Test: Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings- 2 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Statement 1 is correct because Anicca refers to the impermanent and ever-changing nature of the world.
Statement 2 is correct because Anatta or No-Self denotes the absence of a permanent, unchanging self or soul.
Statement 3 is correct as it accurately reflects the interconnected nature of Anicca and Anatta in Buddhist philosophy.
Statement 4 is incorrect because Anatman is another term for Anatta and does not suggest the existence of a permanent self.

• John Marshall was a British archaeologist.
• He served as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928.
• Marshall published detailed volumes on the archaeological site of Sanchi.
• Sanchi is known for its ancient Buddhist stupas and monuments.
• Sultan Jehan was the ruler of the princely state of Bhopal during Marshall's tenure.
• It is believed that Marshall dedicated his volumes to Sultan Jehan as a sign of respect and appreciation.
• Marshall acknowledged Sultan Jehan's patronage and support of archaeological research in the region.

• In 1854, the commissioner of Guntur was Walter Elliot.
• Walter Elliot served as the commissioner of Guntur during that time period.
• He played a significant role in the administration and governance of the region.
• Walter Elliot's tenure as commissioner of Guntur was marked by various developments and initiatives in the region.
• His contributions to the region's progress and welfare were noteworthy during his time as commissioner.

• Statement I is incorrect because the construction of the first stupas began after the Buddha's death, not during his lifetime.
• Statement II is correct because Ashoka, who reigned in the 3rd century BCE, played a significant role in spreading Buddhism by building stupas and distributing the Buddha's relics across his empire.

• Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism.
• Before Mahavira, there were 23 teachers who preceded him.
• The number 23 holds importance in Jainism as it represents the lineage of spiritual teachers who guided Mahavira on his path to enlightenment.
  
   

• Ahimsa: The most central aspect of Jaina philosophy is the principle of Ahimsa, which translates to non-injury or non-violence.
• Minimizing harm: Jains believe in minimizing harm to all living beings, including animals, plants, and even microscopic organisms.
• Interconnectedness of life: Jaina philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of treating every living being with respect and compassion.
• Practice of Ahimsa: Jains strive to practice Ahimsa in all aspects of their lives, which includes following a vegetarian diet, avoiding harm to insects or animals, and practicing non-violence in thoughts, words, and actions.
• Karma: Jains believe in the concept of karma, where every action has consequences.
• Positive karma: By practicing Ahimsa, Jains aim to accumulate positive karma and progress on their spiritual journey towards liberation (moksha).
• Charitable activities: Jains often engage in charitable activities, environmental conservation efforts, and ethical business practices to uphold the principle of Ahimsa in their daily lives.

• Statement 1 is correct because Chaityas were indeed Buddhist prayer halls, often containing a stupa.
• Statement 2 is incorrect; Viharas were monasteries or residences for monks, not specifically sites with small shrines.
• Statement 3 is correct because Chaityas were used for meditation, chanting, and rituals by both monks and laypeople.
• Statement 4 is incorrect; Stupas are dome-shaped structures containing relics, not small shrines attached to hermitages.

• Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasizing asceticism and non-violence.
• Ahimsa is the core principle of non-violence central to Jainism and also important in Buddhism.
• A Bhikkhuni is a fully ordained female monastic in Buddhism.
• Buddha, originally Siddhartha Gautama, founded Buddhism after achieving enlightenment.

• 64 sects or schools of thought are mentioned in Buddhist texts.
• The development of these sects can be traced back to the early days of Buddhism.
• Different groups of followers had varying interpretations of the teachings of the Buddha.
• These sects were not limited to a specific region but spread across different parts of Asia.
• This spread contributed to the rich diversity within Buddhism.
• The existence of these sects has played a significant role in shaping the history and evolution of Buddhism.
• Buddhism has become a major world religion due to these influences.
  
