UGC-NET (NTA) Exam, BUDDHIST, JAINA, GANDHIAN AND PEACE STUDIES, August-2024

Total Questions: 100

1. Identify the event of Gautam Buddha's life depicted by the wheel and deer in Indian art.

Correct Answer: C. The first preaching at Sarnath
Solution:

The wheel and deer in Indian art symbolize Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath. This event is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning the Wheel of Dharma), where Buddha preached the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
The wheel (Dharmachakra) represents the Buddhist teachings set in motion, and the deer signifies the Deer Park at Sarnath where this sermon took place.

2. Identify the scene Siddhartha saw before he finally left his father's palace for the first time at the age twenty-nine.

Correct Answer: D. The four Passing Sights
Solution:

Before leaving the palace at age 29, Prince Siddhartha saw four sights that deeply affected him:
1. An old man - Realization of aging.
2. A sick man - Understanding of suffering.
3. A dead body - Awareness of mortality.
4. A wandering ascetic - Inspiration to renounce worldly life.
These visions led him to abandon his royal life and seek the path to enlightenment.

3. First schism in Buddhism gave rise to the two schools of thought named:

Correct Answer: A. Sarvastivada and Mulasarvastivada
Solution:

The first schism in Buddhism resulted in two major schools:
1. Sthaviravadins (Elders) - Later evolved into Theravada Buddhism.
2. Mahasanghikas (Great Assembly) - The foundation for Mahayana Buddhism.
From these, Sarvastivada (believing in the existence of all phenomena in past, present, and future) and its sub-school Mulasarvastivada developed.

4. Mahavyutpatti, Sanskrit-Tibetan Dictionary was composed during the reign of Dharma King of Tibet named:

Correct Answer: C. Tri Ral Pa Chan
Solution:

The Mahavyutpatti, a Sanskrit-Tibetan dictionary, was compiled during the reign of King Tri Ral Pa Chan (815-836 CE) of Tibet. This dictionary played a crucial role in the translation of Buddhist texts into Tibetan. It standardized Buddhist terminology, aiding the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.

5. The statement 'Madhyamika does not mean absolute non-being, but relative being', was given by:

Correct Answer: A. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
Solution:

The statement "Madhyamika does not mean absolute non-being, but relative being" was given by Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, an Indian philosopher and statesman. The Madhyamika (Middle Way) school of Buddhism, founded by Nagarjuna, teaches that reality is empty of intrinsic existence but exists relatively through dependent origination. Radhakrishnan emphasized that emptiness (Śūnyatā) is not nihilism, but a way to understand reality without attachment to extremes.

6. Identify the scholar who wrote commentary (ch'eng wei shih lun/Vijnaptimatratasiddhi) on the Trimsika of Vasubandhu.

Correct Answer: D. Sthirmati
Solution:

Sthirmati was a Buddhist scholar who wrote a commentary on Vasubandhu's Trimsika (Thirty Verses), known as Ch'eng Wei Shih Lun (Vijnaptimatratasiddhi). This text belongs to the Yogachara (Vijnanavada) school, which teaches that all experiences are mental projections (consciousness-only doctrine). The commentary by Sthirmati helped clarify Vasubandhu's ideas on idealism and perception.

7. Identify the statement NOT true regarding the Madhyamika school of thought in Buddhism.

Correct Answer: B. It is the intrinsic nature that gives all Phenomena an independent and solid existence.
Solution:

The Madhyamika school, founded by Nagarjuna, teaches Śūnyatā (emptiness), meaning all things lack intrinsic nature. Dependent origination (Pratītyasamutpāda) explains that nothing exists independently, and all things arise due to conditions. Since B contradicts this core concept, it is NOТ true regarding Madhyamika philosophy.

8. The principle of dependent arising is an extension of:

Correct Answer: B. The experience of dependence into the evident present and future
Solution:

Dependent Arising (Pratītyasamutpāda) is the Buddhist concept that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other factors. This principle extends into the present and future, meaning: Present actions (karma) influence future outcomes. Everything arises due to conditions and ceases when conditions change. Thus, option B is correct, as it reflects the continuity of cause and effect in the present and future.

9. Nalanda University was destroyed in the Year:

Correct Answer: D. 1206 СЕ
Solution:

Nalanda University, a major center of Buddhist learning in India, was destroyed in 1206 CE by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a general of the Delhi Sultanate. This event led to the decline of Buddhism in India, as thousands of monks and scholars were killed, and valuable texts were burned.
Nalanda was an intellectual hub for over 700 years, housing thousands of students and teachers from all over Asia.

10. Bakhtiyar Khilji was chief of the army of the ruler:

Correct Answer: B. Qutubuddin Aibak
Solution:

Bakhtiyar Khilji was a military commander under Qutubuddin Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty. Khilji led aggressive military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal, including the destruction of Nalanda and Vikramashila universities. His invasions significantly impacted Buddhist culture and education in India.