CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Buddha and His Teachings -

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CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Buddha and His Teachings

⏱️ 30 Minutes

❓ 20 Questions

📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Buddha and His Teachings

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QUESTION 1 OF 20

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the reconstruction of the Buddha's early life?
1. Siddhartha was born as the son of a chief of the Sakya clan.
2. Historians have tried to reconstruct details of his life from hagiographies written down at least a century after his time.

Answer Review

1 Which of the following statements is/are correct about the reconstruction of the Buddha's early life?
1. Siddhartha was born as the son of a chief of the Sakya clan.
2. Historians have tried to reconstruct details of his life from hagiographies written down at least a century after his time.

A Both 1 and 2 are correct

B Only 1 is correct

C Only 2 is correct

D Neither 1 nor 2 is correct

💡 Short Explanation

Siddhartha belonged to the Sakya clan. His father was a clan chief. Hagiographies help reconstruct his life.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT states that Siddhartha was born into the Sakya clan and was the son of a chief. Historians reconstruct his life using hagiographies written much later than his lifetime. Therefore, both statements are correct. Neither statement contradicts historical or textual evidence. Hence Option A is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B) Statement 2 is also correct.
Option C) Statement 1 is historically correct.
Option D) Both statements are supported by NCERT.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Verify each statement independently before selecting the combination.

Final Logic:

Both statements accurately describe Buddha's early life reconstruction.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Sakya Chief + Hagiography."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Life of the Buddha

2 Before exploring the world outside the palace, Siddhartha had a ________ upbringing, which left him traumatized upon his first journey into the city.

A rigorous

B sheltered

C nomadic

D impoverished

💡 Short Explanation

Siddhartha lived a protected life. He was shielded from suffering. The four sights shocked him deeply.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Buddhist traditions describe Siddhartha as having a sheltered upbringing within the palace. He was protected from experiences of old age, sickness, and death. Encountering these realities later profoundly affected him and inspired his search for truth. Thus, Option B accurately describes his early life.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) His upbringing is not described primarily as rigorous.
Option C) Siddhartha was not raised as a nomad.
Option D) He belonged to a prosperous ruling family.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Match the emotional impact of the four sights with the nature of his upbringing.

Final Logic:

Only a sheltered upbringing explains his shock.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Sheltered Prince, Shocked Seeker."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Early Life of Siddhartha

3 Match the four sights witnessed by Siddhartha to their impact on his understanding of existence.

List I	List II
1. An old man	a. Showed someone who had come to terms with disease and death
2. A sick man	b. Represented the inevitability of bodily decay
3. A corpse	c. Represented the suffering caused by illness
4. A homeless mendicant	d. Represented the final destruction of the human body

A 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

B 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c

C 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a

D 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b

💡 Short Explanation

Old age revealed decay. Illness showed suffering. The mendicant symbolized inner peace.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The old man represented inevitable bodily decline (b). The sick man demonstrated suffering caused by illness (c). The corpse symbolized death and bodily destruction (d). The mendicant showed a person who had accepted life's realities and found peace (a). Therefore, Option C correctly matches all four sights.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Incorrectly reverses multiple associations.
Option B) Misplaces old age and death symbolism.
Option D) Does not correctly connect the four sights with their meanings.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Match each sight with its direct philosophical lesson.

Final Logic:

Only Option C aligns all four symbols correctly.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Old–Decay, Sick–Suffering, Corpse–Death, Mendicant–Peace."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Four Sights

4 Arrange the chronological sequence of Siddhartha's path to renunciation based on textual traditions.
1. He left the palace and set out in search of his own truth.
2. He observed a homeless mendicant who had found peace.
3. He was anguished by seeing an old man, a sick man, and a corpse.
4. He persuaded his charioteer to take him into the city.

A 2, 1, 3, 4

B 4, 3, 2, 1

C 1, 3, 2, 4

D 1, 2, 3, 4

💡 Short Explanation

City visit came first. The four sights transformed him. Renunciation followed discovery.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to Buddhist traditions, Siddhartha first visited the city. He then encountered old age, sickness, and death. Later he saw a peaceful mendicant whose example inspired him. Finally, he renounced palace life and sought spiritual truth. Hence the correct sequence is 1, 3, 2, 1.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Places the sights before the city visit.
Option C) Reverses the actual chronology.
Option D) Places the mendicant before the other sights.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Identify the first and last events and arrange the middle stages.

