UPSC Prelims 2023 · Question 2 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2023 question on Stupa Origin and Purpose
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2023
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectArt and Culture
- TopicBuddhism and Jainism
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Answer: B. Only two
Verdict
Correct statements: 2 and 3 → Only two → Option (b).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – INCORRECT: The concept of Stupa does not have Buddhist origin. The word Stupa is mentioned in the Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Vajasaneyi Samhita, Taittriya Samhita, etc. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: Stupa was generally a repository of relics. Buddhist texts confirm this and Stupa is regarded as a monument for veneration. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: Stupa gradually was related to the ritualistic and commemorative with sectarian, affliation with school of philosophical obligatory and was bound by aspects of social-economic life. Hence statement 3 is correct.