🛕 Indian History · Topic 5 of 9
Start with the study notes on Jainism & Buddhism (definitions, examples and a quick revision), then work through 70 practice questions, each with the correct answer and a clear explanation of why it is right. When you are ready, take this topic as an interactive quiz to test yourself.
Topic overview
In the 6th century BCE, many people were unhappy with costly Vedic sacrifices and the rigid caste order. Merchants and lower castes looked for simpler, fairer teachings. Jainism and Buddhism both arose in the Magadha region.
Jainism teaches that liberation comes through right living and non-violence. Its teachers are called Tirthankaras (“ford-makers”), and there are 24 of them.
Jainism split into Digambaras (“sky-clad”; monks wear nothing) and Svetambaras (“white-clad”).
Examples:
Buddhism teaches that suffering can be ended by giving up desire and following the Middle Path. Its founder was Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha (“awakened one”).
Remember: Mahavira died at Pavapuri; the Buddha died at Kushinagar. Don't mix them up.
The Tripitaka (“three baskets”), in Pali:
Example: The Jataka tales tell of the Buddha's earlier lives.
Example: Their art, such as the stupa at Sanchi and the caves at Ajanta, and centres of learning such as Nalanda, shaped Indian culture.
| Misconception | Correct understanding |
|---|---|
| Mahavira founded Jainism from nothing. | He was the 24th Tirthankara; Jainism existed before him. |
| The Buddha died at Pavapuri. | The Buddha died at Kushinagar; Mahavira died at Pavapuri. |
| Buddhist texts were first written in Sanskrit. | The early canon (Tripitaka) is in Pali. |
| Buddhism and Jainism both believe in a permanent soul. | Jainism does; Buddhism teaches anatta, no permanent soul. |
| The Buddha encouraged extreme fasting. | He taught the Middle Path, avoiding extremes. |
Who was the 24th Tirthankara?
Vardhamana Mahavira.
Where did Mahavira die?
At Pavapuri, in Bihar.
What are the three jewels of Jainism?
Right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.
Where did the Buddha attain enlightenment?
At Bodh Gaya, under the Bodhi tree.
Where did the Buddha give his first sermon?
At Sarnath, near Varanasi.
What does the Buddha say is the root cause of suffering?
Desire (craving).
In which language is the Tripitaka?
Pali.
Under which king was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
Kanishka, in Kashmir.
Key takeaway: Jainism and Buddhism both rejected costly sacrifices and caste and taught non-violence; Jainism chose strict hardship, while Buddhism chose the Middle Path.
Notes written by Velnov for students and exam aspirants, following the topics of the NCERT ancient Indian history syllabus. Dates marked c. (circa) are approximate.
Q1. easy
Jainism and Buddhism both arose in which century?
Answer: A — 6th century BCE
Both religions arose in the 6th century BCE in the Magadha region, amid social and economic changes that produced dissatisfaction with elaborate Vedic ritualism and the caste order.
Q24. easy
The founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, was born with which personal name?
Answer: A — Siddhartha
The Buddha's birth name was Siddhartha ('one who has accomplished his aim'). Gautama was his gotra/family name. After enlightenment he was called 'Buddha' (the awakened one).
Q2. medium
In Jainism, the spiritual teachers who 'ford the stream' of rebirth are called:
Answer: A — Tirthankaras
A Tirthankara ('ford-maker') is one who shows the way across the ocean of existence. Jain tradition holds there were 24 Tirthankaras.
Q3. medium
How many Tirthankaras are there in Jainism?
Answer: A — 24
Jainism recognises 24 Tirthankaras. The first was Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) and the last (24th) was Mahavira.
Q5. medium
The 23rd Tirthankara, considered a historical figure who lived about 250 years before Mahavira, was:
Answer: A — Parshvanatha
Parshvanatha (symbol: snake) is regarded as historical. He taught four vows (Chaturyama): non-violence, truth, non-stealing and non-possession. Mahavira added a fifth.
Q7. medium
The 24th and last Tirthankara, the actual founder of historical Jainism, was:
Answer: A — Vardhamana Mahavira
Vardhamana Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara) systematised and spread Jainism. Though Jainism predates him, he is regarded as its real historical founder.
