Buddhism MCQ: Buddhist Symbols, the Sanchi Stupa & Bamiyan Buddha

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.On the banks of which river did Buddha attain enlightenment?

   • A.Ganga
   • B.Yamuna
   • C.Niranjana✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Sarayu

   Explanation: Buddha attained enlightenment on the banks of the river Niranjana (modern-day Falgu) in Bodh Gaya.

2. Q2.What is the symbol of Buddha's birth?

   • A.Horse
   • B.Lotus and Bull✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Wheel
   • D.Stupa

   Explanation: The Lotus and Bull are the symbols associated with the birth of Gautam Buddha.

3. Q3.Which symbol represents the 'Mahabhinishkramana' (Renunciation) of Buddha?

   • A.Lotus
   • B.Horse✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Wheel
   • D.Bodhi Tree

   Explanation: The Horse is the symbol of Buddha's renunciation (leaving home on his horse Kanthaka).

4. Q4.What does the 'Wheel' (Dharmachakra) symbolize in Buddhism?

   • A.Birth
   • B.First Sermon✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Death
   • D.Enlightenment

   Explanation: The Wheel symbolizes the First Sermon given by Buddha at Sarnath (Dharmachakrapravartana).

5. Q5.Who was the first teacher of Gautam Buddha after he left home?

   • A.Udraka Ramaputra
   • B.Alara Kalama✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Mahakassapa
   • D.Makhali Gosala

   Explanation: Alara Kalama was the first teacher of Buddha, from whom he learned the technique of meditation (Samkhya philosophy).

6. Q6.Who was the physician of Bimbisara who was sent to treat Buddha?

   • A.Charaka
   • B.Sushruta
   • C.Jivaka✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Dhanvantari

   Explanation: Jivaka was the famous royal physician of King Bimbisara and was sent to attend to Buddha and the Sangha.

7. Q7.Amrapali, who became a disciple of Buddha, was a courtesan of which city?

   • A.Rajgriha
   • B.Vaishali✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Pataliputra
   • D.Shravasti

   Explanation: Amrapali was the famous 'Nagarvadhu' (royal courtesan) of Vaishali who later accepted Buddhism.

8. Q8.The 'Bhumisparsha Mudra' (Touching the Earth) of Buddha symbolizes:

   • A.Calling the earth to witness his purity and enlightenment✓ Correct Answer
   • B.First Sermon
   • C.Blessing the devotees
   • D.Parinirvana

   Explanation: The Bhumisparsha Mudra represents the moment of Buddha's enlightenment, calling the earth to witness his steadfastness against Mara.

9. Q9.Which Chinese traveler visited India during the reign of Harsha and studied at Nalanda?

   • A.Fa-Hien
   • B.Hiuen Tsang✓ Correct Answer
   • C.I-Tsing
   • D.Megasthenes

   Explanation: Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during Harsha's reign and studied at Nalanda University.

10. Q10.The 'Jatakas' are the stories of:

    • A.Previous births of Buddha✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Lives of Bodhisattvas
    • C.Teachings of Mahavira
    • D.Vedic Gods

    Explanation: Jatakas are a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha.

11. Q11.Who among the following Kings was a contemporary of Gautam Buddha?

    • A.Bimbisara
    • B.Ajatashatru
    • C.Prasenajit
    • D.All of the above✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Bimbisara (Magadha), Ajatashatru (Magadha), and Prasenajit (Kosala) were all contemporaries of Gautam Buddha.

12. Q12.Which place is associated with the death of Buddha?

    • A.Pava
    • B.Kushinagar✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Sarnath
    • D.Bodhgaya

    Explanation: Although he had his last meal at Pava, his death (Mahaparinirvana) occurred at Kushinagar.

13. Q13.The giant Buddha statue at Bamiyan (Afghanistan) was an example of which art school?

    • A.Mathura Art
    • B.Gandhara Art✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Amaravati Art
    • D.Gupta Art

    Explanation: The Bamiyan Buddha statues were classic examples of the Gandhara School of Art.

14. Q14.Which of the following doctrines is associated with Buddhism?

    • A.Syadvada
    • B.Anekantavada
    • C.Pratityasamutpada✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Kaivalya

    Explanation: Pratityasamutpada (Dependent Origination) is a core doctrine of Buddhism. Syadvada and Anekantavada belong to Jainism.

15. Q15.Who was the founder of the 'Shunyavada' (Doctrine of Emptiness)?

    • A.Nagarjuna✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Shankara
    • C.Ramanuja
    • D.Vallabha

    Explanation: Nagarjuna propounded the philosophy of Shunyavada (Madhyamika school) within Mahayana Buddhism.

16. Q16.What is the fundamental difference between a 'Chaitya' and a 'Vihara'?

    • A.Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is a dwelling place
    • B.Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is a dwelling place✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Both are used as dwelling places
    • D.Both are used as places of worship

    Explanation: A 'Chaitya' was a place of worship (prayer hall) for Buddhist monks, whereas a 'Vihara' was the dwelling place (monastery) where monks resided.

17. Q17.Where is the world's tallest 'Vishwa Shanti Stupa' (World Peace Stupa) located?

    • A.Vaishali
    • B.Nalanda
    • C.Rajgir✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Patna

    Explanation: The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is located on the Ratnagiri Hill in Rajgir, Bihar. It is a white domed structure built by the Japanese Buddhist Sangha.

18. Q18.The Stupa at Sanchi was built by:

    • A.Kanishka
    • B.Ashoka✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Chandragupta Maurya
    • D.Harsha

    Explanation: The Great Stupa at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

19. Q19.In which ancient text is the word 'Stupa' first mentioned?

    • A.Rigveda✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Atharvaveda
    • C.Jatakas
    • D.Arthashastra

    Explanation: The word 'Stupa' is first mentioned in the Rigveda, where it refers to a pile or heap arising from the ground.

20. Q20.Which of the following forms of Buddhism was prominent in the Pala period in Bengal?

    • A.Theravada
    • B.Hinayana
    • C.Vajrayana✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Sautrantika

    Explanation: Vajrayana (Thunderbolt Vehicle) or Tantric Buddhism became popular during the Pala Empire in Bengal and Bihar.