Buddhism and Jainism is important part of Ancient Indian History and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Buddhism and Jainism.
UPSC PYQ on Buddhism and Jainism
Q- With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: (2022)
Historical person Known as
- Aryadeva Jaina scholar
- Dignaga Buddhist scholar
- Nathamuni Vaishnava scholar
How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?
(a) None of the pairs
(b) Only one pair
(c) Only two pairs
(d) All three pairs
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Pair 1: Incorrect – Aryadeva, a disciple of Nagarjuna in the 3rd century, played a significant role in shaping early Indian Madhyamaka philosophy. The Madhyamaka school of Buddhism, whose adherents are known as Madhyamikas, was one of the two primary schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
Pair 2: Correct – Dignaga, who lived around 480-540 CE, was a Buddhist logician renowned for his work “Pramaṇasamuccaya” (Compendium of the Means of True Knowledge), which laid the groundwork for Buddhist logic.
Pair 3: Correct – Nathamuni established a Sanskrit-Tamil school in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, which remains a prominent Vaishnavite center in South India.
Q- With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (2020)
- Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
- Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
- The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 is incorrect as Sthaviravadins do not belong to Theravada.
Statement 2 is accurate as Lokottaravada was indeed an early Buddhist school, emerging from the Mahasanghika sect.
Statement 3 is also correct as the Mahasanghikas believed in multiple supramundane buddhas and supported Mahayana Buddhism.
Q- With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (2018)
(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Maitreya will be the successor of Gautama Buddha. Maitreya is also known by Ajita Boddhisattva.
Q- Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? (2015)
- Avanti
- Gandhara
- Kosala
- Magadha
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Buddha journeyed through the towns and villages within the kingdoms of Kosala and Magadha, imparting his teachings and philosophy. Additionally, he traveled to other regions such as Vaishali and Vajji during his wanderings.
Q- Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? (2013)
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between the two
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
A Chaitya served as a place of worship, while a Vihara functioned as the living quarters for monks. Initially constructed from wood, both Chaityas and Viharas later transitioned to stone-cut structures. The Chaitya, a rectangular prayer hall with a central stupa, was designed for prayer and divided into three sections with a semicircular rear end. Pillars separated the central hall from two aisles, and Chaitya windows adorned the walls. Viharas, on the other hand, served as residences for monks.
Q- Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolises (2013)
(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The Bhumisparsha Mudra, also called ‘touching the Earth’ gesture, symbolizes the instant of Buddha’s enlightenment, where he acknowledges the earth as the witness to his awakening.
Q- Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? (2013)
- The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practise penance.
- Every object, even the smallest particle, has a soul.
- Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 is correct, as practicing penance is considered the most effective means of eliminating Karma.
Statement 2 is also true, as it suggests the belief that every entity, no matter how small, possesses a soul.
Similarly, statement 3 is correct in stating that Karma is viewed as a detriment to the soul and must be brought to an end.
Q- Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? (2013)
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Answer- Option A‘
EXPLANATION
Nibbana or Nirvana is not a physical location but rather an experiential state that can be achieved during one’s lifetime. It involves the relinquishment of all desires and the cessation of suffering, ultimately leading to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Q- With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? (2012)
- Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
- Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
- Denial of efficacy of rituals
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Buddhism promoted a moderate path, avoiding both excessive austerity and indulgence, while Jainism advocated rigorous penance and ascetic practices. Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected elaborate rituals and the authority of the Vedas and the priestly caste. Additionally, they both subscribed to the idea of reincarnation, wherein the soul undergoes rebirth into a new body following the death of the previous one.
Also read about UPSC PYQ on Gupta Period and Indus Valley Civilization.