Q8. medium
Mahavira was born (c. 540 BCE) at Kundagrama, near which city?
Answer: A — Vaishali
Mahavira was born at Kundagrama (Kundalpur) near Vaishali, into the Kshatriya Jnatrika clan. His father Siddhartha was a clan chief and his mother was Trishala.
Q10. medium
The title 'Jina', from which the word 'Jain' is derived, means:
Answer: A — Conqueror (one who has conquered his passions/senses)
'Jina' means 'conqueror' - one who has conquered worldly desires and the self. Followers of the Jina are 'Jains'. Mahavira is the great Jina.
Q11. medium
Mahavira attained Nirvana (death) at the age of 72 at:
Answer: A — Pavapuri (Pava)
Mahavira died (attained nirvana) at Pavapuri in Bihar around 468 BCE. The place is a major Jain pilgrimage site.
Q13. medium
The supreme principle of Jainism, emphasised more strongly than in any other religion, is:
Answer: A — Ahimsa (non-violence toward all living beings)
Jainism carries Ahimsa (non-violence) to its greatest extreme - even harming tiny insects or micro-organisms is avoided. Jain monks sweep their path and cover their mouths to protect life.
Q15. medium
Does Jainism believe in a creator God?
Answer: A — No - Jainism does not accept a creator God; the universe is eternal and governed by karma
Jainism is essentially transtheistic: it rejects a creator God. The universe operates eternally by natural law and karma. Liberation comes through one's own effort, not divine grace.
Q19. medium
The Mauryan emperor who became a Jain and is said to have died by Sallekhana at Shravanabelagola was:
Answer: A — Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya, in his last years, embraced Jainism, abdicated, and travelled with Bhadrabahu to Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), where he is said to have ended his life by Sallekhana.
Q21. medium
The Jain scriptures were compiled mainly in which language?
Answer: A — Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi)
Jain canonical texts (Agamas/Angas) were composed in Prakrit, especially Ardhamagadhi - the everyday language of the people, making the teachings accessible.
Q23. medium
The King of Kalinga who was a great patron of Jainism (and left the Hathigumpha inscription) was:
Answer: A — Kharavela
Kharavela of the Chedi dynasty of Kalinga (1st century BCE) was a devout Jain. His Hathigumpha inscription (Udayagiri, Odisha) records his achievements and patronage of Jainism.
Q25. medium
Gautama Buddha was born (c. 563 BCE) at Lumbini, in the clan of the:
Answer: A — Shakyas (hence 'Shakyamuni')
The Buddha was born at Lumbini (in modern Nepal) into the Shakya clan; his father Suddhodana was the chief of Kapilavastu. Hence the Buddha is called 'Shakyamuni' (sage of the Shakyas).
Q26. medium
Buddha's mother, who died seven days after his birth, was:
Answer: A — Mahamaya
His mother was Mahamaya, who died soon after his birth. He was then raised by his aunt/stepmother Prajapati Gautami. His wife was Yashodhara and his son Rahula.
Q28. medium
Siddhartha's 'Great Renunciation' (leaving his palace at age 29) is called:
Answer: A — Mahabhinishkramana
The Mahabhinishkramana ('Great Going Forth') was Siddhartha's renunciation at age 29, leaving his wife and son to seek the cause of and cure for suffering. He rode his horse Kanthaka with charioteer Channa.
Q29. medium
Siddhartha attained Enlightenment (Nirvana/Bodhi) at the age of 35 at:
Answer: A — Bodh Gaya (under a peepal/Bodhi tree)
After years of searching and severe austerity, Siddhartha attained enlightenment under a peepal (Bodhi) tree at Bodh Gaya, on the banks of the Niranjana river, becoming the 'Buddha'.
Q31. medium
The Buddha passed away (attained Mahaparinirvana) at the age of 80 (c. 483 BCE) at:
Answer: A — Kushinagar (in Malla territory)
The Buddha died at Kushinagar (in the Malla republic). This event is called the Mahaparinirvana. (Note Pavapuri is where MAHAVIRA died - a common exam confusion.)
