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?
[amp_mcq option1=”Only one” option2=”Only two” option3=”All three” option4=”None” correct=”option2″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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.