This page lists 1 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) question on Art and Culture in the UPSC 2001 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–1 of 1 question
UPSC 2001Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q1. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
Explanation
The Buddhist Councils were pivotal in preserving and organizing the Buddha’s teachings. The First Council (483 BCE), held under King Ajatasatru, aimed to preserve the Buddha’s teachings, with Mahakassapa presiding. The Second Council (383 BCE) under King Kalasoka led to the split into Early Theravada and Early Mahayana. The Third Council (250 BCE), presided by Mogaliputta Tissa under Emperor Ashoka, focused on purifying Buddhism and compiling the Abhidhamma Pitaka. The Fourth Council (1st century AD) under King Kanishka in Kashmir formalized the division into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
Option (d) is correct: The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened during the reign of Emperor Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty around the 1st century CE in Kundalvana (modern-day Kashmir). The council was presided over by the scholar-monk Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosha serving as his deputy. This council had a significant influence on the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2001
(d) Vasumitra
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Art and Culture?
This page covers 1 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Art and Culture in the UPSC 2001 Prelims, asked between 1995 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 Art and Culture?
Questions on Art and Culture in the UPSC 2001 Prelims are available for 26 years, from 1995 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