Q33. medium
The core of the Buddha's teaching, the 'Four Noble Truths' (Arya Satya), begins with the truth that:
Answer: A — The world is full of suffering (dukkha)
The Four Noble Truths are: (1) suffering exists, (2) desire/craving (trishna) is its cause, (3) suffering can be ended, and (4) the Eightfold Path leads to that end.
Q35. medium
The path the Buddha prescribed to end suffering is called the:
Answer: A — Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)
The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) - right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration - leads to the cessation of suffering.
Q38. medium
Did the Buddha believe in the authority of the Vedas and the caste system?
Answer: A — No - he rejected Vedic authority, ritual sacrifices and the caste hierarchy
The Buddha rejected the authority of the Vedas, elaborate sacrifices, and the caste system. He opened the sangha to all, regardless of birth - a major reason for Buddhism's popularity.
Q39. medium
The Buddhist doctrine of dependent origination ('everything has a cause') is called:
Answer: A — Pratityasamutpada
Pratityasamutpada teaches that all phenomena arise depending on causes and conditions; nothing exists independently. Understanding this chain of causation is central to ending suffering.
Q40. medium
The Buddhist scriptures were compiled in which language?
Answer: A — Pali
The earliest Buddhist canon (the Tripitaka) was composed in Pali, a popular spoken language, making the teachings accessible to common people. Later Mahayana texts used Sanskrit.
Q43. medium
The 'Jataka' tales are stories about:
Answer: A — The previous births of the Buddha
The Jatakas are a popular collection of tales narrating the Buddha's previous lives (as a Bodhisattva), teaching moral lessons. They are depicted in the art of Sanchi, Bharhut and Ajanta.
Q44. medium
The Buddhist monastic community/order is known as the:
Answer: A — Sangha
The Sangha is the community of Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis). Together with the Buddha and the Dhamma (teaching), the Sangha forms the 'Three Jewels' (Triratna) of Buddhism.
Q50. medium
Which branch of Buddhism believes in the Bodhisattva ideal, image worship, and the Buddha as a god?
Answer: A — Mahayana ('Greater Vehicle')
Mahayana Buddhism developed the Bodhisattva ideal (beings who postpone their own nirvana to help others), worships the Buddha as divine using images, and uses Sanskrit texts. It spread to China, Japan and Tibet.
Q52. medium
A 'Bodhisattva' in Mahayana Buddhism is:
Answer: A — A compassionate being who delays personal nirvana to help others attain liberation
Bodhisattvas (like Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, Manjushri) are enlightened beings who, out of compassion, postpone their own nirvana to assist all suffering beings - the Mahayana ideal.
Q53. medium
The emperor who became the greatest royal patron of Buddhism and spread it across Asia was:
Answer: A — Ashoka
Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War and propagated it through his edicts, missionaries, and by sending his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka.
Q55. medium
The great stupa at Sanchi, an important Buddhist monument, was originally built by:
Answer: A — Ashoka
The Great Stupa at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) was originally built by Ashoka and later enlarged. Its carved gateways (toranas) depict Jataka stories. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q59. medium
Why did Jainism and Buddhism attract merchants (Vaishyas) and lower castes in the 6th century BCE?
Answer: A — They opposed caste discrimination and, by disapproving of animal sacrifice, favoured trade and cattle wealth
By rejecting caste barriers and costly sacrifices (which killed cattle needed for agriculture and trade), these religions appealed to merchants and lower castes seeking dignity and a favourable social order.
Q61. medium
The place where the Buddha attained enlightenment, Bodh Gaya, is on the banks of which river?
Answer: A — Niranjana (Phalgu)
Bodh Gaya lies on the banks of the Niranjana (Falgu/Phalgu) river in Bihar. The Mahabodhi Temple there marks the spot of the Buddha's enlightenment and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q63. medium
The Buddha is often called 'Tathagata' and 'Shakyamuni'. What does 'Shakyamuni' mean?
Answer: A — The sage (muni) of the Shakya clan
'Shakyamuni' means 'sage of the Shakyas', referring to the Buddha's clan. 'Tathagata' ('thus gone/come') and 'Buddha' ('awakened') are among his other titles.
