The question asks to identify the kingdoms associated with the life of Gautama Buddha. This requires knowledge of the geographical and political context of ancient India during the 6th-5th centuries BCE, specifically the Mahajanapadas.
C) 3 and 4 only. Kosala and Magadha were the two prominent kingdoms where Buddha lived, preached, and established the early Sangha. His birthplace was in a region associated with Kosala, and he spent much of his enlightened life in both Kosala and Magadha, receiving patronage from their rulers.
| 1) Parivrajaka | Renunciant and Wanderer |
| 2) Shramana | Priest with a high status |
| 3) Upasaka | Lay follower of Buddhism |
The question asks to identify the correctly matched pairs regarding terms from the cultural history of India, specifically related to ancient religious and social practices. We need to evaluate each pair based on the historical meaning of the terms.
Based on the analysis, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is incorrectly matched.
B) 1 and 3 only. This option correctly identifies 'Parivrajaka' as a renunciant and wanderer, and 'Upasaka' as a lay follower of Buddhism.
The question asks for the correct description of the term 'paramitas' in the context of India's cultural history. This term is specifically associated with Buddhist philosophy and practice.
C) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path.
In Mahayana Buddhism, the 'paramitas' (Sanskrit for "perfections" or "transcendent virtues") are a set of six or ten virtues that a Bodhisattva practices and perfects to cross the ocean of suffering (samsara) and attain full enlightenment (Buddhahood) for the sake of all beings. The six most commonly cited paramitas are generosity (dana), morality (shila), patience (kshanti), effort (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna).
The question asks us to identify the correct statements regarding different sects and developments within early Indian Buddhism. We need to evaluate each statement based on historical facts about Buddhist schools like Sthaviravada, Mahasanghika, Lokottaravada, and the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.
Evaluate Statement 1: Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
Evaluate Statement 2: Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
Evaluate Statement 3: The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Based on the evaluation, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Correct Option: B) 2 and 3 only
The question asks to identify the features of Mahayana Buddhism from the given options. We need to recall the core tenets and practices that distinguish Mahayana Buddhism from other schools, particularly Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism.
All three points are characteristic features of Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged as a distinct school around the 1st century CE, differentiating itself from the earlier Theravada (Hinayana) school.
Correct Option: D) 1, 2 and 3
The question asks us to evaluate two statements regarding different sects in the religious history of India, specifically related to Jainism and Buddhism. We need to identify which statement(s) are factually correct.
Correct Option: B) 2 only