Table of Contents
Chapter 6 MCQs in English; New Questions and Ideas
1. Who was the founder of Buddhism?
Answer: A
Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, was the founder of Buddhism. He was born around 563 BCE at Lumbini (present-day Nepal) in the Shakya Kshatriya clan. His father was Shuddhodana and his mother was Mahamaya.
At the age of 29, he left his home in search of truth and enlightenment. This event is known as the “Mahabhinishkramana” (Great Renunciation). After years of meditation and penance, he attained enlightenment under the Peepal tree at Bodh Gaya and became known as “Buddha,” meaning “the Enlightened One.”
Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, known as “Dharmachakra Pravartana.” He preached the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and the Middle Path. His teachings were delivered in Pali/Prakrit so that common people could understand them easily.
Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, Ashoka was a Mauryan ruler who later adopted Buddhism, and Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire.
Therefore, Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism.
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2. Gautama Buddha belonged to which of the following clans?
Answer: B
Gautama Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan. Since he was born in the Shakya Kshatriya family, he was also called “Shakyamuni.” The Shakya was a small republic whose capital was Kapilavastu.
In ancient India, two major forms of government existed — monarchy and republic. The Shakya clan followed a republican form of government. Buddha’s father, Shuddhodana, was the chief of the Shakya clan.
After witnessing human suffering, Siddhartha left his home and later attained enlightenment, becoming the founder of Buddhism.
The Vajji was another famous republic with its capital at Vaishali. Magadha was a powerful Mahajanapada ruled later by kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. The Jnatrika clan is associated with Mahavira.
Therefore, Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan.
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3. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Answer: C
Option C is incorrect because Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, not at Lumbini. Sarnath is located near Varanasi, where Buddha preached to his first five disciples. This event is known as “Dharmachakra Pravartana.”
Lumbini is Buddha’s birthplace, Bodh Gaya is the place where he attained enlightenment, and Kushinagar is the place where he attained Mahaparinirvana. These four important Buddhist sites are frequently asked in competitive examinations.
Buddha belonged to the Shakya Kshatriya clan and attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. After enlightenment, he spent about 45 years spreading his teachings.
Thus, the incorrect statement is that Buddha gave his first sermon at Lumbini.
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4. Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon after attaining enlightenment?
Answer: B
After attaining enlightenment, Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. Sarnath is located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and is considered an important pilgrimage site of Buddhism.
Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. After that, he went to Sarnath and preached his first sermon to his five former companions. This event is called “Dharmachakra Pravartana.”
The famous Lion Capital built by Ashoka at Sarnath is India’s National Emblem. The Dhamek Stupa is also an important monument there.
Bodh Gaya is associated with enlightenment, Sarnath with the first sermon, and Kushinagar with Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali was the capital of the Vajji confederacy.
Therefore, Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath.
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5. Which of the following statements about Buddha is not correct?
I. According to Buddha, life is full of suffering and pain because of our desires and cravings.
II. He taught people to be kind and respect the lives of humans as well as animals.
III. Buddha delivered his teachings in the Prakrit language.
Codes:
Answer: D
All three statements are correct, so the correct answer is “None of these.” Buddha taught that life is full of suffering and that the main cause of suffering is desire or craving. This idea forms the basis of the “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism.
Buddha preached compassion, non-violence, and kindness. He emphasized respectful treatment not only towards humans but also towards animals and all living beings. Therefore, non-violence became an important principle of Buddhism.
Buddha delivered his teachings in the Prakrit/Pali language, which was easily understood by common people. At that time, Sanskrit was mainly limited to scholars and priests. Buddhist texts known as the “Tripitaka” were written in Pali.
Important teachings of Buddhism include the Middle Path, Eightfold Path, Karma, and Rebirth. During the reign of Ashoka, Buddhism spread from India to Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Thus, all the given statements are correct.
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6. Why did Buddha deliver his teachings in the Prakrit language?
