Buddhism and Jainism: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Art and Culture)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Buddhism and Jainism (Art and Culture). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2023Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q1. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?
Explanation
Dhanyakataka (also spelled Dharanikota or Dharanikonda) was an ancient city located in the present-day Andhra Pradesh region of India. It flourished as a major Buddhist center, particularly under the Mahasanghika school of Buddhism. The city is closely associated with the Amaravati Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in India. It was a hub of Buddhist learning and practice during the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE) and continued to be important under the Ikshvaku dynasty (3rd-4th century CE). Excavations have revealed Buddhist relic caskets, stupas, and monasteries, confirming its association with Buddhism.
UPSC 2023Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q2. "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects." The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
Explanation
The core principle of Jainism revolves around non-violence, with no other religion placing as great an emphasis on this value. Jains hold the belief that souls inhabit plants, animals, and even certain non-living entities such as air and water, similar to humans. The doctrine of non-violence encompasses refraining from causing harm to humans, plants, animals, and the natural world.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2023
(a) Andhra
2
2023
(b) Jainism
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Buddhism and Jainism?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Buddhism and Jainism (Art and Culture), asked from 1996 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Buddhism and Jainism?
Questions on Buddhism and Jainism (Art and Culture) are available for 20 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
