State System MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for State System - Download Free PDF

The great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka patronized the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Harsha was a Shaiva and later became a greater patron of Buddhism.
Harsha held the grand assembly of Buddhism at Kanauj to publicize the doctrine of Mahayana, and later at Prayag. Hence, statement 1st and 3rd are incorrect.

Vinaya Pitaka

• It regulates monastic life and the daily affairs of monks and nuns according to rules attributed to the Buddha.
• It deals with the monastic rules for monks and nuns.

Key Points

There are three main sects of Buddhism:
Hinayana -

• Religion without God
• With Karma taking the place of God.
• Sthaviravada is the oldest school in Hinayana. Hinayana Buddhists used the Pali language.

Mahayana -

• Also known as the Greater Wheel.
• Nagarjuna was the founder.
• Its followers believed that salvation could be attained through the help of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

Vajrayana -

• Vehicle of Thunderbolt.
• Its followers had the faith that salvation could be attained through Vajra

The Mahajanpadas:

• It symbolises the fusion of a large number of rural and urban settlements.
• The sixth-century B.C was a period of intense and new political development besides socio-political and religious upheavals that brought two religions to the fore-Buddhism and Jainism. In the later Vedic age, agriculture and iron tools helped people to settle down at one particular place.
• The permanent settlement led to the foundation of the janapadas or small territorial states under the control of a king. The main area of political activity gradually shifted from Western UP to eastern UP and Bihar. This region was not only fertile due to the rainfall and river systems but also closer to iron production centres.
• About 2500 years ago, some janapadas became more important than others and were known as mahajanapadas. 
• The Buddhist text "Anguttara Nikaya" mentioned the names of 16 Mahajanpadas at the time of the Buddha. 
• The Jaina text "Bhagvati Sutra" & "Mahavastu" also mentioned the Mahajanpadas.

Kashi

• Kashi was one of the Mahajanapada during ancient India. Today it is a part of the modern Banaras district. Kashi was the name of the country with Banaras as its capital.

• According to the Jataka and the Matsya Purana, Kashi Janapada was ruled by the Brahmadatta family during 7th and 6th BCE.

• Kashi Janapada was engaged in continuous warfare with its neighbouring countries like Kosala Janapada. Later on, Kashi was annexed by Kamsa, the king of Kosala Baranasiggaho, i.e, seizer of Baranashi.

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Kamboja

• The capital of Kamboj is Poonch.
• It is situated in present-day Kashmir and Hindukush.
• Several literary sources mention that Kamboja was a republic.

Magadha

• Magadha finds mention in the Atharva Veda which conveys that Magadha was semi-Brahmanical habitation.
• It was located in present-day Bihar close to Anga, divided by river Champa.
• Later, Magadha became a centre of Jainism and the first Buddhist Council was held in Rajagriha.

Gandhara 

• Gandhara, a historical region in what is now northwestern Pakistan, corresponding to the Vale of Peshawar and having extensions into the lower valleys of the Kābul and Swāt rivers.
• It supplied men and materials to the Persian army fighting against the Greeks.
• During the Achaemenid period and Hellenistic period, its capital city was Pushkalavati.
•  Later the capital city was moved to Peshawar by the Kushan emperor Kanishka the Great in about 127 AD.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• Buddhism and Jainism are two Indian religions that developed in Magadha and continue to thrive in the modern age. 
• Jainism and Buddhism share many features, terminology, and ethical principles, but emphasize them differently.
• Both the Mahavira and the Buddha felt that only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge.
• They arranged for them to stay together in the sangha, an association of those who left their homes.
• The rules for Buddhist sanghas were written down in the Vinaya Pitaka. 
• All men could join the sanghas, but children had to take permission from their parents.
• Men and women in the sanghas led simple lives, meditated, and begged for food. So they were also called bhikkus (beggars) and bhikkhunis.
• Buddhism says that through enlightenment (bodhi) an individual crosses the river of samsara and attain liberation.

Hence, the common feature of Buddhism and Jainism is that Only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge.

The correct answer is Ashvaghosha.

• Ashvaghosha was a Sarvastivada Buddhist philosopher and poet.
• He was born in Saketa in northern India.
• Though Pali language literature was popular in Buddhism, Ashvaghosha wrote in Classical Sanskrit.
• Buddhacharita wrote by Ashvaghosha is an epic on the life of the Buddha.
• He also wrote Saundarananda, with the theme of conversion of Nanda, Buddha's half-brother, so that he might reach salvation.
• He is also thought to be the author of the Sutralankara.

The correct answer is - (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Key Points

• Empty seat - Meditation of Buddha
  • The empty seat symbolizes the state of meditation and enlightenment of Buddha.
  • It is often used to represent the presence of Buddha in a spiritual form.
• Wheel - First Sermon of Buddha
  • The wheel, or Dharmachakra, signifies the first sermon delivered by Buddha, also known as the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.
  • This symbol represents the teachings of Buddha and the spread of his doctrine.
• Shalabhanjika - Auspicious Symbol
  • Shalabhanjika refers to the sculpture of a woman holding a branch of a tree, symbolizing fertility and auspiciousness.
  • It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
• Elephants - Strength and Wisdom
  • Elephants are considered to symbolize strength and wisdom in Buddhist iconography.
  • They are also associated with the birth of Buddha, where a white elephant appeared in his mother’s dream.