Q65. medium
The Buddha's horse and charioteer during the Great Renunciation were named:
Answer: A — Kanthaka (horse) and Channa (charioteer)
On the night of his renunciation, Siddhartha left the palace riding his horse Kanthaka, accompanied by his charioteer Channa - a scene often depicted in Buddhist art.
Q67. medium
Which royal patrons famously supported Jainism in the medieval Deccan and Karnataka?
Answer: A — The Gangas, Kadambas, Rashtrakutas and early Chalukyas
Jainism flourished in Karnataka and the Deccan under the Gangas (who built Shravanabelagola's Gomateshwara), Kadambas, Rashtrakutas and early Chalukyas, leaving rich Jain art and literature.
Q69. medium
Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra as Buddhist missionaries to:
Answer: A — Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka, where they converted King Tissa and established Buddhism. Sanghamitra is said to have carried a sapling of the Bodhi tree.
Q4. hard
The FIRST Tirthankara of Jainism was:
Answer: A — Rishabhanatha (Adinatha)
Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), whose symbol is the bull, is the first Tirthankara. He is even mentioned in the Rigveda and Vishnu Purana in some traditions.
Q6. hard
Parshvanatha taught FOUR vows. Which fifth vow did Mahavira add?
Answer: A — Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity)
Parshva's four vows were Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya and Aparigraha. Mahavira added Brahmacharya (celibacy) as the fifth, making the 'Panch Mahavrata'.
Q9. hard
Mahavira attained 'Kaivalya' (supreme knowledge/omniscience) at the age of 42. What does Kaivalya mean?
Answer: A — Omniscience / perfect infinite knowledge
After 12 years of penance, Mahavira attained Kaivalya (omniscience) under a sal tree at Jrimbhikagrama. Thereafter he was called 'Kevalin', 'Jina' (conqueror) and 'Mahavira' (great hero).
Q12. hard
The 'Three Jewels' (Triratna) of Jainism are:
Answer: A — Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
The Jain Triratna are Samyak Darshana (right faith), Samyak Jnana (right knowledge) and Samyak Charitra (right conduct) - the path to liberation (moksha).
Q14. hard
Jain philosophy holds that everything possesses a soul (jiva). This doctrine of 'many-sidedness' of truth is called:
Answer: A — Anekantavada (with Syadvada as its logical method)
Anekantavada teaches that reality has many aspects, so truth is relative. Its method, Syadvada ('may be'), holds that every statement is only conditionally true. This philosophy promotes tolerance.
Q16. hard
The Jain practice of voluntarily fasting to death when the body can no longer serve spiritual ends is called:
Answer: A — Sallekhana (Santhara)
Sallekhana (or Santhara) is the Jain practice of gradually giving up food and water to embrace death peacefully - considered the ideal spiritual end after a virtuous life.
Q17. hard
Jainism later split into two main sects. The 'sky-clad' (naked) monks belong to which sect?
Answer: A — Digambara
The Digambaras ('sky-clad') believe monks should own nothing, not even clothes. The Svetambaras ('white-clad') wear white robes. The split followed a famine-driven migration led by Bhadrabahu.
Q18. hard
The Jain split into Digambara and Svetambara is linked to a famine in Magadha and the migration south led by:
Answer: A — Bhadrabahu (who went south with Chandragupta Maurya)
During a 12-year famine, Bhadrabahu led a group (including, by tradition, Chandragupta Maurya) to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. Those who stayed under Sthulabhadra became Svetambaras; the migrants, Digambaras.
Q20. hard
The colossal statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola is associated with which religion?
Answer: A — Jainism
The 57-foot monolithic statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, built by the Ganga minister Chamundaraya, is a great Jain monument.
Q22. hard
The FIRST Jain Council was held at Pataliputra (c. 300 BCE) under the leadership of:
Answer: A — Sthulabhadra
The First Jain Council at Pataliputra was presided over by Sthulabhadra and compiled the 12 Angas. The Second Council at Valabhi (5th-6th c CE) under Devardhi finalised the canon.