Answer: C
Gautama Buddha delivered his teachings in the Prakrit language, especially Pali, because common people could understand it more easily than Sanskrit. During that period, Sanskrit was mainly the language of Brahmins and scholars, while ordinary people used Prakrit languages in daily life. Buddha wanted his ideas to reach every section of society, not just educated people.
Buddha explained ideas like suffering, compassion, non-violence, and the Middle Path in simple language. Because of this, his teachings became popular among farmers, traders, women, and common people. If he had used Sanskrit, his teachings would have remained limited to a small group.
The main Buddhist texts known as the “Tripitaka” were written in Pali. The three parts of Tripitaka are — Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. These contain Buddha’s teachings, rules of the Sangha, and philosophical discussions.
Later, Emperor Ashoka also used Prakrit language and Brahmi script in his inscriptions so that ordinary people could understand his messages.
The use of simple language was one of the major reasons for the rapid spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
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7. What is the literal meaning of Upanishad?
Answer: B
The literal meaning of the word “Upanishad” is “sitting near the teacher.” The word is formed from three parts — “Upa” (near), “Ni” (down), and “Sad” (to sit). It refers to the tradition where students sat near their teachers to gain knowledge.
The Upanishads are important philosophical texts of ancient India. They are considered the final part of the Vedas and are therefore also called “Vedanta.” These texts discuss subjects such as soul (Atman), Brahman, karma, rebirth, and moksha.
The Upanishads emphasize knowledge and self-realization rather than rituals and sacrifices. Many of them are written in the form of dialogues between teachers and students. Famous examples include the discussions between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi, and Gargi and Yajnavalkya.
Important Upanishads include Isha, Kena, Katha, Mundaka, Chandogya, and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads. Later, Adi Shankaracharya explained these texts and developed Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
Thus, the literal meaning of Upanishad is “sitting near the teacher.”
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8. Choose the correct statement regarding the Upanishads:
I. The Upanishads contain conversations between teachers and students.
II. Women thinkers like Gargi, Ghosha, and Maitreyi are also mentioned in these discussions.
Answer: C
The Upanishads are important texts of Indian philosophy that contain dialogues between teachers and students. These discussions focus on subjects such as soul, Brahman, karma, moksha, and the purpose of life. Therefore, statement I is correct.
Statement II is also correct because women scholars such as Gargi, Maitreyi, and Ghosha are mentioned in the Upanishads and Vedic literature. Gargi Vachaknavi was famous for her philosophical debates and discussions with scholars like Yajnavalkya. Maitreyi was also deeply interested in spiritual knowledge.
The Upanishads gave greater importance to knowledge and meditation rather than rituals and sacrifices. During this period, philosophical thinking developed greatly, and people started discussing deeper questions related to life and the universe.
The influence of the Upanishads extended beyond Hinduism and also affected Buddhist and Jain philosophy. Ideas like karma, rebirth, and liberation became important concepts in Indian religious traditions.
Therefore, both statements are correct.
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9. Who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism?
Answer: B
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born around 540 BCE at Kundagrama near Vaishali. He belonged to a Kshatriya family of the Jnatrika/Licchavi clan. His father was Siddhartha and his mother was Trishala.
Before Mahavira, Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara who preached the early principles of Jainism. Mahavira further developed these teachings and gave Jainism a more organized form. At the age of 30, he left his home and practiced severe penance for about 12 years.
After attaining knowledge, Mahavira preached the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). Non-violence holds the highest place in Jainism. Mahavira believed that every living being has a soul, so no creature should be harmed.
Mahavira delivered his teachings in the Prakrit language so that common people could understand them easily. His followers called him “Jina,” meaning “one who conquered the senses.” The word “Jain” is derived from this term.
Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pawapuri in Bihar. Later, Jainism was divided into two major sects — Digambara and Shvetambara.
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10. At what age did Mahavira leave his home?
Answer: C
Vardhamana Mahavira left his home at the age of 30. He was born in a Kshatriya family at Kundagrama near Vaishali. In his early life, he lived like a prince, but later he renounced worldly life in search of truth and spiritual knowledge.
