The Rise of Buddhism marks a pivotal moment in history, influencing cultures and shaping civilizations. This set of 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with detailed answers and explanations is tailored for government job comparative exams. Explore the profound journey of Buddhism and enhance your historical and cultural awareness through this comprehensive study material.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. According to Buddhist traditions, who acted as the charioteer for Buddha?
- Channa
- Kanthaka
- Devadatta
- Chunda
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Correct Answer: Channa
Channa served as Gautama Buddha’s charioteer, and he played a significant role in the life of the Buddha. Channa accompanied Siddhartha (who later became Gautama Buddha) when he left the palace in search of spiritual realization. Channa also witnessed key events in the Buddha’s life, such as his enlightenment and first sermon.
2. Which symbol represents the birth of Gautama Buddha?
- Bodhi tree
- Lotus
- Horse
- Wheel
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Correct Answer: Lotus
The symbols associated with Gautama Buddha’s life and teachings are important in Buddhist iconography. The lotus and the bull do not symbolize his birth; instead, they represent significant events. The lotus signifies purity and the idea that one can rise above worldly attachment, similar to a lotus flower growing in muddy water but remaining unsoiled. The bull, known as Nandi, symbolizes Buddha’s triumph over worldly desires, as he renounced his princely life.
3. Which symbol represents the nirvana of Gautama Buddha?
- Lotus
- Wheel
- Horse
- Bodhi Tree
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Correct Answer: Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi Tree is indeed a symbol of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment (nirvana). It was under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. It is a symbol of spiritual awakening and the path to liberation. The Stupa, on the other hand, represents the symbol of Buddha’s death and relics. The horse symbolizes Buddha’s renunciation of worldly life, as he left behind his royal life to seek spiritual truth.
4. During whose reign was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
- Ashoka
- Kalasoka
- Ajatasatru
- Kanishka
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Correct Answer: Kanishka
The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened during the reign of King Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty in Kundalvana, Kashmir, in 72 AD. The council aimed to compose commentaries on the Tripitika, the traditional Buddhist scriptures. It played a crucial role in the development of Buddhist philosophy and marked the beginning of the division of Buddhism into the Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
5. The First Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which of the following kings?
- Ajatasatru
- Ashoka
- Kanishka
- Kalasoka
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Correct Answer: Ajatasatru’
The First Buddhist Council actually took place at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha, not in 72 AD but soon after the passing of Gautama Buddha. It was convened during the reign of Emperor Ajatasatru and presided over by Mahakassapa. The purpose of this council was to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka, two important sections of the Buddhist scriptures.
6. Who presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council?
- Mahakassapa
- Vasumitra
- Moggliputra Tissa
- Sabakami
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Correct Answer: Vasumitra
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of King Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty. It was presided over by Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
7. In which Buddhist Council was Buddhism divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects?
- First Buddhist Council
- Second Buddhist Council
- Third Buddhist Council
- Fourth Buddhist Council
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Correct Answer: Fourth Buddhist Council
Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects during the Fourth Buddhist Council.
8. During whose reign did the Mahayana sect of Buddhism come into existence?
- Ashoka
- Kanishka
- Ajatasatru
- Nagarjuna
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Correct Answer: Kanishka
The Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
9. Which among the following Buddhist scriptures deals with the teachings of Buddhism?
- Abhidhamma Pitaka
- Vinay Pitaka
- Sutta Pitaka
- Both b & c
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Correct Answer: Sutta Pitaka
The Sutta Pitaka (or basket of suttas) contains the essence of Gautama Buddha’s teachings regarding the Dhamma. It comprises more than 10,000 suttas (or teachings) attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples. The Sutta Pitaka is the second of the three sections of the Tripitaka, the earliest Buddhist scripture. It consists of five nikayas (or collections) of suttas: Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, and Khuddaka Nikaya.
10. Which sect of Buddhism does not believe in idol-worship?
- Hinayana
- Mahayana
- Vajrayana
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Hinayana
The followers of the Hinayana sect, also known as the Lesser Vehicle, strictly adhere to the teachings of Buddha and do not believe in idol worship. They also do not consider Buddha to be a god.
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