Final Logic:

City → Suffering → Mendicant → Renunciation.

🧠 Memory Trick

"See → Suffer → Seek → Renounce."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Renunciation of Siddhartha

5 Consider the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The Buddha believed that extreme bodily mortification was the only way to achieve enlightenment.
Reason (R): Siddhartha explored bodily mortification but abandoned it because it led him to a situation of near death.

A Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

B Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

C (A) is true, but (R) is false.

D (A) is false, but (R) is true.

💡 Short Explanation

Buddha rejected extremes. Severe mortification nearly killed him. He advocated the Middle Path.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The assertion is false because Buddha rejected extreme bodily mortification as a path to enlightenment. The reason is true because Siddhartha practiced severe austerities but abandoned them after realizing their futility and danger. This experience led to the Middle Path, making Option D correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Assertion is incorrect.
Option B) Both statements are not true.
Option C) The reason is historically correct.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Assess the truth of the assertion and reason separately.

Final Logic:

Buddha abandoned extreme asceticism.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Near Death → Middle Path."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Enlightenment

6 Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Buddha's attainment of nirvana and teachings.

A The Buddha believed that displays of supernatural powers were the most effective way to convince people.

B The Buddha gently convinced a grieving mother about the inevitability of death.

C He narrated stories in the language spoken by ordinary people so they could be easily understood.

D He tried to convince people through reason and persuasion rather than miracles.

💡 Short Explanation

Buddha emphasized reasoning. He discouraged reliance on miracles. Teachings were conveyed simply.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Buddha generally preferred persuasion, dialogue, and practical wisdom rather than displays of supernatural powers. He explained the inevitability of death to a grieving mother and taught in languages understood by common people. Therefore, Option A is incorrect, while Options B, C, and D accurately reflect Buddhist teachings.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B) This story illustrates Buddha's compassionate teaching method.
Option C) He taught in commonly spoken languages.
Option D) Rational persuasion was central to his approach.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Odd One Out

Application:

Identify the statement inconsistent with Buddha's teaching style.

Final Logic:

Miracle-centered persuasion contradicts Buddhist practice.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Reason, Not Miracles."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Buddha's Teachings

7 The stories describing the Buddha's teachings, known as dhamma, are found mainly in which of the following collections?

A Abhidhamma Pitaka

B Sutta Pitaka

C Vinaya Pitaka

D Mahavamsa

💡 Short Explanation

Suttas preserve Buddha's teachings. Dhamma is extensively recorded there. Other texts serve different purposes.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Sutta Pitaka contains the Buddha's teachings, discourses, and stories explaining dhamma. The Vinaya Pitaka focuses on monastic rules, while the Abhidhamma Pitaka deals with philosophical matters. Mahavamsa is a Sri Lankan chronicle. Therefore, Option B correctly identifies the principal collection.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Primarily philosophical analysis.
Option C) Contains rules for monks and nuns.
Option D) A historical chronicle, not a collection of teachings.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the function of each Buddhist text collection.

Final Logic:

Dhamma teachings are preserved in the Sutta Pitaka.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Sutta = Sermons."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Sutta Pitaka

8 Consider the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The Buddha advised that human beings can rise above worldly troubles by following the path of moderation.
Reason (R): This path required individuals to engage in severe penance and self-indulgence simultaneously.

A Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

B Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

C (A) is true, but (R) is false.

D (A) is false, but (R) is true.

💡 Short Explanation

Buddha advocated moderation. He rejected both extremes. Middle Path avoided indulgence and austerity.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The assertion is true because Buddha taught the Middle Path, which avoids extremes of self-indulgence and severe austerity. The reason is false because moderation does not involve practicing both extremes simultaneously. Instead, it rejects both. Therefore, Option C is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) The reason is incorrect.
Option B) Both statements are not true.
Option D) The assertion accurately reflects Buddhist teaching.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Compare the reason with the actual meaning of the Middle Path.