Q27. hard
The 'Four Sights' that led Siddhartha to renounce worldly life were an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and:
Answer: A — An ascetic (a wandering holy man)
Seeing an old man, a diseased man and a dead body made Siddhartha aware of suffering; the serene ascetic showed him the path of renunciation. These four sights prompted his search for truth.
Q30. hard
The Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) at:
Answer: A — Sarnath (Deer Park, near Varanasi)
The Buddha's first sermon, 'Turning the Wheel of Law' (Dharmachakra Pravartana), was delivered at the Deer Park in Sarnath near Varanasi to his five former companions.
Q32. hard
The Buddhist symbols for the four great events - birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and death - are respectively:
Answer: A — Lotus/Bull, Bodhi tree, Wheel (Dharmachakra), Stupa
Early Buddhist art (aniconic) represented the Buddha by symbols: lotus and bull (birth), Bodhi tree (enlightenment), the wheel/Dharmachakra (first sermon), and the stupa (death/Mahaparinirvana).
Q34. hard
According to the Buddha, the ROOT CAUSE of all suffering is:
Answer: A — Desire/craving (trishna/tanha)
The second Noble Truth identifies craving or desire (trishna) as the cause of suffering. Ending desire ends suffering and leads to Nirvana (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Q36. hard
The Buddha called his teaching the 'Middle Path' (Madhyama Pratipada) because it avoids:
Answer: A — Both extreme self-indulgence and extreme self-mortification
The Middle Path avoids the two extremes of sensual indulgence and severe self-torture. Having tried extreme austerity, the Buddha found moderation the wiser road to enlightenment.
Q37. hard
A key philosophical difference of Buddhism from Jainism and Hinduism is that Buddhism does NOT believe in:
Answer: A — A permanent, unchanging soul (it teaches 'anatta')
Buddhism teaches 'anatta' (no permanent self/soul) and 'anicca' (impermanence). This contrasts with Jainism and Hinduism, which affirm an eternal soul (jiva/atman).
Q41. hard
The Buddhist canonical texts are collectively called the 'Tripitaka', meaning:
Answer: A — The Three Baskets (Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma)
The Tripitaka ('Three Baskets') comprises the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (the Buddha's discourses) and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy and metaphysics).
Q42. hard
Which Pitaka contains the rules of discipline for the Buddhist monastic order (Sangha)?
Answer: A — Vinaya Pitaka
The Vinaya Pitaka lays down the rules of conduct for monks and nuns. The Sutta Pitaka contains sermons; the Abhidhamma Pitaka deals with philosophy and psychology.
Q45. hard
Who was the first woman to be admitted into the Buddhist Sangha?
Answer: A — Prajapati Gautami (the Buddha's aunt/foster-mother)
The Buddha initially hesitated, but on the request of his disciple Ananda, he admitted Prajapati Gautami - his foster-mother - as the first bhikkhuni (nun), opening the order to women.
Q46. hard
The FIRST Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha (c. 483 BCE), presided over by Mahakassapa, under the patronage of:
Answer: A — Ajatashatru
The First Council at Rajagriha, held soon after the Buddha's death under King Ajatashatru, compiled the Vinaya (by Upali) and the Sutta (by Ananda) Pitakas.
Q47. hard
The SECOND Buddhist Council at Vaishali (c. 383 BCE) led to the first schism, dividing the sangha into:
Answer: A — Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas
The Second Council at Vaishali (under Kalashoka) split the sangha into the orthodox Sthaviravadins (Elders) and the liberal Mahasanghikas over disputes about monastic rules.
Q48. hard
The THIRD Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under whose patronage?
Answer: A — Ashoka (presided by Moggaliputta Tissa)
The Third Council at Pataliputra (c. 250 BCE), under Ashoka and presided by Moggaliputta Tissa, compiled the Abhidhamma Pitaka and dispatched Buddhist missionaries across and beyond India.
Q49. hard
The FOURTH Buddhist Council, held in Kashmir under Kanishka, led to the division of Buddhism into:
Answer: A — Hinayana and Mahayana
The Fourth Council in Kashmir (c. 1st century CE), under Kanishka and presided by Vasumitra (with Ashvaghosha), formalised the split into Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.