After renouncing his home, Mahavira practiced severe penance for about 12 years. During this period, he lived a very simple life and emphasized self-control. After intense meditation and austerity, he attained Kevala Jnana (supreme knowledge).
Mahavira preached the five main principles of Jainism — Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya. He taught kindness and compassion towards all living beings. Jainism gives great importance to penance, self-discipline, and sacrifice.
During Mahavira’s time, Magadha was a powerful Mahajanapada ruled by kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. Mahavira and Gautama Buddha were contemporaries. Both opposed rituals and emphasized morality, discipline, and simple living.
Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pawapuri. In Jain tradition, the day of his Nirvana is associated with the festival of Deepavali.
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11. Which of the following statements about Mahavira is incorrect?
Answer: C
Mahavira delivered his teachings not in Pali but in the Prakrit language. Therefore, option C is incorrect. Common people understood Prakrit more easily than Sanskrit, so Mahavira used the language of ordinary people to spread his teachings. The Prakrit spoken in the Magadha region was also known as Magadhi.
Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born at Kundagrama near Vaishali and belonged to the Licchavi clan of the Vajji confederacy. At the age of 30, he renounced worldly life and after about 12 years of severe penance attained Kevala Jnana.
Mahavira considered non-violence as the highest principle of life. He believed that every living being possesses a soul, so no living creature should be harmed. He also emphasized truth, non-stealing, non-possession, and celibacy.
Jainism gives great importance to self-control, austerity, and sacrifice. Mahavira’s teachings strengthened the values of morality, compassion, and kindness in society.
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12. Who composed the grammar of the Sanskrit language?
Answer: B
Panini was the great grammarian of Sanskrit. He wrote the famous grammar text called “Ashtadhyayi,” which is considered one of the most important works on grammar in the world. This text contains about 4000 sutras explaining the rules of Sanskrit in a systematic way.
Panini scientifically arranged vowels and consonants. His grammatical rules were so advanced that they are still respected in modern linguistics. The Ashtadhyayi not only explains language but also provides information about the society, culture, and political conditions of that period.
Panini is believed to have belonged to the Gandhara region in north-western India. His contribution played a major role in standardizing and organizing the Sanskrit language.
Shankaracharya was the philosopher of Advaita Vedanta, Ghosha was a learned woman mentioned in the Rigveda, and Shaunaka was associated with Vedic literature. Therefore, the credit for composing Sanskrit grammar goes to Panini.
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13. In which language did Mahavira and Gautama Buddha deliver their teachings?
Answer: C
Both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha delivered their teachings in the Prakrit language. During that time, Sanskrit was mainly the language of Brahmins and scholars, while common people spoke and understood Prakrit languages. Therefore, both religious reformers used simple language to spread their ideas among ordinary people.
The teachings of Gautama Buddha were compiled in the Pali language, which is considered a form of Prakrit. The major Buddhist scriptures known as the Tripitaka were written in Pali. Mahavira also delivered his sermons in Magadhi Prakrit so that common people could easily understand the principles of Jainism.
Both Mahavira and Buddha emphasized morality, non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline rather than rituals and complex religious practices. This was one of the main reasons why Buddhism and Jainism became popular among the masses.
Brahmi was not a language but an ancient script used later in Ashokan inscriptions. Awadhi was a medieval North Indian language mainly associated with Bhakti literature.
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14. Which of the following statements related to Jainism is incorrect?
Answer: D
Option D is incorrect because the teachings of Jainism in their present form were written down about 1500 years ago at Vallabhi in Gujarat, not at Jamnagar. Vallabhi became an important center of Jainism where Jain texts were compiled and preserved.
Initially, Jain teachings were passed orally from one generation to another. Later, they were written down. Jainism gave the highest importance to non-violence (Ahimsa), so traders and merchants strongly supported it. For traders, it was comparatively easier to follow Jain principles because their occupations involved less violence toward living beings.
On the other hand, it was difficult for farmers to strictly follow the principle of non-violence because they had to kill insects and pests to protect crops. As a result, Jainism became more popular in urban and trading communities.
