MCQs with answers on the topic “The Influence of Buddhism on Indian Art and Culture”

Which of the following is a direct contribution of Buddhism to Indian art?
- a) Development of Hindu temple architecture
- b) Introduction of Stupa as a form of architecture
- c) Introduction of Islamic calligraphy
- d) Development of Persian miniature paintings
- Answer: b) Introduction of Stupa as a form of architecture
Who is associated with the creation of the Great Stupa at Sanchi?
- a) Ashoka
- b) Harsha
- c) Chandragupta Maurya
- d) Gautama Buddha
- Answer: a) Ashoka
Which of the following features is commonly associated with Buddhist sculpture?
- a) Depiction of gods and goddesses in anthropomorphic form
- b) Stylized depiction of Buddha in various mudras
- c) Use of vibrant colors in sculptures
- d) Abstract geometric shapes
- Answer: b) Stylized depiction of Buddha in various mudras
The Gandhara School of Art is influenced by which culture?
- a) Greek
- b) Roman
- c) Persian
- d) Chinese
- Answer: a) Greek
The Buddha’s first sermon is depicted in which of the following artistic forms?
- a) The Dhamma Chakra Mudra
- b) The Ugra Buddha
- c) The Bodhisattva figure
- d) The reclining Buddha
- Answer: a) The Dhamma Chakra Mudra
Which of the following is a notable feature of Buddhist art in India?
- a) Large temple complexes
- b) Depictions of scenes from the Buddha’s life
- c) Use of animal motifs
- d) Intricate stone carvings of Hindu gods
- Answer: b) Depictions of scenes from the Buddha’s life
Which of the following was a popular motif in early Buddhist art in India?
- a) Images of Lord Vishnu
- b) Symbolic representations of Buddha
- c) Images of kings and warriors
- d) Depictions of Hindu myths
- Answer: b) Symbolic representations of Buddha
The Ajanta Caves are famous for their exquisite Buddhist paintings. What is the most prominent theme of these paintings?
- a) Hindu mythology
- b) Life of Buddha and Jataka tales
- c) Jain Tirthankaras
- d) Islamic calligraphy
- Answer: b) Life of Buddha and Jataka tales
In Buddhist art, the wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) is a symbol of:
- a) Enlightenment
- b) The Buddha’s birth
- c) The Four Noble Truths
- d) The cycle of death and rebirth
- Answer: a) Enlightenment
Which of the following is the most important feature of the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi?
- a) Its large size and grandeur
- b) The depiction of the life of the Buddha on its reliefs
- c) The presence of Hindu deities
- d) Its location near the Himalayas
- Answer: b) The depiction of the life of the Buddha on its reliefs
Which of the following Buddhist texts has had a significant impact on Indian culture and art?
- a) Bhagavad Gita
- b) Tripitaka
- c) Manusmriti
- d) Vedas
- Answer: b) Tripitaka
What is the significance of the Bodhi tree in Buddhist culture and art?
- a) It marks the place where Buddha was born
- b) It is a symbol of Buddha’s enlightenment
- c) It represents the cycle of rebirth
- d) It is associated with the Buddha’s death
- Answer: b) It is a symbol of Buddha’s enlightenment
Which of the following regions is known for its Gandhara school of art that combines Greek and Indian influences?
- a) Southern India
- b) Gandhara (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan)
- c) Eastern India
- d) Central India
- Answer: b) Gandhara (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan)
The famous ‘Buddha of Bamiyan’ was located in which modern-day country?
- a) India
- b) Nepal
- c) Afghanistan
- d) Pakistan
- Answer: c) Afghanistan
Which of the following was NOT an influence of Buddhism on Indian culture?
- a) The development of unique architectural styles like the stupa
- b) The creation of detailed temple murals
- c) The spread of vegetarianism in India
- d) The establishment of Islamic architecture