Additional Information

• Sanchi Stupa
  • The Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and an important monument of Indian architecture.
  • It was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
• Buddhist Symbolism
  • Buddhist art and architecture are rich in symbolism, with many elements representing different aspects of Buddha’s life and teachings.
  • Understanding these symbols is crucial for interpreting Buddhist artifacts and monuments.
• Iconography
  • Iconography in Buddhism involves the use of images and symbols to represent spiritual concepts and teachings.
  • It plays a significant role in the practice and propagation of Buddhism.

The correct answer is Renunciation.

Key Points

• The Great Life Events of Buddha are represented by a symbol.
• The events and their symbol are as follows:
  • Janma (Birth)—  Symbols is Lotus and Bull.
  • Mahabhinishkramana (Renunciation)—  Symbols is Horse.
  • Nirvana/Sambodhi (Enlightenment)—  Symbols is Bodhi tree.
  • Dharmachakra pravartana (First Sermon)—  Symbols is Wheel.
  • Mahaparinirvana (Death)—  Symbols is Stupa.

The correct answer is (A), (B) and (C) only.
Key PointsSchools of Buddhism

Mahayana:

• The term Mahayana is a Sanskrit word that literally means "Great Vehicle".
• It believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature.
• Buddhist schools embedded in China, Korea, Tibet and Japan belong to the Mahayana tradition.
• Mahayana Buddhism started in India and spread northwards to many other Asian countries.
• East and South-East Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Bhutan, and Singapore.
• The Mahayana considered Buddha to be 'like God' and believed in his 'prayers'.
• The Mahayana follower built Buddha statues and stupas for prayer throughout the world.
• Hinayana believes in the 'historicity' of Buddha while Mahayana believes in 'Bodhisattva'.
• The term 'Bodhisattva' was used to show the former life of Gautama Buddha uniquely.
• In Hinayana, Buddha representation was done through 'symbols'.
• While Buddha is depicted in 'human form' in the Mahayana religion.
• Mahayana uses Sanskrit as its main language, and monastic and lay followers work for the liberation of all sentient beings, making compassion and insight its central doctrines.
• In this modern form of Buddhism, the statues of Buddha were started made in Mathura and Taxila.
• Bodhisattvas were accepted as the persons who had attained enlightenment.
• It was supposed that after attaining enlightenment Bodhisattvas can live in isolation.

Important Points

Hinayana:

• It believes in the original teaching of Buddha or the Doctrine of elders.
• It does not believe in Idol worship and tries to attain individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation.
• Theravada is a Hinayana sect.

The correct answer is Sarnath.

Key Points

• Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon in the Pali language.
• Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath.
• Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon to the five monks called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.
• The first sermon was given on the full moon day of Asalha Puja.
• Asalha Puja is a Theravada Buddhist festival and is celebrated in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand Laos, and Myanmar. 

Additional Information

About Buddhism:

• Buddha attained Enlightenment(Nirvana) beneath the Bodhi tree at Bodha Gaya.
• Kushinagar is known for the Mahaparinirvana (death) of Lord Buddha. 
• Buddhism is World's fourth-largest religion and its followers are known as Buddhists.
• Buddhist traditions have the goal of overcoming suffering and attainment of Nirvana(Enlightenment).
• The Buddhist religion is attributed to the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
• Buddhism is a faith that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama more than 2,500 years ago in India.
• Six Buddhist Councils marked important turning points in the story of early Buddhism. These councils are-
  • First Buddhist Council- held soon after the Mahaparinirvan of the Buddha- under the patronage of Ajatshatru.
  • Second Buddhist Council- held at Vaisali- under the patronage of Kalasoka.
  • Third Buddhist Council- held at Pataliputra- under the patronage of King Asoka.
  • Fourth Buddhist Council- held at Kundalvana, Kashmir- under the patronage of Kanishka.
  • Fifth Buddhist Council-held in Mandalay, Burma- under the patronage of King Midon.
  • Sixth Buddhist Council-in Burma at Kaba Aye- under the patronage of the Burmese government. 
• The first sermon of Buddha is symbolized by the wheel in Indian Art. 
• The first sermon is also called Dharma Chakra Pravartana or the Turning of the Wheel of Law.

The correct answer is Malwa.

Key Points

• Avanti was an ancient Indian Mahajanapada, roughly corresponded to the present-day Malwa region.
• According to the Buddhist text, the Anguttara Nikaya, Avanti was one of the solace Mahajanapada (sixteen great realms) of the 6th century BCE.
• The Janapada was divided into two parts by the Vindhyas, the northern part had its capital at Ujjayini and the southern part had its centre at Mahishmati.

Additional Information

• Some famous tribes of Madhya Pradesh - Agariya,Parja, Dhanwar, Sahariya, Gadaba, Saharia, etc.
• Some famous nicknames of Madhya Pradeshs' cities:
  • Mini Mumbai - Indore
  • City of Lakes - Bhopal
  • Power Hub City - Mundi
• Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest state in India after Rajasthan.
• Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under forest cover.

