Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2023 · Ancient History · Question 2

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?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None

Answer

Only two

  1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin — Incorrect. Burial mounds/relic mounds existed in pre-Buddhist India; Buddhism adopted and developed the stupa form.

  2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics — Correct. Many stupas enshrined bodily relics or associated sacred remains of the Buddha and other revered persons.

  3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition — Correct. Besides relic stupas, Buddhism also had votive and commemorative stupas built to mark events, places, or acts of devotion.

Hence, only two statements are correct.

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