Final Logic:

Moderation means avoiding extremes, not combining them.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Middle Path = Neither Extreme."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Path of Moderation

9 Match the core Buddhist philosophical terms with their precise definitions.

List I	List II
1. Anicca	a. Soulless
2. Anatta	b. Sorrow
3. Dukkha	c. Extinguishing of the ego and desire
4. Nibbana	d. Transient and constantly changing

A 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

B 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b

C 1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c

D 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c

💡 Short Explanation

Anicca means impermanence. Anatta means no permanent soul. Nibbana ends desire and ego.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Anicca means impermanence (d), Anatta means soullessness (a), Dukkha refers to suffering (b), and Nibbana signifies the extinguishing of desire and ego (c). These are foundational Buddhist concepts. Therefore, Option D correctly matches all terms and definitions.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Reverses multiple definitions.
Option B) Incorrectly associates Nibbana and Anicca.
Option C) Misidentifies impermanence and suffering.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Match each well-known Buddhist term with its standard definition.

Final Logic:

Only Option D correctly aligns all concepts.

🧠 Memory Trick

"A-A-D-N = Change, No-Soul, Sorrow, Nirvana."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Core Buddhist Ideas

10 Within the Buddhist philosophy of a transient world, ________ is considered intrinsic to human existence.

A divine origin

B eternal soul

C extreme penance

D sorrow (dukkha)

💡 Short Explanation

Dukkha is a central Buddhist concept. Suffering characterizes worldly existence. Understanding it leads toward liberation.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Buddhist philosophy teaches that worldly existence is characterized by dukkha, or suffering. This suffering arises because all things are impermanent. Buddhism does not emphasize an eternal soul or divine origin as central truths. Extreme penance was also rejected. Therefore, Option D is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Divine origin is not the focus of Buddhist philosophy.
Option B) Buddhism rejects the concept of a permanent soul.
Option C) Extreme penance is not considered essential.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the central Buddhist doctrine concerning existence.

Final Logic:

Dukkha is intrinsic to conditioned existence.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Life → Dukkha → Liberation."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Dukkha

11 Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Buddha's social views.

A The Buddha regarded the social world as a rigid system of divine origin.

B The Buddha emphasized individual agency to escape from the cycle of rebirth.

C He advised kings and gahapatis to be humane and ethical.

D Individual effort was expected to transform social relations.

💡 Short Explanation

Buddha questioned fixed social hierarchies. Individual effort was emphasized. Ethical conduct could transform society.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Buddha did not regard society as a rigid, divinely ordained structure. Instead, he emphasized individual effort, ethical conduct, and personal responsibility. He advised rulers and householders to behave humanely and believed that social relations could improve through moral action. Therefore, Option A is the incorrect statement.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B) Individual agency is central to Buddhist teachings.
Option C) Buddha frequently advised rulers and wealthy householders ethically.
Option D) Moral effort was viewed as a means of improving society.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Odd One Out

Application:

Identify the statement that contradicts the Buddha's emphasis on personal effort.

Final Logic:

A rigid divine social order is inconsistent with Buddhist teachings.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Buddha = Effort, Not Birth."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Buddha's Social Views

12 Arrange the chronological instructions the Buddha gave to the householder Sigala on how a master should look after his servants.
1. Tending them in sickness.
2. Sharing delicacies with them and granting leave.
3. Assigning them work according to their strength.
4. Supplying them with food and wages.

A 4, 3, 2, 1

B 1, 2, 3, 4

C 2, 1, 4, 3

D 3, 4, 1, 2

💡 Short Explanation

Buddha outlined ethical responsibilities. Duties progressed from work allocation to welfare. The sequence appears in the Sigala discourse.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Buddha instructed masters to assign work according to strength, provide food and wages, care for servants during illness, and finally share delicacies and grant leave. This sequence reflects increasing concern for welfare and humane treatment. Therefore, Option D correctly preserves the order found in the text.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Reverses the sequence.
Option B) Begins with sickness care rather than work assignment.
Option C) Alters the prescribed order.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the exact sequence from the Sigala Sutta.

