Buddhism MCQ: Buddhist Sects, the Amaravati School of Art & Ashoka's Bhabru Edict

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

1. Q1.Which among the following is not one of the 'Ashta-Mahasthana' (Eight Holy Places) of Buddhism?

   • A.Lumbini
   • B.Rajgriha
   • C.Raigad✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Sravasti

   Explanation: The Eight Holy Places are Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Sankasya, Rajgriha, and Vaishali. Raigad is not among them.

2. Q2.The Vallabhi University was a famous center of learning for which sect?

   • A.Mahayana
   • B.Hinayana✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vajrayana
   • D.Zen

   Explanation: Vallabhi (in Gujarat) was a famous center of learning for Hinayana Buddhism, whereas Nalanda was famous for Mahayana.

3. Q3.Who led the Buddhist mission to Sri Lanka during the reign of Ashoka?

   • A.Mahinda✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Tissa
   • C.Upali
   • D.Sariputta

   Explanation: Ashoka sent his son Mahendra (Mahinda) and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.

4. Q4.Which state government established the 'Navanaltada Mahavihara'?

   • A.Uttar Pradesh
   • B.Bihar✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Madhya Pradesh
   • D.West Bengal

   Explanation: The Government of Bihar established the Nav Nalanda Mahavihara in 1951 at Nalanda for the study of Pali and Buddhism.

5. Q5.The 'Sultanganj Buddha' is a famous example of:

   • A.Mauryan Art
   • B.Gandhara Art
   • C.Gupta Art✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Kushan Art

   Explanation: The Sultanganj Buddha is a colossal copper statue from the Gupta period, showcasing the brilliance of Gupta metallurgy and art.

6. Q6.Which of the following caves is known for the painting of 'Bodhisattva Padmapani'?

   • A.Ajanta Cave No. 1✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Ellora Cave No. 15
   • C.Elephanta Caves
   • D.Bagh Caves

   Explanation: The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani (holding a lotus) is one of the most famous masterpieces found in Ajanta Cave No. 1.

7. Q7.The Karmapa Lama belongs to which sect of Tibetan Buddhism?

   • A.Gelugpa
   • B.Kagyu✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Sakya
   • D.Nyingma

   Explanation: The Karmapa Lama is the head of the Kagyu (Black Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

8. Q8.Which Buddhist sect emphasizes the concept of 'Anatta' (No-Soul)?

   • A.Mahayana
   • B.Theravada
   • C.Vajrayana
   • D.All of the above✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: All major schools of Buddhism accept the doctrine of Anatta (Anatman), which denies the existence of a permanent, unchanging soul.

9. Q9.In Buddhism, 'Patimokkha' stands for:

   • A.Rules of the Sangha✓ Correct Answer
   • B.A type of meditation
   • C.Life story of Buddha
   • D.A Buddhist King

   Explanation: Patimokkha is the list of rules governing the behavior of Buddhist monks and nuns, recited on full moon and new moon days.

10. Q10.Who among the following is associated with the 'Yogachara' or 'Vijnanavada' school of Buddhism?

    • A.Nagarjuna
    • B.Maitreyanatha✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Nagasena
    • D.Ashvaghosha

    Explanation: Maitreyanatha and his disciple Asanga are considered the founders of the Yogachara (Vijnanavada) school.

11. Q11.The 'Yamaka' belongs to which Buddhist Pitaka?

    • A.Sutta
    • B.Vinaya
    • C.Abhidhamma✓ Correct Answer
    • D.None of these

    Explanation: Yamaka is one of the seven books of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, dealing with applied logic and analysis.

12. Q12.Which event of Buddha's life is depicted by the symbol of 'Elephant'?

    • A.Birth
    • B.Conception (Dream of Maya)✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Renunciation
    • D.Nirvana

    Explanation: The White Elephant is associated with the conception of Buddha, as his mother Queen Maya dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb.

13. Q13.The famous Buddhist scholar 'Vasubandhu' was a contemporary of which Gupta King?

    • A.Chandragupta I
    • B.Samudragupta✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Kumaragupta
    • D.Skandagupta

    Explanation: Vasubandhu was a great Buddhist scholar who was patronized by Samudragupta.

14. Q14.Which of the following places is known for its 'Giant Buddha' statue made of 80 feet red sandstone?

    • A.Bodh Gaya✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Sarnath
    • C.Kushinagar
    • D.Shravasti

    Explanation: The Great Buddha Statue (80 ft) in Bodh Gaya was consecrated in 1989. It is made of red granite and sandstone blocks.

15. Q15.The concept of 'Bodhisattva' is central to which sect of Buddhism?

    • A.Hinayana
    • B.Mahayana✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Theravada
    • D.Sthaviravada

    Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva, one who delays their own Nirvana to help all sentient beings attain enlightenment.

16. Q16.Which inscription of Ashoka mentions the 'Bhabru Edict' which proves his faith in Buddhism?

    • A.Bairat (Rajasthan)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Sanchi
    • C.Sarnath
    • D.Rummindei

    Explanation: The Bhabru Edict found at Bairat (Rajasthan) is the only edict where Ashoka clearly refers to the 'Triratna' (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha).

17. Q17.Which of the following is considered the 'Encyclopedia of Buddhism'?

    • A.Buddhacharita
    • B.Mahavibhasha Shastra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Milindapanho
    • D.Vinaya Pitaka

    Explanation: The 'Mahavibhasha Shastra', compiled during the 4th Council under Vasumitra, is known as the Encyclopedia of Buddhism.

18. Q18.The 'Amaravati School of Art' flourished under the patronage of which dynasty?

    • A.Satavahana✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Maurya
    • C.Gupta
    • D.Kushan

    Explanation: The Amaravati School of Art (known for the use of white marble) flourished in the Andhra region under the Satavahana dynasty.

19. Q19.Who was the founder of the 'Madhyamika' school of philosophy?

    • A.Nagarjuna✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Asanga
    • C.Vasubandhu
    • D.Dharmakirti

    Explanation: Nagarjuna founded the Madhyamika (Middle Way) school, which focuses on the concept of Sunyata (Emptiness).

20. Q20.What was the name of the blacksmith who offered the last meal to Buddha?

    • A.Chunda✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Kanthaka
    • C.Channa
    • D.Subhadda

    Explanation: Buddha had his last meal (sukara-maddava) at the house of a blacksmith named Chunda in Pava, which led to his illness and subsequent death.