UPSC Prelims 2005 Q65: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
Recently,
to which of the following countries did India offer to build a Buddha Temple?
- (a) China
- (b) Myanmar
- (c) Thailand
- (d) Vietnam
Answer: (a) China
Explanation
Buddha temple offered by India
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| China | India offered to build a Buddhist temple at the White Horse Temple complex, Luoyang |
| Myanmar | Not the offer |
| Thailand | Not the offer |
| Vietnam | Not the offer |
During Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in April 2005, a bilateral MoU was signed under which India would fund and design an Indian-style Buddhist temple in China, in the International Garden next to the White Horse Temple at Luoyang; China provided the land.
Answer: (a) China.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The offer was for a temple in China.
- (b) Incorrect. The offer was not for Myanmar.
- (c) Incorrect. The offer was not for Thailand.
- (d) Incorrect. The offer was not for Vietnam.
Key point
White Horse Temple, Luoyang: China's first Buddhist temple, linked to Kashyapa Matanga and Dharmaratna.
Remember
India offered to build a Buddha temple in China.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Thailand or Myanmar, as large Buddhist countries.
- Missing the Luoyang connection.
- Not following the 2005 India-China bilateral news.
Exam tip
India-China ties in 2005: Wen Jiabao visit, Buddhist links.
Sources
- Embassy of India, Beijing — Indian Style Buddhist Temple, Luoyang (MoU of April 2005 between India and China)
- China Daily — "Ancient Buddhist temple embraces culture of India" (12 January 2008)