Final Logic:

Work → Wages → Care → Leave.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Work–Wages–Wellness–Leave."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Advice to Sigala

13 Which of the following statements accurately reflects the internal functioning of the Buddhist sangha?

A Decisions were made solely by the wealthiest monks.

B The sangha operated under strict absolute monarchy modeled after the Magadha empire.

C It was based on the traditions of ganas and sanghas, where consensus was arrived at through discussions or by a vote.

D Earlier social identities were strictly maintained, and members were treated according to their birth caste.

💡 Short Explanation

Sangha encouraged collective decision-making. Discussions and voting were important. Consensus reflected republican traditions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Buddhist sangha followed traditions similar to ganas and sanghas, where members discussed issues and arrived at decisions through consensus or voting. This collective method contrasted with monarchy and caste-based privilege. Therefore, Option C accurately describes the functioning of the sangha.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Wealth alone did not determine authority.
Option B) The sangha was not organized as an absolute monarchy.
Option D) Membership reduced the significance of birth-based identities.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Match the sangha's organization with republican traditions discussed in NCERT.

Final Logic:

Consensus and voting characterized the sangha.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Sangha = Discussion + Vote."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Organization of the Sangha

14 As the disciples of the Buddha lived simply on alms from the laity, possessing only a ________ to receive food once a day, they were known as bhikkhus.

A basket

B chalice

C pouch

D bowl

💡 Short Explanation

Bhikkhus depended on alms. Simplicity was essential. The bowl symbolized renunciation.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Buddhist monks lived on alms collected from lay followers and generally possessed very few belongings. The alms bowl became an important symbol of monastic life and simplicity. Baskets, chalices, and pouches are not identified in NCERT as the defining possession of bhikkhus.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Basket is not the standard monastic symbol.
Option B) Chalice has no special role in Buddhist monastic practice.
Option C) A pouch is not the traditional item mentioned.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the iconic possession associated with bhikkhus.

Final Logic:

Bhikkhus are closely associated with the alms bowl.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Bhikkhu = Bowl."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Bhikkhus and Alms

15 Consider the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The internal functioning of the sangha was based on democratic discussions, and eventually women were also admitted.
Reason (R): The Buddha explicitly banned the admission of women, and this rule was never changed.

A Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

B Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

C (A) is true, but (R) is false.

D (A) is false, but (R) is true.

💡 Short Explanation

Sangha used collective decision-making. Women were later admitted. The ban was not permanent.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The assertion is correct because the sangha functioned through discussion and voting, and women eventually joined the monastic order. The reason is false because although the Buddha initially hesitated, women were later admitted into the sangha. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) The reason is false.
Option B) Both statements are not true.
Option D) The assertion is historically correct.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Evaluate the assertion and reason separately.

Final Logic:

Women were eventually admitted, making the reason false.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Hesitation, Not Permanent Ban."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Women in the Sangha

16 Identify the incorrect statement regarding the women who joined the sangha.

A Punna was a wealthy queen who composed verses in the Therigatha after joining the sangha.

B Mahapajapati Gotami was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.

C Many women who entered the sangha went on to become theris.

D Theris were respected women who had attained liberation.

💡 Short Explanation

Punna was not a wealthy queen. Mahapajapati Gotami became the first bhikkhuni. Theris were respected enlightened women.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Option A is incorrect because Punna is described in Buddhist literature as a woman from a humble background rather than a wealthy queen. Mahapajapati Gotami was the first ordained bhikkhuni. Many women attained respected status as theris, and theris were associated with spiritual achievement and liberation.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B) Correctly identifies Mahapajapati Gotami.
Option C) Many women rose to the rank of theri.
Option D) Theris were highly respected and spiritually accomplished.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Odd One Out

Application:

Identify the statement inconsistent with NCERT's account of women in the sangha.