- Answer: d) The establishment of Islamic architecture
Which Buddhist architectural form became popular in India after the Mauryan Empire?
- a) The Buddhist Chaitya Hall
- b) The Hindu temple
- c) The Jain Tirtha
- d) The Mughal minaret
- Answer: a) The Buddhist Chaitya Hall
What is the significance of the ‘Vajra’ (thunderbolt) symbol in Buddhist art?
- a) Represents the power of the Buddha
- b) Symbolizes the nature of suffering
- c) Symbolizes ultimate enlightenment and the indestructibility of the Buddha’s teachings
- d) Represents Buddha’s royal lineage
- Answer: c) Symbolizes ultimate enlightenment and the indestructibility of the Buddha’s teachings
Which of the following figures from Buddhist art represents the future Buddha?
- a) Siddhartha Gautama
- b) Metteya
- c) Ashvagosa
- d) Nagarjuna
- Answer: b) Metteya
Which of the following is a major feature of the Buddhist rock-cut caves found in India?
- a) Large pyramidal temples
- b) Carvings and sculptures of Buddha
- c) Use of Islamic calligraphy
- d) Depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses
- Answer: b) Carvings and sculptures of Buddha
The earliest sculptures of the Buddha in India were generally:
- a) Human-like images
- b) Symbolic representations such as the lotus and wheel
- c) Carved in stone temples
- d) Made of metal alloys
- Answer: b) Symbolic representations such as the lotus and wheel
Which of the following Indian rulers was a significant patron of Buddhist art and architecture?
- a) Akbar
- b) Ashoka
- c) Chandragupta Maurya
- d) Harsha
- Answer: b) Ashoka
The depiction of Buddha’s life in Buddhist art is mostly done through:
- a) Ceremonial paintings
- b) Symbolic reliefs and sculptures
- c) Wood carvings
- d) Abstract paintings
- Answer: b) Symbolic reliefs and sculptures
The influence of Buddhism on Indian architecture led to the creation of which type of structure?
- a) Mandapas
- b) Temples
- c) Stupas
- d) Mosques
- Answer: c) Stupas
Which of the following represents a Buddhist symbol found in the Ajanta caves?
- a) Chakra (wheel)
- b) Om symbol
- c) Swastika
- d) Lotus
- Answer: a) Chakra (wheel)
Which region is associated with the famous rock-cut Buddhist monuments at Ellora?
- a) Karnataka
- b) Maharashtra
- c) Tamil Nadu
- d) Gujarat
- Answer: b) Maharashtra
The Sarnath Lion Capital is a symbol of which of the following in Buddhist art?
- a) The end of suffering
- b) Buddha’s birth
- c) The Four Noble Truths
- d) The teachings of the Buddha
- Answer: d) The teachings of the Buddha
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Buddhist art found in the Gandhara region?
- a) Use of jade and gold
- b) Realistic portrayal of Buddha’s figure
- c) Temples with intricate Hindu deities
- d) Large domed shrines
- Answer: b) Realistic portrayal of Buddha’s figure
The term ‘Jataka Tales’ in Buddhism refers to:
- a) Buddhist scriptures
- b) The Buddha’s previous lives
- c) The Buddha’s teachings on meditation
- d) Rules for monastic life
- Answer: b) The Buddha’s previous lives
Which of the following is a significant influence of Buddhism on Indian sculpture?
- a) Anthropomorphic forms of gods
- b) Symbolic representation over realistic forms
- c) Carving of gods with weapons
- d) Large, stone-built temples
- Answer: b) Symbolic representation over realistic forms
The period of Kushan rule is known for the development of which style of Buddhist art?
- a) Gandhara Art
- b) Gupta Art
- c) Mauryan Art
- d) Chola Art
- Answer: a) Gandhara Art

These MCQs and answers cover various aspects of the influence of Buddhism on Indian art and culture, including architecture, sculpture, painting, and the spread of Buddhist symbols and ideas. They are designed to help aspirants understand the key contributions of Buddhism to the cultural fabric of India.

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