In Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lutus throne, chakra etc. The architectural remains of the Buddhism are related to the birth, renunciation, enlightenment, dhammachakrapravartana, and mahaparinibbana (death).
1. Consider the following
I. It is hemispheric in structure which consisted of circular terrace.
II. Stupas during Mauryan Age constructed with the help of bricks.
Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about the architecture of Stupa?
Code:
A. Only I
B. Only II
C. Both I and II
D. Neither I nor II
Ans: C
Explanation: The initial stupas were hemispheric in structure which consisted of circular terrace (medhi) on which a hemispherical mound called anda was raised off the ground. Mauryan age stupas were built using bricks. Hence, C is the correct option.
2. Which of the following is the oldest stone structure in India and was commissioned by the Mauryan King Ashoka?
A. Sanchi Stupa
B. Amaravati Stupa
C. Peshawar Stupa
D. Nagarjunakonda Stupa
Ans: A
Explanation: The Buddhist vihara at Sanchi is famous for its Great Stupa in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi Stupa is the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Hence, A is the correct option.
3. Which of the following monumental stupa was established by the Kushan King Kanishka during the 2nd century BC?
A. Sanchi Stupa
B. Amaravati Stupa
C. Peshawar Stupa
D. Nagarjunakonda Stupa
Ans: C
Explanation: The Peshawar Stupa or Kanishka stupa was a monumental stupa established by the Kushan King Kanishka during the 2nd century BC which now located in Shah-Ji-Dheri on the outskirt of Peshawar, Pakistan. Hence, C is the correct option.
4. Which of the stupa was founded under supervision of the great Mahadeva-Bikshu emissary of the Emperor Ashoka?
A. Sanchi Stupa
B. Amaravati Stupa
C. Peshawar Stupa
D. Nagarjunakonda Stupa
Ans: B
Explanation: The foundation of Amaravati Stupa was laid by the great Mahadeva-Bikshu emissary of the Emperor Ashoka who was deputed to Mahishmandala for the propagation of the Buddhist norm. Hence, B is the correct option.
5. Which of the following stupa was named after the famous scholar and the contriver Mahayana Buddhism?
A. Sanchi Stupa
B. Amaravati Stupa
C. Peshawar Stupa
D. Nagarjunakonda Stupa
Ans: B
Explanation: Nagarjunakonda Stupa was named after the famous scholar and the contriver Mahayana Buddhism. Hence, B is the correct option.
GK Questions with Answers on Ancient Indian History: School of Art
6. Which of the following stupa was discovered in 1958 during an excavation led by Archaeologist KK Muhammed of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?
A. Sanchi Stupa
B. Amaravati Stupa
C. Shanti Stupa
D. Kesaria Stupa
Ans: B
Explanation: Kesaria Stupa was discovered in 1958 during an excavation led by Archaeologist KK Muhammed of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Hence, B is the correct option.
7. Which of the following stupa is considered as the spot where the Buddha gave the first sermon to his first five Brahmin disciples after attaining enlightenment?
A. Sanchi Stupa
B. Amaravati Stupa
C. Shanti Stupa
D. Dhamek Stupa
Ans: D
Explanation: Dhamek Stupa is the Sanskrit version of Dharmarajika Stupa. According to the Buddhist literature, this stupa built on the spot where the Buddha gave the first sermon to his first five Brahmin disciples after attaining enlightenment, "revealing his Eightfold Path leading to nirvana". Hence, D is the correct option.
8. Which of the following stupa was built on the cremated place of Lord Buddha?
A. Ramabhar Stupa
B. Amaravati Stupa
C. Shanti Stupa
D. Dhamek Stupa
Ans: A
Explanation: Ramabhar Stupa was built on the cremated place of Lord Buddha. It is also referred to as 'Mukut-Bandhan Chaitya'. Hence, A is the correct option.
9. Which of the following stupa was built on the birthplace of 20th Jain Tirthankar Munisuvrata?
A. Shanti Stupa of Rajgir
B. Sanchi Stupa of Madhya Pradesh
C. Kesaria Stupa of Champaran
D. Ramabhar Stupa of Uttar Pradesh
Ans: A
Explanation: Shanti Stupa at Rajgir is one of the 80 Peace pagodas around the world. Ragir was the birthplace of 20th Jain Tirthankar Munisuvrata, and closely associated with arihant Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. Hence, A is the correct option.
10. Which of the following is the biggest monastery/Stupa of Spiti Valley and a religious training centre for Lamas?
A. Tabo Monastery
B. Key Monastery
C. Namgyalma Stupa
D. Clement Town Stupa
Ans: B
Explanation: Key Monastery is the biggest monastery/Stupa of Spiti Valley and a religious training centre for Lamas. It was founded by the Dromton in the 11 century AD. Hence, B is the correct option.