Consider the following statements about votive inscriptions in the sec

Consider the following statements about votive inscriptions in the second century BC:

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They record gifts made to religious institutions
They tell us about the idea of transference of the meritorious results of the action of one person to another person

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2016

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Both statements about votive inscriptions from the second century BC are correct. Statement 1 is accurate; votive inscriptions, especially those found at Buddhist sites like Sanchi and Bharhut from this period, primarily record donations (gifts) made by individuals, guilds, or families to religious institutions (stupas, monasteries). Statement 2 is also correct; these inscriptions often mention that the merit gained from the donation is for the welfare and happiness of specific relatives (mother, father, teachers) or even for the welfare of all sentient beings, explicitly indicating the idea of transferring merit accumulated through the virtuous act of donation.

Votive inscriptions from ancient India provide insights into religious practices, patronage, social structure, and philosophical ideas like the transference of merit.

These inscriptions are valuable sources for understanding the history, art, and religious beliefs of ancient India, particularly during the post-Mauryan period when Buddhism and other religious movements gained prominence.

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