In later centuries, Jainism spread from North India to regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. In South India, many Jain temples, caves, and sculptures were built. Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is a famous Jain pilgrimage center known for the giant statue of Gomateshwara Bahubali.
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15. In which Buddhist text are the rules for monks living in the Sangha found?
Answer: B
The rules made for Buddhist monks and nuns living in the Sangha are found in the “Vinaya Pitaka.” It is an important part of the Buddhist sacred text known as the “Tripitaka.” The Tripitaka has three parts — Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
The Vinaya Pitaka contains rules related to discipline, conduct, and daily life of monks and nuns. It explains how monks and nuns should live, take food, and behave in society. Separate arrangements were made for men and women in the Sangha.
The Sutta Pitaka contains the sermons and teachings of Buddha, while the Abhidhamma Pitaka explains Buddhist philosophy and doctrines in detail. The Jataka stories describe the previous births of Buddha and provide moral lessons.
The Buddhist Sangha was founded by Gautama Buddha. People from all castes and social groups were allowed to join the Sangha. Compared to the social system of that time, it was considered more liberal and egalitarian. The Sangha played an important role in the spread of Buddhism.
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16. Which of the following statements regarding entry into the Buddhist Sangha is incorrect?
I. Separate arrangements were made for men and women in the Sangha.
II. All people could join the Sangha.
III. Married women needed permission from their parents to join the Sangha.
IV. Debtors had to take permission from their creditors to join the Sangha.
Answer: C
The third statement is incorrect because married women needed permission from their husbands, not from their parents, to join the Buddhist Sangha. Therefore, option C is correct.
Information about the Buddhist Sangha mainly comes from the Vinaya Pitaka. It gives detailed descriptions of the lives, discipline, and organization of monks and nuns. Separate living arrangements existed for men and women, so statement I is correct.
Buddhism was comparatively liberal and allowed people from different social groups to join the Sangha. However, in some special cases, permission was necessary. Children needed permission from their parents, slaves needed permission from their masters, and people working under the king needed permission from the king. Similarly, debtors had to take permission from their creditors. Therefore, statement IV is also correct.
The Buddhist Sangha was considered more equal and open compared to the social system of that time. After joining the Sangha, a person followed a simple life, discipline, self-control, and the teachings of Buddha. The Sangha played a major role in spreading Buddhism across India and later to Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia.
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17. Where did monks and nuns live?
Answer: C
Jain and Buddhist monks and nuns traveled from one place to another throughout the year to spread religion and teachings. During the rainy season, traveling became difficult, so they stayed at one place. At that time, they lived in temporary shelters built by followers or in natural caves in hilly areas. Therefore, the correct answer is option C — caves.
In ancient India, caves were not only places of residence but also important centers for meditation, worship, and education. In Buddhism, the residence of monks was called a “Vihara,” while the prayer hall was called a “Chaitya.”
Many famous rock-cut caves were built in western India, including Karle, Bhaja, Kanheri, Ajanta, and Ellora. These caves were generally constructed near trade routes so that merchants could also connect with Buddhism.
The stay of monks during the rainy season was called “Varshavasa.” Later, many Viharas developed into centers of education and culture. Famous universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila also evolved from Buddhist Viharas.
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18. The rock-cut Karle Caves, where monks and nuns lived and meditated, are located in which state?
Answer: B
The Karle or Karla Caves are located in present-day Maharashtra. These are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves made by cutting hills. Monks and nuns lived here and practiced meditation.
The Karle Caves are considered among the most important Buddhist caves in India. They were mainly built during the Satavahana period. The large Chaitya hall here is an excellent example of Buddhist architecture. The pillars, arches, and carvings inside the cave are especially famous.
Maharashtra was an important center of Buddhist cave architecture. Ajanta Caves are famous for paintings, while Ellora Caves contain Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monuments. Karle, Bhaja, and Kanheri caves were also developed near trade routes. Merchants and rulers financially supported the construction of these caves.
