Buddhism and Jainism MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

The correct answer is option 'B', Sanchi.

Explanation:
- The Vessantara Jataka is a story from the Jataka tales, which are a collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.
- The Jataka tales are an important part of Buddhist literature and are widely revered in Theravada Buddhism.
- The Vessantara Jataka is considered one of the most popular and significant Jataka tales.
- It tells the story of Prince Vessantara, who is known for his extraordinary generosity and giving away his possessions, including his children and wife, to those in need.
- The story is seen as a moral lesson on the virtues of selflessness and compassion.
- The Jataka tales, including the Vessantara Jataka, are often depicted in art and sculpture, particularly in Buddhist stupas.
- Stupas are dome-shaped structures that house relics or serve as a place of worship in Buddhism.
- One of the most famous stupas in the world is the Sanchi Stupa, located in Madhya Pradesh, India.
- The Sanchi Stupa is known for its intricate carvings and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The carvings on the Sanchi Stupa depict various scenes from the life of the Buddha, including the Jataka tales.
- Among the carvings on the Sanchi Stupa, the Vessantara Jataka is one of the most prominent and popular.
- The story of Prince Vessantara and his acts of generosity are depicted in the carvings, showcasing the importance of compassion and selflessness in Buddhist teachings.
- Therefore, the Vessantara Jataka is carved on the Sanchi Stupa, making option 'B' the correct answer.

The Stupa at Saranath was built to mark the place where Buddha first taught his message.

Justification:

• Chyavana Kalyanak: This is the event when the Tirthankara's soul departs from its last life and is conceived in the mother's womb.
• Janma Kalyanak: It is when the Tirthankara's soul is born.
• Diksha Kalyanak: When the Tirthankara's soul gives up all his/her worldly possessions and becomes a monk/nun (Digambara sect does not believe that women can become Tirthankara or be liberated).
• Kevaljnana Kalyanak: It is when Tirthankara's soul eradicates the four ghati karmas and attains the Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge).
• Celestial angels set Samavasarana for Tirthankaras from where he/she delivers the first sermon, which is the most important event for the entire Jain order. The Tirthankara reinstates Jain Sangh and preaches the Jain path of liberation and purification.
• Nirvana Kalyanak: When Tirthankara's soul is forever liberated from the worldly physical existence and becomes a Siddha. The Tirthankara's soul destroys the four aghati karmas and attains salvation, which is the state of eternal bliss.

Statement 1: Theravada Buddhism is strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Theravada Buddhism is one of the major branches of Buddhism and is practiced predominantly in Southeast Asia. The statement is correct as Theravada Buddhism is indeed strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

- Sri Lanka: Theravada Buddhism has a strong presence in Sri Lanka, where it is the predominant form of Buddhism. The majority of the population in Sri Lanka follows Theravada teachings and traditions.

- Cambodia: Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of Cambodia, and the majority of the population practices it. The country has many ancient and significant Theravada Buddhist temples and historical sites.

- Thailand: Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of Thailand and is followed by the majority of the population. The country has a rich Buddhist heritage with numerous temples and monasteries.

- Laos: Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in Laos, and it plays a significant role in the country's culture and society. Many Laotians are ordained as monks, and temples are an integral part of the landscape.

- Myanmar: Theravada Buddhism is the most practiced religion in Myanmar, with the majority of the population being followers. The country is home to numerous ancient Buddhist sites and monasteries.

Statement 2: Theravada school of Buddhism believes that it has remained closest to the original teachings of Buddha.

The Theravada school of Buddhism claims to maintain the original teachings of Buddha. This statement is correct as Theravada Buddhists believe that their tradition has preserved the teachings of the historical Buddha in their most authentic and unaltered form.

- The term "Theravada" means the "Doctrine of the Elders," referring to the early Buddhist monastic elders who were responsible for preserving and passing down the teachings.

- Theravada Buddhists emphasize the importance of studying and following the Pali Canon, the oldest and most authoritative collection of Buddhist scriptures. They believe that the Pali Canon contains the authentic words and teachings of the Buddha.

- Theravada Buddhism places a strong emphasis on meditation, mindfulness, and the cultivation of wisdom. It focuses on individual liberation and the path to enlightenment through personal practice and direct experience.

- In contrast to the Mahayana tradition, which developed later and introduced new texts and doctrines, Theravada Buddhists consider themselves to be the conservative guardians of the original teachings.

In conclusion, both statements are correct. Theravada Buddhism is indeed strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Additionally, the Theravada school of Buddhism believes that it has remained closest to the original teachings of Buddha.

Justification:

• Initially, only men were allowed into the Sangha, but later women were also admitted. According to Buddhist texts, this was made possible through the mediation of Ananda, one of Buddha's dearest disciples, who persuaded him to allow women into the Sangha.
• Buddha's foster mother, Mahapajapati Gotami, was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.

Buddhist site museum has been inaugurated at Lalitgiri in Odisha. The Diamond Triangle, consisting of the three Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.

Mahayana, Hinayana, and Vajrayana: The Three Routes to Enlightenment

The correct answer is option 'A', which states that Mahayana, Hinayana, and Vajrayana are the three routes to enlightenment. In order to understand this answer, let's delve into the meanings and characteristics of each of these routes.


Mahayana is one of the main branches of Buddhism and is primarily practiced in East Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. The term "Mahayana" translates to "the Great Vehicle" or "the Great Path." It emphasizes the idea of universal compassion and the liberation of all beings. Here are some key characteristics of Mahayana:

1. Bodhisattva Ideal: Mahayana Buddhism places great importance on the concept of the bodhisattva, who is an enlightened being that is motivated by compassion to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. Bodhisattvas are seen as role models and objects of devotion.

2. Emphasis on Wisdom: Mahayana teachings emphasize the cultivation of wisdom alongside compassion. This includes the understanding of the true nature of reality and the concept of emptiness (shunyata).

3. Sutras: Mahayana Buddhism recognizes a vast collection of sutras, or sacred texts, which are believed to contain the teachings of the Buddha. Some of the most well-known Mahayana sutras include the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Diamond Sutra.


The term "Hinayana" is a controversial term that is no longer widely used and is considered derogatory by some Buddhists. It translates to "the Lesser Vehicle" or "the Inferior Vehicle." However, it is important to note that this term does not accurately represent the diverse practices and beliefs of the schools it is commonly associated with, such as Theravada Buddhism. Here are some key characteristics of Hinayana:

1. Focus on Personal Liberation: Hinayana Buddhism, often referred to as "Early Buddhism," places a strong emphasis on individual liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). It focuses on achieving personal enlightenment and the attainment of nirvana.

2. Four Noble Truths: Hinayana teachings revolve around the Four Noble Truths, which are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering. These truths form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.

3. Pali Canon: Hinayana Buddhism considers the Pali Canon, also known as the Tripitaka, as its primary scripture. It contains the teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Theravada tradition.


Vajrayana, also known as Tantric Buddhism, is a form of Buddhism primarily practiced in Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia. The term "Vajrayana" translates to "the Diamond Vehicle" or "the Thunderbolt Vehicle." It is characterized by its esoteric practices, rituals, and the use of tantric techniques. Here are some key characteristics of Vajrayana:

1. Tantric Practices: Vajrayana incorporates tantric practices, which involve the use of mantras, rituals, visualizations