UPSC Prelims 2009 Q15: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
In which State is the Buddhist site Tabo Monastery located?
- (a) Arunachal Pradesh
- (b) Himachal Pradesh
- (c) Sikkim
- (d) Uttarakhand
Answer: (b) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation
Where the Tabo Monastery is located
This ancient Buddhist site is a significant pilgrimage and heritage destination in a Himalayan state.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Arunachal Pradesh | Incorrect | Not the location of Tabo Monastery |
| (b) Himachal Pradesh | Correct | Tabo Monastery is located in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries |
| (c) Sikkim | Incorrect | Sikkim has its own Buddhist sites, but not Tabo |
| (d) Uttarakhand | Incorrect | Also not the location of Tabo Monastery |
Tabo Monastery facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh |
| Significance | One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, sometimes called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' |
Answer: (b) Himachal Pradesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Arunachal Pradesh is not the location of Tabo Monastery.
- (b) CORRECT. Tabo Monastery is in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
- (c) Incorrect. Sikkim has different Buddhist sites, not Tabo.
- (d) Incorrect. Uttarakhand is also not the location.
Key point
Tabo Monastery is located in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries.
Remember
Tabo Monastery: located in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Tabo Monastery (Himachal Pradesh) with other Himalayan Buddhist sites in Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh.
- Not knowing the Spiti Valley's specific location within Himachal Pradesh.
- Mixing up different states' Buddhist heritage sites.
Exam tip
Tabo Monastery, Spiti Valley = Himachal Pradesh, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, sometimes called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'.
Sources
- Archaeological Survey of India — Tabo Monastery (Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Tabo Monastery