Both Chaityas and Viharas are found in Karle Caves. Chaityas were prayer halls, while Viharas were residences for monks. These caves and monasteries played an important role in the spread of Buddhism.
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19. Select the incorrect statement:
I. When followers of Buddha joined the order of monks, they gave up their caste, status, and family identity.
II. Earlier, Buddha’s presence in sculptures was shown only through symbols, but later Buddha statues also began to be made.
III. Earlier Bodhisattvas lived in isolation after attaining knowledge, but later they preferred to remain in society to teach and help people.
Answer: D
All three statements are correct, so the correct answer is option D — “None of these.”
After joining the Buddhist Sangha, a person gave up caste, family, and social identity. All monks were treated equally in the Sangha. This was different from the rigid caste system of that time and reflected the Buddhist idea of equality and social harmony.
In early Buddhist art, Buddha was not shown in human form. His presence was represented through symbols such as the Bodhi tree, Dharma Chakra, footprints, empty throne, or stupa. This is called the “Aniconic Tradition.” Later, with the development of Mahayana Buddhism, statues of Buddha began to be made. The Mathura and Gandhara schools of art became famous for Buddha images. Gandhara art showed Greek influence, while Mathura art reflected Indian features.
In Mahayana Buddhism, the idea of Bodhisattva became very important. A Bodhisattva was a person who, even after attaining knowledge, chose to remain in society to teach and help people instead of seeking personal salvation alone. Bodhisattva worship became popular with the spread of Mahayana Buddhism. Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Maitreya are important Bodhisattvas.
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20. Consider the following statements:
I. Buddha gave his teachings in the common language, Prakrit.
II. Buddha encouraged people to think for themselves.
III. Buddha promoted animal sacrifice and violence.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: B
Lord Buddha was one of the greatest thinkers and reformers in Indian history. He spread his teachings about 2500 years ago. At that time, society followed many rituals and complicated religious practices. Buddha showed people a simple and practical way of life.
Statement I is correct because Buddha gave his teachings in Prakrit, the language of common people, instead of difficult Sanskrit. This helped ordinary people understand his ideas easily.
Statement II is also correct because Buddha did not support blind faith. He taught people not to accept something just because it was said by a teacher or written in a religious text. He encouraged people to test ideas through reasoning and understanding. This approach is considered logical and scientific.
Statement III is incorrect because Buddha supported non-violence and kindness. He taught respect for the lives of both humans and animals. He opposed animal sacrifice and violence and advised people to show compassion toward all living beings.
The main aim of Buddha’s teachings was to guide people away from suffering, greed, and violence and inspire them to follow the Middle Path.
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21. Which of the following statements about the “Sangha” is correct?
Answer: C
The Sangha played an important role in the spread of Buddhism and Jainism in ancient India. Both Buddha and Mahavira believed that a person should leave worldly attachments to attain true knowledge. Therefore, the Sangha was established.
The Sangha was an organization of people who had left their homes and adopted a religious life. In Buddhism, members of the Sangha were called monks and nuns. They lived simple lives, practiced meditation, and taught people. Therefore, option C is correct.
Option A is incorrect because the Sangha was not limited to Brahmins. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, traders, workers, barbers, courtesans, and even slaves could join it. This shows that the Sangha was more equal and open than the social system of that time.
Option B is incorrect because both men and women were allowed to join the Sangha, though their living arrangements were separate. Women members were called nuns or Bhikkhunis.
Option D is incorrect because the Sangha was not a traders’ organization. It was a religious community of people who had renounced worldly life. However, traders did provide financial support to the Sangha and Buddhism.
The Sangha played a major role in spreading Buddhist teachings far and wide. Monks and nuns traveled to villages and towns to teach morality and religion. This helped Buddhism spread not only in India but also to other countries.
