1. Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushi Nagar
(d) Lumbini
2.The Buddhist text Majjhima Nikaya is in ? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Pali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Telugu
3. Madhyamika Karika, the basic text of Madhyamika School, was composed by [UPSC CAPF 2021]
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Asanga
(c) Vasubandhu
(d) Dharmakirti
4. Which of the following statements about Jainism is/are correct? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
1. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated, even stones, rocks and water have life.
2. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma
Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC CAPF 2018]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
5. Who among the following was Buddha’s foster mother? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
(a) Purna
(b) Gajalakshmi
(c) Maya
(d) Mahapajapati Gotami
6. Which of the following statements about Bodhisattas is/are correct?
1. They were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their Efforts.
2. They made attempt to attain Nibbana.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC CAPF 2018]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
7. Composition of the biography of the Buddha occupies a special place in Buddhist literature. Which one among the following is a full-fledged biography of the Buddha? [UPSC CAPF 2014]
(a) Lalitavistara
(b) Milind Panho
(c) Sariputra-prakarana
(d) Avadanasataka
8. The significant difference between Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Buddhism lay in that [UPSC CAPF 2013]
(a) Mahayana allowed for the transference of merit while in Hinayana a person would only help another by example and advice
(b) Mahayana believed in the Bodhisattvas while Hinayana did not
(c) Hinayana promoted the ideas of a suffering saviour
(d) Mahayana propounded the idea of the ‘Arhant’, the ‘Worthy’
9. The Buddhist Sangha was an organization of monks [UPSC CAPF 2013]
(a) who became teachers of Dhamma
(b) that helped the spread of education
(c) to help the integration of the State
(d) to provide relief to the poor in times of distress
10. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by [UPSC CSE 2011]
(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul
11. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? [UPSC CSE 2012]
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. 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
12. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes[UPSC CSE 2012]
(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
13. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? [UPSC CSE 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
14. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? [UPSC CSE 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
15. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? [UPSC CSE 2013]
1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. 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
