UPSC Prelims 2019 Q9: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Mahayana Buddhism: Key Features
| Feature | Present in Mahayana? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Deification of the Buddha | YES | Buddha treated as a divine, transcendent being (Sambhogakaya, Dharmakaya) rather than a mere teacher. Contrast with Hinayana/Theravada view of Buddha as a human teacher. |
| 2. Bodhisattva path | YES | The ideal in Mahayana is the Bodhisattva - one who postpones nirvana to help all beings attain liberation. Key bodhisattvas: Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Maitreya. |
| 3. Image worship and rituals | YES | Mahayana embraced Buddha and Bodhisattva images, elaborate rituals, mantras, mudras and monasteries with iconic art. Origin of Buddha image in Gandhara/Mathura schools is closely linked to Mahayana. |
All three features characterize Mahayana Buddhism. Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bodhisattva path and image worship are equally central features of Mahayana.
- (b) Incorrect. Image worship and rituals are also core Mahayana features.
- (c) Incorrect. Deification of the Buddha is also a defining Mahayana feature.
- (d) CORRECT. All three - deification, Bodhisattva path, image worship - are hallmark features of Mahayana Buddhism.
Key point
Mahayana = 'Great Vehicle': Buddha as divine + Bodhisattva ideal + Image worship. Hinayana/Theravada = Buddha as teacher + Arhat ideal + Aniconic (early phase).
Remember
Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by (1) deification of the Buddha as a transcendent divine being, (2) the Bodhisattva path where one postpones nirvana to help all beings, and (3) image worship and elaborate rituals. All three are core features - answer is 1, 2 and 3.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Mahayana with Vajrayana. Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) adds mantras, mudras, deities but is a later offshoot.
- Assuming aniconic tradition (Buddha shown as footprint, wheel, empty throne) is Mahayana - it is early/Hinayana.
- Missing that Mahayana emerged around 1st century CE and spread to China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Tibet; Theravada spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos.
Exam tip
Mahayana vs Hinayana triad: (i) Buddha: divine vs human. (ii) Ideal: Bodhisattva vs Arhat. (iii) Worship: iconic vs aniconic. (iv) Language: Sanskrit vs Pali. (v) Spread: East Asia vs Southeast Asia.
Sources
- NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History Part I (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings)
- R.S. Sharma - India's Ancient Past (Buddhism chapters)