FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Religious Movements of Ancient India
Ancient India
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
50 MCQs
Showing
1–20
of 50 MCQs
Page 1 / 3
1
Who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism?
Answer:
Mahavira
Vardhamana Mahavira is considered the 24th Tirthankara. He is the most significant teacher in Jainism and consolidated the religion.
2
Where did Gautama Buddha deliver his first sermon?
Answer:
Sarnath
Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath. This event is known as 'Dharmachakrapravartana' (Turning of the Wheel of Law).
3
The sacred books of Buddhism are known as:
Answer:
Tripitakas
The Tripitakas (Three Baskets) are the traditional scriptures of Buddhism, comprising the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
4
In which language were the original Buddhist texts (Tripitakas) written?
Answer:
Pali
Pali was the common language of the masses in that region, and Buddha preached in Pali to make his teachings accessible.
5
Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
Answer:
Rishabhanatha
Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinatha) is traditionally believed to be the founder and first Tirthankara of Jainism.
6
Where was Mahavira born?
Answer:
Kundagrama
Mahavira was born in Kundagrama, near Vaishali (in modern-day Bihar), in 540 BC (traditional date).
7
The concept of 'Four Noble Truths' belongs to which religion?
Answer:
Buddhism
The Four Noble Truths (Arya Satya) are the core teachings of Buddha explaining the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.
8
Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Three Jewels' (Triratna) of Jainism?
Answer:
Right Livelihood
The Three Jewels of Jainism are Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). Right Livelihood is part of Buddhism's Eightfold Path.
9
Who presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council?
Answer:
Vasumitra
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the patronage of King Kanishka, and it was presided over by Vasumitra.
10
The sect 'Digambara' and 'Svetambara' are associated with:
Answer:
Jainism
Jainism split into two major sects: Digambara (sky-clad/naked) and Svetambara (white-clad).
11
What does the term 'Nirvana' mean in Buddhism?
Answer:
Freedom from the cycle of rebirth
Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the blowing out of desire and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
12
The 'Jatakas' are a collection of stories about:
Answer:
Previous births of Buddha
The Jataka tales are voluminous bodies of literature concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form.
13
Who was the founder of the Ajivika sect?
Answer:
Makkhali Gosala
Makkhali Gosala was a contemporary of Buddha and Mahavira and founded the Ajivika sect, which believed in absolute fatalism (Niyati).
14
Where did Buddha attain Enlightenment?
Answer:
Bodh Gaya
Buddha attained Enlightenment (Nirvana) under a Pipal tree (Bodhi tree) at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
15
Which Mauryan ruler is famous for spreading Buddhism across Asia?
Answer:
Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War and sent missionaries to various parts of the world, including Sri Lanka and Central Asia.
16
The principle of 'Syadvada' (The theory of 'maybe' or relativity) is a central philosophy of:
Answer:
Jainism
Syadvada (the doctrine of conditional predication) and Anekantavada (pluralism) are core philosophical concepts of Jainism.
17
Mahavira attained 'Kaivalya' (Supreme Knowledge) on the banks of which river?
Answer:
Rijupalika
Mahavira attained Kaivalya under a Sal tree on the banks of the river Rijupalika at the age of 42.
18
The 'Vinaya Pitaka' primarily contains:
Answer:
Rules of discipline for monks
The Vinaya Pitaka deals with the monastic rules and code of conduct (discipline) for the Sangha (monks and nuns).
19
Where did Mahavira breathe his last (attain Moksha)?
Answer:
Pavapuri
Mahavira passed away and attained liberation (Moksha) at Pavapuri, near Rajgir, at the age of 72.
20
Which King patronized the First Buddhist Council?
Answer:
Ajatashatru
The First Buddhist Council was held in Rajgir just after Buddha's death, under the patronage of King Ajatashatru of the Haryanka dynasty.
