UPSC Prelims 2023 Q42: Ancient History – Ancient India
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
Stupa — Facts
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin | FALSE | The concept of burial mounds (tumuli) predates Buddhism. Stupas existed in pre-Buddhist India as burial mounds. Buddhism adapted and elaborated this practice — the stupa tradition was not invented by Buddhism but evolved within it. |
| 2 | Stupa was generally a repository of relics | TRUE | The primary function of a stupa was to house relics (remains of the Buddha or Buddhist saints). The Mahāparinibbāna Sutta describes the Buddha's relics being divided and enshrined in stupas. |
| 3 | Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure | TRUE | Stupas served as votive (associated with religious devotion/offerings) AND commemorative (marking significant events/persons) structures. Many stupas mark places associated with the Buddha's life. |
Statements 2 and 3 correct → Only two.
Answer: (b) Only two.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 'Only one' — both statement 2 (relic repository) and statement 3 (votive/commemorative) are accurate.
- (b) CORRECT. Stupas were relic repositories (2) and votive-commemorative structures (3). The concept itself is not exclusively Buddhist in origin (1 is false) — tumulus traditions predate Buddhism.
- (c) Incorrect. 'All three' — statement 1 is historically inaccurate; burial mounds existed before Buddhism.
- (d) Incorrect. 'None' — stupa as relic repository is one of its most fundamental and documented functions.
Key point
Stupa = relic repository + votive-commemorative (Stmts 2, 3 TRUE). Concept of burial mounds PREDATES Buddhism (Stmt 1 FALSE). Buddhism elaborated and sacred-ified the stupa but did not originate the concept of burial mounds.
Remember
Stupas are relic repositories and votive-commemorative structures (Statements 2 and 3 are correct). The concept of burial mounds predates Buddhism — Buddhism did not originate the stupa concept but elaborated it into a sacred religious tradition.
Common mistakes
- Assuming stupa is purely Buddhist in concept — burial mounds (tumuli) were used in pre-Buddhist India and worldwide; Buddhism institutionalised the practice around sacred relics.
- Not knowing stupas serve both votive AND commemorative functions simultaneously — they are sites of worship and memorials.
- Overlooking that many stupas don't contain relics but are purely commemorative — marking places where the Buddha sat, walked, or achieved enlightenment.
Exam tip
Stupa = relic + commemoration. NOT Buddhist-invented concept (pre-Buddhist tumuli existed). The Buddha directed his followers to honour stupas — he adapted, not invented, the practice. Key stupas: Sanchi, Amaravati, Bharhut, Sarnath.
Sources
- NCERT Class 12 History — Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings
- Archaeological Survey of India — Buddhist Stupas of India