The correct answer is Baskets.

Key Points

• Tripiṭaka is a Sanskrit word meaning Three Baskets.
• It is the traditional term used by Buddhist traditions to describe their various canons of scriptures.
• The expression Three Baskets originally referred to three receptacles containing the scrolls on which the Buddhist scriptures were originally preserved. 

Additional Information

Some important terms used in Buddhism are:

• Buddha. - `Buddha` means `an enlightened person.
• Dhamma. - The truth about what life is really life.
• Sangha. - The community of Buddhists.

The correct answer is Ashvaghosha.

• Ashvaghosha was a Sarvastivada Buddhist philosopher and poet.
• He was born in Saketa in northern India.
• Though Pali language literature was popular in Buddhism, Ashvaghosha wrote in Classical Sanskrit.
• Buddhacharita wrote by Ashvaghosha is an epic on the life of the Buddha.
• He also wrote Saundarananda, with the theme of conversion of Nanda, Buddha's half-brother, so that he might reach salvation.
• He is also thought to be the author of the Sutralankara.

Kushinagar - A Buddhist Pilgrimage where God of peace and non-violence Buddha gave his last sermon and was cremated. A stupa was built at this place where his ashes were kept after his last rite.

Important Points

About Lord Buddha: 

• Lord Buddha was ordinary person names Siddhartha Gautama, whose profound insights inspired the world.
• He was born into the royal family of the Sakya clan who ruled from Kapilvastu, in Lumbini which is situated near the Indo-Nepal Border.
• At the age of 29, Gautama left home and rejected his life of riches, and embraced a lifestyle of asceticism or extreme self-discipline.
• After six years of hardship, Gautama attained Bodhi (enlightenment) under a pipal tree at Bodhgaya a village in Bihar.
• Buddha gave his first sermon in the village of Sarnath, near the city of Benares in UP.
  • This event is known as Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana (turning of the wheel of law).
• He died at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at a place called Kushinagara a town in UP.
  • The event is known as Mahaparinibban.

Thus, we can say that Lord Buddha died at Kushi Nagar.

The total 16 Mahajanapadas are - Kashi, Kosala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Machcha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboja.

• Anguattara Nikaya, a text of Buddhist Literature gives a list of 16 kingdoms called Mahajanapadas.
• These Mahajanpadas are either Monarchies or Republics (Ganasanghas).
• The important Republics of this period were the Sakyas of Kapilavastu and the Licchavis of Vaishali.
• The important monarchical Mahajanpadas of this period were Kaushambi (Vatsa), Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti.

Additional Information

The capitals of the kingdoms were: 

The correct answer is Sarnath.

Key Points

Sarnath -

• It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage center located 10 km northeast of Kashi or Varanasi.
• When Buddha attained enlightenment he first left for Sarnath and gave his first sermon of the Dharmachakrapravartana Sutra.

Additional Information

​Kapilvastu -

• It is one of the districts of Nepal Province 5, Nepal.
• It was the capital of the kingdom of Suddhodana, the father of Mahatma Buddha. Here Lord Buddha spent his childhood.

Lumbini -

• It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is located in Nepal.

Bodh Gaya -

• It is a town in the Gaya district of Bihar state.
• Here Mahatma Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

The correct answer is II, I, IV, III.

Important Points

Additional Information

• First Buddhist Council
  • Conducted under the patronage of King Ajatasatru of the Haryanka dynasty.
  • The council was established in order to arrive at a consensus on how the teachings of the Buddha could be spread further.
  • It was held in 483 BC just after Buddha’s demise.
  • The main objective was to preserve the Buddha’s teachings.
  • At this council, Ananda composed the Suttapitaka (Buddha’s Teachings) and Upali composed the Vinaypitaka (monastic code).
• Second Buddhist Council
  • Conducted under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty.
  • It was held in 383 BC, i.e., a hundred years after the Buddha’s death.
  • It was held at Vaishali.
  • Sabakami presided over the council.
  • The main objective was to discuss ten disputed points under the Vinaypitaka.
• Third Buddhist Council
  • Conducted under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty.
  • It was held in 250 BC at Pataliputra.
  • The council was presided over by Mogaliputta Tissa.
  • The main objective was to purify Buddhism from opportunistic factions and corruption in the Sangha.
  • Buddhism preached by Emperor Ashoka was Hinayana.
• Fourth Buddhist Council
  • Conducted under the patronage of King Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty.
  • It was held in the 1st century AD at Kundalvana in Kashmir.
  • Vasumitra and Ashvaghosha presided over this council
  • Here, Abhidhamma texts were translated from Prakrit to Sanskrit.
  • This council resulted in the division of Buddhism into two sects namely, Mahayana (the Greater Vehicle) and Hinayana (the Lesser Vehicle).
  • Mahayana sect believed in idol worship, rituals and Boddhisattvas. They regarded the Buddha as God.
  • Hinayana continued the original teachings and practices of the Buddha.