Final Logic:

Only Option A contains incorrect biographical information.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Punna = Humble, Not Royal."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Women in Buddhism

17 Match the Buddhist text compilations to their descriptions.

List I	List II
1. Vinaya Pitaka	a. Dealt with philosophical matters
2. Sutta Pitaka	b. The great chronicle written in Sri Lanka
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka	c. Included rules and regulations for those who joined the monastic order
4. Mahavamsa	d. Contained the Buddha's teachings

A 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

B 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b

C 1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-a

D 1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c

💡 Short Explanation

Vinaya contains rules. Sutta preserves teachings. Mahavamsa is a Sri Lankan chronicle.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Vinaya Pitaka contains monastic regulations (c). Sutta Pitaka preserves the Buddha's teachings (d). Abhidhamma Pitaka discusses philosophical matters (a). Mahavamsa is the famous Sri Lankan chronicle (b). Thus, Option B correctly matches all texts with their descriptions.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Reverses the functions of major texts.
Option C) Incorrectly assigns Mahavamsa and Sutta Pitaka.
Option D) Misidentifies multiple compilations.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Match known Buddhist texts with their standard functions.

Final Logic:

Only Option B preserves all correct pairings.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Vinaya-Rules, Sutta-Teachings, Abhidhamma-Philosophy."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Buddhist Texts

18 Arrange the chronological steps in the preservation of early Buddhist texts.
1. The Buddha taught orally through discussion and debate.
2. Teachings were compiled by his disciples at a council of elders at Vesali after his death.
3. Texts were transmitted orally as Tipitaka.
4. Texts were written down and classified according to length and subject matter.

A 2, 1, 4, 3

B 1, 2, 3, 4

C 3, 4, 1, 2

D 4, 3, 2, 1

💡 Short Explanation

Teachings were first oral. Councils organized the material. Written texts appeared later.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Buddha initially taught orally. After his death, disciples compiled the teachings at councils. These teachings were then transmitted orally as the Tipitaka and eventually written down and classified. Therefore, the correct sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4, making Option B correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Places compilation before teaching.
Option C) Reverses the historical sequence.
Option D) Begins with the final stage.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Identify the earliest and latest stages of preservation.

Final Logic:

Teaching → Compilation → Oral Preservation → Writing.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Teach → Compile → Preserve → Write."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Preservation of Buddhist Texts

📄 Passage

"One of the most influential teachers of the time was the Buddha. Over the centuries, his message spread across the subcontinent and beyond – through Central Asia to China, Korea and Japan, and through Sri Lanka, across the seas to Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia. How do we know about the Buddha's teachings? These have been reconstructed by carefully editing, translating and analysing the Buddhist texts mentioned earlier. Historians have also tried to reconstruct details of his life from hagiographies."

According to the passage and textual evidence, regional expansion to Sri Lanka was documented in which of the following texts?

A Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka

B Rigveda and Upanishads

C Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa

D Ashokavadana and Jatakas

💡 Short Explanation

Sri Lankan chronicles record Buddhist history. Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa are key sources. They document the spread of Buddhism.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa are Sri Lankan chronicles that provide important information about the spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and beyond. The Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas focus on teachings and monastic rules. Rigveda and Upanishads are non-Buddhist texts. Therefore, Option C is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A) Concern teachings and monastic discipline.
Option B) Belong to the Vedic tradition.
Option D) Do not serve as the principal Sri Lankan chronicles.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the texts associated with Sri Lankan Buddhist history.

Final Logic:

Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa document Buddhist expansion in Sri Lanka.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Sri Lanka = Dipa + Maha."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Spread of Buddhism

📄 Passage

Based on the passage, the global reach of Buddhism extended through Central Asia to which of the following nations?

A China, Korea and Japan

B Greece and Iran

C Egypt and Mesopotamia

D Britain and France

💡 Short Explanation

Buddhism spread beyond India. Central Asia served as a route. East Asia became a major center.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage explicitly states that Buddhism spread through Central Asia to China, Korea, and Japan. These regions became major centers of Buddhist culture and learning. The other options list regions not mentioned in the passage as destinations of this transmission route. Therefore, Option A is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B) These countries are not identified in the passage.
Option C) Egypt and Mesopotamia are not mentioned as destinations.
Option D) Britain and France are unrelated to the passage's description.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Use the exact wording of the passage.

Final Logic:

The passage directly names China, Korea, and Japan.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Central Asia → China → Korea → Japan."

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Topic: Spread of Buddhism

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Buddha and His Teachings

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