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?
Only one
Only two
All three
None
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
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.