22. Which of the following correctly matches ‘Upanishads’ with related facts?
1. Literal meaning of Upanishad — Sitting near the teacher
2. Atman and Brahman were considered different
3. Dialogues between teachers and students are found in the Upanishads
Codes:
Answer: B
The Upanishads are an important part of Indian philosophy and Vedic literature. They were composed when thinkers were trying to find answers to deep questions about life, death, soul, and the universe. Knowledge in the Upanishads is presented through discussions and dialogues.
Statement 1 is correct because the literal meaning of “Upanishad” is “sitting near the teacher.” It refers to students sitting near their guru to gain knowledge.
Statement 2 is incorrect because the thinkers of the Upanishads believed that Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal soul) are ultimately one and the same. They believed that the soul continues to exist even after death.
Statement 3 is correct because the Upanishads contain conversations between teachers and students. Complex philosophical ideas are explained through simple dialogues.
The Upanishads are considered the foundation of Indian philosophy. They discuss deep subjects such as soul, Brahman, truth, and the purpose of life. Later philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya further developed these ideas.
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23. Consider the following statements regarding Mahavira:
I. He was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism.
II. He emphasized non-violence and truth.
III. He gave his teachings in Sanskrit language.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: B
Mahavira was one of the most important religious teachers of Jainism. He was born about 2500 years ago and belonged to the Kshatriya family of the Lichchhavi clan of the Vajji Sangha. At the age of 30, he left home and practiced severe penance for 12 years before attaining knowledge.
Statement I is correct because Mahavira is considered the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He widely spread the principles of Jainism.
Statement II is also correct because Mahavira emphasized non-violence, truth, non-stealing, simple living, and celibacy. He believed that no living being should be harmed. According to him, all living beings love life and wish to live peacefully.
Statement III is incorrect because Mahavira did not give his teachings in Sanskrit. He used Prakrit language so that common people could easily understand his ideas.
Mahavira’s teachings deeply influenced society. Traders especially supported Jainism. Over time, Jainism spread to Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and many other regions.
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24. Which of the following statements about ‘Vihara’ is correct?
Answer: C
With the spread of Buddhism and Jainism in ancient India, special residences were built for monks and nuns. These residences were called “Viharas.” Initially, Buddhist and Jain monks traveled from place to place throughout the year preaching religion. During the rainy season, they stayed at one place because traveling became difficult.
At first, they lived in natural caves or temporary shelters. Later, followers and supporters built permanent residences for them, known as Viharas. Therefore, option C is correct.
Early Viharas were made of wood, but later bricks and stones were used. In western India, many Viharas were cut into hills. The Karle Caves of Maharashtra are a famous example.
Option A is incorrect because Viharas were not palaces for kings. Option B is incorrect because they were not military training centers. Option D is incorrect because Viharas were not traders’ organizations.
Viharas were not only residential places but also important centers of education, meditation, and religious activities. Monks and nuns practiced meditation, studied religious teachings, and guided people there. Later, these Viharas became major centers of Buddhist learning and culture.
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25. Choose the correct statement regarding the ‘Ashrama System’:
Answer: B
At the time when Buddhism and Jainism were becoming popular, Brahmins developed the “Ashrama System.” Here, the word “Ashrama” does not mean a residence but different stages of life. According to this system, human life was divided into four stages.
These four Ashramas were:
1. Brahmacharya
2. Grihastha
3. Vanaprastha
4. Sannyasa
Therefore, option B is correct.
In the Brahmacharya stage, Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya boys studied the Vedas while living a simple life. In the Grihastha stage, a person married and took care of family responsibilities. In the Vanaprastha stage, a person lived in forests and practiced meditation. Finally, in the Sannyasa stage, a person renounced worldly life and adopted spirituality.
Option A is incorrect because mainly Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas were allowed to study the Vedas, not Shudras. Option C is also incorrect because women generally were not allowed to study the Vedas and were expected to follow the Ashrama chosen by their husbands.
Option D is incorrect because the Ashrama System was developed by Brahmins and was not related only to Buddhism.
The purpose of the Ashrama System was to make human life disciplined and balanced so that a person could experience education, family life, meditation, and renunciation.
Answer: