- Monetised economy
- Trade expansion
- State control over economy.
2. Fortified cities — Correct
- Archaeology (PGW & NBPW sites) shows ramparts, moats.
- Examples:
- Rajgir
- Kaushambi
- Shravasti.
- Reflects political competition among Mahajanapadas.
3. Land grants to Brahmanas — Incorrect
- Major feature of post-Mauryan & Gupta period.
- Linked to Brahmanisation of tribal areas later.
- Mahajanapada age marks Second Urbanisation (c. 600 BCE).
Q4. Consider the following pairs:
| Term | Meaning |
- Sutta Pitaka | Monastic rules
- Vinaya Pitaka | Discourses of Buddha
- Abhidhamma Pitaka | Philosophical doctrines
How many pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a) Only one
Explanation:
-Vinaya Pitaka
- Rules for Sangha discipline.
- Regulates monastic life.
-Sutta Pitaka
- Discourses/sermons of Buddha.
- Includes Digha, Majjhima Nikaya etc.
–Abhidhamma Pitaka
- Philosophical and psychological analysis of dhamma.
- Scholastic interpretation.
Q5. Reasons for the spread of Buddhism included:
- Use of Prakrit language.
- Royal patronage.
- Simple ethical teachings.
- Strong ritualistic practices.
Which are correct?
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2,3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) All four
Answer: (a) 1,2 and 3
Explanation :
1. Use of Prakrit/Pali — Correct
- Broke Brahmanical Sanskrit monopoly.
- Made teachings accessible to masses.
2. Royal patronage — Correct
- Key rulers:
- Ashoka (missions to Sri Lanka, Central Asia)
- Kanishka (Fourth Buddhist Council).
- State support aided institutional spread.
3. Simple ethical teachings — Correct
- Focus on:
- Eightfold Path
- Moral conduct
- Practical spirituality.
- Appealed to urban traders & artisans.
4. Strong ritualism — Incorrect
- Buddhism critiqued Vedic sacrifices.
- Promoted ethical conduct over ritual.
