UPSC Prelims previous year questions on Buddhism & Jainism Teachings (Ancient History) — real questions with answers and explanations.
2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQBuddhism & Jainism Teachings
Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?
A.Deva (gods)
B.Yaksha (demi-gods)
C.Manushya (humans)
D.Tiryancha (animals and plants)
Explanation: * Yaksha is NOT included: In Jain philosophy, rebirth is classified into four principal forms of existence (Gati) determined by an individual's karma. These four Gatis are: Deva (heavenly beings), Manushya (human beings), Tiryancha (animals, birds, insects, plants), and Naraka (infernal beings).
* Yakshas are regarded as semi-divine attendant deities in the Jain tradition, but they are not categorized as one of the four principal Gatis recognized in Jain philosophy.
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2024Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Buddhism & Jainism Teachings
With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets?
1. Nayaputta
2. Shakyamuni
3. Tathagata
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1, 2 and 3
D.None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha
Explanation: * Epithet 1 is incorrect: "Nayaputta" (or Jnatiputra) is a specific historical epithet used in early Jain and Buddhist literature to refer to Vardhamana Mahavira, not Gautama Buddha.
* Epithet 2 is correct: Gautama Buddha is widely addressed as "Shakyamuni" ("Sage of the Shakyas") denoting his birth lineage within the Shakya clan.
* Epithet 3 is correct: Buddha frequently used the term "Tathagata" ("Thus-come" or "Thus-gone") to describe himself and other enlightened ones in Pali and Sanskrit texts.
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2024Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQBuddhism & Jainism Teachings
Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:
A.Prajnaparamita Sutra
B.Visuddhimagga
C.Sarvastivada Vinaya
D.Lalitavistara
Explanation: * (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya is correct: India developed deep cultural and religious exchanges with China by sending Buddhist missionary monks. Monks like Kumarajiva and Sanghabhuti traveled to China to propagate texts, and Sanghabhuti authored an important commentary focusing specifically on the Sarvastivada Vinaya.
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