   

Statement 1 is correct because Sanghas were indeed communities where consensus was reached through discussions and deliberations among members.
Statement 2 is incorrect; Masajid are mosques in Islamic tradition, not related to consensus-based discussions in the context of Sanghas.
Statement 3 is incorrect; Ashrams are spiritual hermitages or monasteries, not specifically associated with consensus-based decision-making.
Statement 4 is incorrect; Theravadan refers to a school of Buddhism, not a group where consensus was reached through discussions.

• Teachers guiding individuals across the river of existence: These teachers are called Tirthankaras. Tirthankaras are spiritual teachers who guide individuals on their journey through life, helping them overcome obstacles and attain spiritual enlightenment.


• Role of Tirthankaras: Tirthankaras are revered figures in Jainism, a religion that emphasizes non-violence, truthfulness, and spiritual development. They are seen as enlightened beings who have achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and death.


• Significance of Tirthankaras: Tirthankaras are considered role models for Jain followers, inspiring them to follow the path of righteousness and compassion. They provide teachings and guidance to help individuals navigate the challenges of life and attain spiritual growth.


• Difference from other spiritual figures: Tirthankaras are distinct from priests or other religious leaders, as they are believed to have attained a higher level of spiritual realization and serve as teachers and guides for all beings seeking enlightenment.

 

• Statement i is incorrect, as it pertains to Moksha, a Hindu concept, not the extinguishing of ego and desire in Buddhism.
• Statement ii is correct; Nibbana (or Nirvana) is indeed the extinguishing of the ego and desire in Buddhism.
• Statement iii is incorrect as it is about Sukha referring to happiness, but it does not relate to the extinguishing of ego and desire.
• Statement iv is incorrect as it's regarding Dukkha being the concept of suffering, but it is not related to the extinguishing of ego and desire.

The correct answer focusing on the extinguishing of ego and desire in Buddhism is Nibbana.

Assertion is true because the Ashokavadana is from the 2nd century BCE. Reason is true that it was written after Ashoka’s reign, but it’s not the correct explanation for the assertion because the language alone doesn’t explain the dating. That's why the correct answer is option B.

Assertion is true because the Chhandogya Upanishad dates to the 6th century BCE. Reason is true because it presents the concept of Atman and Brahman as identical. The reason correctly explains the assertion. That's why the correct answer is option A.

• Statement i is incorrect; the Upanishads are ancient Hindu texts, not related to the Buddha's teachings.
• Statement ii is correct; the Sutta Pitaka is a key part of the Pali Canon and contains the discourses, sermons, and dialogues of Gautama Buddha.
• Statement iii is incorrect; the Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic, not a source of the Buddha's teachings.
• Statement iv is incorrect; Gahapatis were wealthy householders in ancient India, not the preservers of Buddhist teachings.

• Stupas were typically installed at the four cardinal points in Buddhism.
• The four cardinal points are north, south, east, and west.
• This placement symbolizes the Buddha's teachings spreading to all directions.
• It also represents the idea of universality and inclusivity in Buddhism.
• By placing stupas at these cardinal points, practitioners are reminded of the omnipresence of the Buddha's teachings.

Assertion is true because Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. Reason is false because Fa-Hien was primarily interested in studying Buddhism, not Vedic rituals. That's why the correct answer is option C.

• The Rigveda was compiled between 1500-1000 BCE, representing the early Vedic tradition.
• Mahavira lived around the 6th century BCE, contributing to the establishment of Jainism.
• The first stupas were built around the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of Ashoka.
• Mahayana Buddhism developed later, around the 2nd century BCE onwards.

Assertion is false because Mahavira was born into the Kshatriya family of the Natha clan. Reason is true because Mahavira’s teachings did emphasize asceticism and non-violence. That's why the correct answer is option D.

Assertion is true because Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of Bodhisattvas. Reason is false because Bodhisattvas seek to help others achieve nirvana, not just themselves. That's why the correct answer is option C.