UGC-NET (NTA) Exam, BUDDHIST, JAINA, GANDHIAN AND PEACE STUDIES, June – 2025

Total Questions: 100

1. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at:

Correct Answer: 2. Kasmira
Solution:

The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Kanishka, a Kushan emperor. This council is significant in the history of Buddhism, particularly for the Sarvastivada school.
It was convened in Kashmir (Kasmira) and is noted for compiling extensive commentaries and interpretations of the Tripitaka in Sanskrit. It was also the time when Buddhism began spreading more extensively towards Central Asia.

2. The three Jatila Kasyapa brothersUruvelakasyapa, Nadikasyapa and Gayakasyapa, whom Lord Buddha met belonged to:

Correct Answer: 3. Uruvela
Solution:

The three Jatila Kasyapа brothers-Uruvelakasyapa, Nadikasyapa, and Gayakasyapa-were prominent ascetics whom the Buddha converted early in his ministry.
These brothers resided and taught in Uruvela, which is near Bodh Gaya, the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. Their conversion is considered a major milestone in the early expansion of the Buddhist Sangha.

3. The commentary of Anguttaranikaya is:

Correct Answer: 4. Manorathapurani
Solution:

The Anguttaranikaya is part of the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Its commentary is known as the Manorathapurani, written by Buddhaghosa, a great commentator of Theravada Buddhism.
This work elaborates on the teachings contained in the Anguttaranikaya, offering context and explanations.

4. The sarvastivadins are also known as:

Correct Answer: 1. Vaibhasika
Solution:

The Sarvastivadins were an early Buddhist school, known for their doctrinal belief that everything exists (sarvam asti)-past, present, and future.
They were primarily associated with the Vaibhasika school of thought, which relied on the Mahavibhasa as its authoritative text. Hence, Sarvastivadins are also known as Vaibhasikа.

5. The Buddhist Educational Insititution Vikramasila was situated at this bank of river:

Correct Answer: 4. Ganga
Solution:

The ancient Buddhist educational institution Vikramasila, established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty, was a major center of learning in India. It was located near Bhagalpur in Bihar, on the banks of the Ganga River. It complemented other great institutions like Nalanda and became famous for tantric Buddhism.

6. The relics of Sariputta and Moggallana, the two chief disciples of the Lord Buddha were preserved at:

Correct Answer: 2. Sanchi
Solution:

The relics of Sariputta and Moggallana, the two foremost disciples of the Buddha, were discovered in the 19th century during excavations at Sanchi, a prominent Buddhist site in Madhya Pradesh, India. These relics were found in the Stupa No. 3 at Sanchi and later sent to museums abroad but have since been returned to India.

7. This teacher was NOT related to Nalanda:

Correct Answer: 1. Padamasambhava
Solution:

Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was a legendary Buddhist master who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet. He had no historical connection with Nalanda University. Santaraksita studied at Nalanda and later spread Buddhism in Tibet.
Silabhadra was the abbot of Nalanda and taught the Chinese monk Xuanzang. Dipankara, an ancient Buddhist figure, is sometimes linked to Nalanda traditions but mainly appears in legends.
Among these, only Padmasambhava had no direct association with Nalanda, making him the correct answer. The others either studied, taught, or led the university, establishing strong historical links with Nalanda.

8. The most helpful Buddhist idea in protection of environment is:

Correct Answer: 1. The Middle Path
Solution:

The most helpful Buddhist idea in protection of the environment is the concept of The Middle Path. This principle advocates balance and avoidance of extremes-neither indulgence in excess nor extreme austerity-which aligns well with the idea of sustainable living and respect for nature.
It promotes harmony, which is foundational to environmental ethics in Buddhist thought.

9. The propagator of Philosophy of Akriyavada is:

Correct Answer: 4. Purnakasyapa
Solution:

Akriyavada is a philosophical view denying the effect of actions (karma) on future consequences. It is a form of moral nihilism. The propagator of Akriyavada was Purana Kassapa (Purnakasyapа).
He claimed that actions like killing, stealing, or charity have no moral consequences, which was strongly opposed by Buddha.

10. The Buddhist Meditation System is known as:

Correct Answer: 2. Vipassana
Solution:

The Buddhist meditation system is traditionally known as Vipassana, which means "insight" or "clear seeing." It is aimed at developing mindfulness and insight into the true nature of reality, particularly the three marks of existencе: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta).