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

Total Questions: 100

1. Identify the most systematic biography of the Buddha:

Correct Answer: 1. Lalitavistara
Solution:

Lalitavistara is a Sanskrit Mahayana Buddhist text considered the most systematic classical biography of the Buddha.
It presents a continuous narrative beginning with the Bodhisattva's descent from Tusita Heaven, his miraculous birth, early princely life, renunciation, awakening under the Bodhi tree, and his first sermon at Sarnath.
Compared to other sources-Mahavastu (a Vinaya-related anthology with scattered legends), Nidanakatha (a Pali introduction to the Jataka tales, not a full biography), and Buddhacarita (an epic poem by Asvaghosa that is partially lost)- Lalitavistara offers a more comprehensive and orderly life story that later traditions frequently used as an authoritative source.

2. Identify that is NOT a part of Stupa.

Correct Answer: 3. Gopuram
Solution:

A gopuram is a monumental gateway tower typical of South Indian Dravida-style Hindu temples and is unrelated to Buddhist stupa architecture. The essential components of a stupa are:

  • Anda: The hemispherical dome representing the universe and the Buddha's parinirvana.
  • Harmika (Hermika): A square railing on top of the dome symbolizing heaven.
  • Yasti: A central wooden or stone pole (axis mundi) that connects earth and sky, crowned by one or more chattra umbrellas signifying spiritual attainment.

Since gopurams are temple gateways, not stupa elements, "Gopuram" is the correct exclusion.

3. Identify the meaning of "Amagandha" as found in the "Amagandha sutta" of Suttanipata.

Correct Answer: 5. *
Solution:

In the Amagandha Sutta of the Sutta Nipata, the term 'Amagandha' literally means the smell of raw or uncooked flesh.
However, in this discourse the Buddha explains that the real 'amagandha' is not a physical odor, but the moral stench of unwholesome actions. Killing, lying, deceit, cruelty, envy, and greed are described as the true 'amagandha' which defiles a person, not the mere eating of meat or fish.
Thus, the sutta shifts the meaning from a literal foul smell to a metaphorical sense of spiritual corruption. This is why the correct answer is considered 'None of these'.

4. Identify the inscription that mentions 544 BC as the date of Parinirvana of the Buddha.

Correct Answer: 2. Bodh Gaya Inscription
Solution:

The Bodh Gaya inscription is identified by scholars as associating 544 BCE with the Buddha's parinirvana, a date long preserved in Theravaada countries as the Buddhist Era starting point.
Other inscriptions-like the Rummindei (Lumbini) pillar-record his birthplace and Asoka's pilgrimage, while Piprahwa references relics, and Sarnath inscriptions commemorate dharma wheels but do not mention this date. Thus, Bodh Gaya is the record linked with 544 ВСЕ.

5. Identify the other name of Acara Atisha:

Correct Answer: 3. Dipankara Srijnana
Solution:

Acarya Atisa, the great 11th-century Indian Buddhist reformer invited to Tibet, is also known as Dipankara Srijñana. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing Buddhism in Tibet by founding the Kadam tradition and emphasizing ethical discipline and bodhicitta.
The other namesPadmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Thubten Gyatso (13th Dalai Lama), and Santaraksita (Nalanda abbot)-are distinct historical figures, not alternate names of Atisa.

6. Identify the person who went China in first century C.E. for Introduction of Buddhism.

Correct Answer: 3. Kashyap Matanga
Solution:

Kashyap Matanga (also known as Kasyара Matanga) was an Indian monk who traveled to China in the first century C.E. to introduce Buddhism. He, along with Dharmaratna, reached Luoyang during the Han dynasty and translated Buddhist texts into Chinese at the White Horse Temple (Baima Si).
This early mission marked the initial transmission of Buddhism into China, centuries before figures like Bodhidharma (5th-6th century C.E.) or Padmasambhava (8th century C.E.). Kamalasila belongs to the 8th century and debated at Samye in Tibet, not first-century China.

7. Identify the Bhikkhu who was appointed seat nequtar for second Buddhist Council.

Correct Answer: 1. Sabbakami
Solution:

During the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali (c. 383 BCE), the elder Sabbakami, reputedly over 100 years old and a direct disciple of Ananda, was appointed as the presiding Thera (seat-nequtar).
The council was convened to address disputes regarding monastic discipline (Vinaya), especially ten controversial practices. Other elders like Revata Thera played investigative and conciliatory roles, but Sabbakami held the principal seat. Sambhuta Sanavasi and Ajita were notable disciples but were not appointed the chief presiding elder.

8. Marananda introduced Buddhism into Korean kingdom of

Correct Answer: 2. Pakche
Solution:

Marananda, an Indian monk, introduced Buddhism into the Korean kingdom of Baekje (also spelled Pakche or Paekche) in the 4th century C.E. Baekje's royal court welcomed Buddhist teachings as a unifying and civilizing influence.
Silla and Goguryeo (Koguryu) also adopted Buddhism, but their introductions are attributed to other monks and slightly later dates. Marananda's mission is specifically tied to Baekje.

9. Identify the place that falls under the western parts Mission of Ashoka.

Correct Answer: 4. Aparantaka
Solution:

Emperor Asoka's western missionary effort mentioned in Buddhist chronicles (e.g., Mahavamsa) includes Aparantaka, the coastal region corresponding roughly to northern Konkan and parts of western India. This mission, led by Dharmaraksita, aimed to spread Buddhism in the western seaboard territories.
Vanavasi refers to the southern region (Karnataka), Yavana denotes the Hellenistic world (Greek-speaking regions), and Mysore is not recorded as a separate mission name in the sources.

10. Identify the number of weeks spent lay the Siddhartha after accepting milk pudding from Sujata.

Correct Answer: 2. 7
Solution:

After accepting Sujata's milk-rice offering before enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama meditated under the Bodhi tree and then spent seven weeks in different spots around Bodh Gaya, contemplating the Dharma and expressing gratitude. These seven weeks include locations like the Ajapala banyan, the Mucalinda lake, and the Rajayatana tree. The number seven is consistently noted in traditional accounts as the period of post-enlightenment reflection.