Q51. hard
Hinayana Buddhism, which adheres closely to the original teachings and stresses individual effort, survives today mainly as:
Answer: A — Theravada (in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand)
Hinayana's surviving form, Theravada ('Doctrine of the Elders'), uses Pali texts and stresses self-liberation. It prevails in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Vajrayana (Tantric) is a later form found in Tibet.
Q54. hard
The Kushana emperor who was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism and hosted the Fourth Council was:
Answer: A — Kanishka
Kanishka patronised Mahayana Buddhism, convened the Fourth Council in Kashmir, and supported scholars like Ashvaghosha, Nagarjuna and the physician Charaka. Buddhism spread to Central Asia and China under him.
Q56. hard
A 'stupa' in Buddhism is essentially a:
Answer: A — Dome-shaped structure containing relics of the Buddha or a saint
A stupa is a hemispherical mound built to enshrine sacred relics. Major stupas include Sanchi, Bharhut, Amaravati and Sarnath. A chaitya is a prayer hall; a vihara is a monastery.
Q57. hard
Which of these is a similarity between Jainism and Buddhism?
Answer: A — Both rejected Vedic authority, the caste system, and stressed non-violence and karma
Both were heterodox (nastika) religions that rejected Vedic ritualism, the caste hierarchy and a creator God, while stressing ahimsa, karma, rebirth and personal effort toward liberation.
Q58. hard
A key DIFFERENCE between Jainism and Buddhism is that:
Answer: A — Jainism practises extreme asceticism and affirms a soul; Buddhism follows the Middle Path and denies a permanent soul
Jainism demands severe austerity and holds that every being has an eternal soul (jiva). Buddhism advocates moderation (the Middle Path) and denies a permanent soul (anatta).
Q60. hard
The famous poet-monk Ashvaghosha, who wrote 'Buddhacharita' (a biography of the Buddha), was patronised by:
Answer: A — Kanishka
Ashvaghosha, in Kanishka's court, wrote the Buddhacharita (life of the Buddha) and Saundarananda in Sanskrit. He was a key figure in Mahayana literature.
Q62. hard
Which of the following correctly lists the FOUR great Buddhist pilgrimage sites linked to the Buddha's life?
Answer: A — Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (death)
The four principal pilgrimage sites are Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon) and Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana/death) - the key events of the Buddha's life.
Q64. hard
Which reason contributed to the DECLINE of Buddhism in India by the early medieval period?
Answer: A — Loss of royal patronage, corruption in monasteries, revival of Hinduism, and destruction of monasteries by invaders
Buddhism declined due to the loss of royal patronage, moral laxity and Sanskritisation of monasteries, the Brahminical/Bhakti revival (aided by Shankaracharya), Hindu absorption of the Buddha as an avatar, and the later destruction of centres like Nalanda.
Q66. hard
The two chief lay disciples who became the Buddha's principal monk-disciples were:
Answer: A — Sariputta and Moggallana
Sariputta (foremost in wisdom) and Moggallana (foremost in psychic powers) were the Buddha's two chief disciples. Ananda was his devoted attendant, and Upali the expert on monastic rules.
Q68. hard
The later, esoteric form of Buddhism involving mantras, rituals and magic, which spread to Tibet, is:
Answer: A — Vajrayana ('Thunderbolt Vehicle')
Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism), which developed after Mahayana, uses mantras, mandalas and rituals. It became prominent in eastern India (under the Palas) and spread to Tibet as 'Lamaism'.
Q70. hard
Which statement about the historical impact of Jainism and Buddhism on Indian culture is correct?
Answer: A — They enriched art (stupas, caves), promoted Prakrit/Pali literature, spread education (Nalanda), and advanced the ideal of non-violence
These religions profoundly shaped Indian art (Sanchi, Ajanta, Ellora), promoted vernacular languages (Pali, Prakrit), founded great universities (Nalanda, Vikramashila), and embedded ahimsa deeply in Indian thought - later inspiring Gandhi.