With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements :

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

Option B is correct.

While the concept of a burial mound structure existed before Buddhism, the Stupa as a distinct religious architectural form, primarily used as a reliquary for relics of the Buddha and other important figures and as a focus for devotion and commemoration within the Buddhist tradition, developed with Buddhism.

Statement 1 is debatable depending on the interpretation of “concept of Stupa”. If it refers to the basic idea of a mound, it existed in pre-Buddhist burial practices. However, if it refers to the specific religious structure central to Buddhism, then its origin is within Buddhism. Given statements 2 and 3, which are definitively correct descriptions of Buddhist stupas, statement 1 is likely intended to be interpreted in the latter sense or is slightly inaccurate. Let’s evaluate the other two.
Statement 2 is correct. Stupas were fundamentally designed as repositories for relics of the Buddha (Sariraka relics) or his prominent disciples, or items associated with them (Paribhoga relics). This was a central purpose.
Statement 3 is correct. Stupas were also built as votive offerings to gain merit and as commemorative structures marking sites associated with the Buddha’s life or other significant events/individuals in Buddhist history.
Considering that 2 and 3 are definitely correct and describe the core function and significance of Buddhist stupas, and statement 1 is potentially misleading as the basic mound concept predates Buddhism, only statements 2 and 3 are correct in the context of describing the Buddhist Stupa.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-