The reason included in the expansion of Buddhism –
The simplicity of religion
Special appeal towards Dalits
Missionary concept of religion
Regional language
The soundness of Vedic spirit by Philosophers.
Code:
Correct Answer:
(C)
1, 2, 3 and 4
The main reason for the spread of Buddhism was its simplicity. Its eight-fold path known as ‘Arya-Satya’ and concept of non-violence were simple and understandable by the common people. Buddha spread his message in the simple language or the language of common people. Buddhism did not believe in caste-distinctions. The non- Brahmins, particularly Dalits were attracted by the simplicity of Buddhism. They also followed the missionary concept.
Ques:
92
What were the causes that led to the decline of Buddhism in India?
Split in Buddhism
Language
Corruption in Sangha
Reforms in Hinduism
End of Royal Patronage
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Causes that led to decline of Buddhism:
Split in Buddhism: The division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana sects brought about great changes in Buddhism. Its popularity and prestige suffered.
Language: Buddha preached his teaching in Pali. After his death, Sanskrit, the language of the upper classes, also came to be adopted.
Corruption in Sangha: The monks and nuns started living a luxurious life. There was deterioration in the spiritual life. Buddhist sanghas received patronage of royalty and had become very rich. The monks and nuns used the riched for rheir personal benefit. They began to lead a worldly life.
Reforms in Hinduism: Reform movement in Hinduism started with full vigour once the appeal of new religions vanished. Hinduism assimilated the positive aspects of Buddhism. Even foreign invaders and settlers adopted Hinduism as their new religion. Among these are included the Shakas and the Satavahanas.
Invasions: From the eight century AD the Turkish invasion dealt a blow to Buddhism. The monasteries, which had accumulated great wealth, were looted. The invaders plundered the monasteries of Nalanda and Takshila and forced some of the monks to flee to neighbouring countries like Nepal and Tibet.
End of Royal Patronage- Rajput rulers were warlike and could not follow the policy of ahimsa, besides, the kings of the Gupta period patronised temples in honour of Hindu gods and goddess. Thus, the lack of royal patronage brought about the decline of Buddhism.
Ques:
93
Which of the following are the causes for the decline of Buddhism?
Reform of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism
Giving up the use of Pali
Practising idol-worship
Attacks by the Hunas and Turkish invaders
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Causes for the Popularity of Buddhism: Non-indulgence in metaphysical discussions and its original simplicity appealed to the masses. It did not attach any importance to the existing varna system and hence appealed to the lower classes. Admission of women to the Sangha also swelled its ranks (Gautami, the widowed step-mother of Buddha, was the first Buddhist nun). The use of Pali, the language of the people, in the early phase helped it further. Its adoption by the monarchies of Magadha, Kosala, Kausambi and several republican states in the initial period, and by Asoka, the Indo-Greeks, Kushanas, Harsha and Palas in the later period.
Causes for the Decline of Buddhism: Reform of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism. Giving up the use of Pali and taking up the use of Sanskrit by the Buddhists from the first century AD. Practising idol-worship and receiving offerings and huge donations, leading to deterioration in moral standards. Attacks by the Hunas (fifth and sixth centuries AD) and Turkish invaders (12th century AD).
Ques:
94
Who was the first founder of Shwetambar creed during the first partition of Jain creed?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Sthulabhadra
About 150 years after Lord Mahavira’s departure, when Bhadrabahuswami was the head of the religious order and Nand dynasty was ruling over Magadha, Pataliputra the capital city became the centre of learning and knowledge. At that time there occurred a severe famine that seems to have raged for 12 long years. During that period of shortage and scarcity, it was hard for Jain monks to observe the code of conduct laid down by the Lord. Bhadrabahuswami, therefore, decided to migrate to the South along with many followers. For those who stayed behind, it was hard to remember accurately whatever they learnt. Venerable Sthulabhadra and most of those who stayed in the north used to cover their bodies with a plain, white cloth; while those who had migrated with Bhadrabahuswami were mostly unclad. The latter took pride in their being true unclad followers of the Lord and in due course came to be known as Digamabars which means skyclad. Those on the other side came to be known as Shwetamabars on account of white cloth that they wore.
Ques:
95
The Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Shvetambara and Digambara. This division occurred mainly due to:
Correct Answer:
(A)
Famine in Magadha
The Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Shvetambara and Digambara. This division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadh, which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya to move to South India (Shravan Belgola) in 298 BC.
Ques:
96
Consider the following statements:
1. Shvetambaras stress the practice of nudity as an absolute pre-requisite to the attainment of salvation.
2. Digambaras believe that a woman lacks the adamantine body and rigid will, which are necessary to attain moksha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(B)
2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: Digambaras stress the practice of nudity as an absolute pre-requisite to the mendicant’s path and to the attainment of salvation. However, the Shvetambaras assert that the practice of complete nudity is not essential to attain liberation.
Statement 2 is correct: Digambaras believe that a woman lacks the adamantine body and rigid will, which are necessary to attain moksha. Shvetambaras, on the other hand, hold the contrary view and maintain that women are capable in the present lifetime.
Ques:
97
Identify the term used by Shvetambaras for the biographies of great teachers?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Charita
The Shvetambaras use the term ‘Charitra’, and the Digambaras use the term ‘Purana’ for the biographies of great teachers.
Ques:
98
Consider the following statements:
1. When Bhadrabahu left for South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers.
2. Sthulabahu changed the code of conduct and said that white clothes could be worn.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
Correct Answer:
(C)
Both 1 and 2
When Bhadrabahu migrated to South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers. This division led to a split in Jainism, resulting in the Digambara sect (sky-clad) in the South and the Svetambara sect (white-clad) in the North. Sthulabahu's followers were allowed to wear white clothes, while Digambaras followed the practice of going naked. This division is also linked to the historical famine in Magadha and the subsequent migration of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya.
Ques:
99
The doctrine of three jewels-Right faith, Right action and Right Knowledge, is the crowning glory of:
Correct Answer:
(C)
Jainism
Three means are said to be important for ‘Moksha’ in Jain philosophy: Right faith, Right action and Right knowledge. These are known as ‘Triratna’ in Jain religion. Freedom from the bondage and effect of evil omens is called Sanvar Tattva to make the spirit free from the bondage of all. The destruction of Karma is the Nirjara element.
Ques:
100
The correct of Anuvrata was advocated by:
Correct Answer:
(C)
Jainism
In Jain philosophy, the persons (e.g., monks) are very keen to uplift their souls and hence they sacrifice all worldly enjoyments and adopt five great ‘Vratas’ (vows) – Mahavratas; Ahimsa, Satya, Brahmacharya, Asteya and Aparigraha.
These Mahavrata’s are difficult to practise by average human beings. So, they follow Anuvratas i.e., Ahimsa Anuvrat, Satya Anuvrat, Brahmacharya Anuvrat, Asteya Anuvrat, and Aparigraha Anuvrat.