BPSC CCE Prelims
Religious Movements Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Religious Movements
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Which Buddhist council was not held in Bihar?
Detailed Explanation:
First Council was held at Rajagriha (Rajgir), Bihar immediately after Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (483 BCE) under the patronage of King Ajatashatru.
Second Council convened at Vaishali, Bihar around 383 BCE, about 100 years after the First Council.
Third Council took place at Pataliputra (Patna), Bihar during Emperor Ashoka's reign (250 BCE).
Fourth Council was held in Kashmir (Kundalavana) under King Kanishka (circa 72 CE) – the only council not held in Bihar.
Consider the following about Ajivika sect:
a. Makhali Gosala was its most important leader.
b. Central idea of the philosophy was "NIYATI" that is fate.
c. The discrimination on the basis of caste and class.
d. The Ajivikas had regular sabhas for meetings.
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement a – Correct: Makkhali Gosala was the founder and most prominent leader of the Ajivika sect, a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha.
✅ Statement b – Correct: The core philosophy of Ajivikas was Niyati (determinism/fate), believing that everything in life is predetermined and human effort cannot change destiny.
❌ Statement c – Incorrect: Ajivikas opposed caste and class discrimination and believed in equality; statement c wrongly suggests they practiced discrimination.
✅ Statement d – Correct: Historical evidence confirms that Ajivikas organized regular sabhas (assemblies) for religious discussions and community cohesion.
Who was the President of the First Buddhist Council?
Detailed Explanation:
Mahakashyapa (or Mahakassapa) presided over the First Buddhist Council held at Rajagriha in 483 BCE, immediately after Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, to compile and preserve his teachings.
Vasumitra presided over the Fourth Council, Moggaliputta Tissa led the Third Council, while Sangharaksha and Parshvaka are not associated with any major Buddhist Council presidency.
Therefore, Mahakashyapa presided over the First Buddhist Council, making Option 2 the correct answer.
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Who had attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya?
Detailed Explanation:
Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (Bodhi) in Bodh Gaya (modern-day Bihar) under the Bodhi tree around 528 BCE, becoming the founder of Buddhism.
Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) attained Kevala Jnana in Jrimbhikagrama, Parshvanath (23rd Tirthankara) on Mount Parasnath, and Simandhar Swami is a revered figure in Jain cosmology—none associated with Bodh Gaya.
Therefore, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, making Option 2 the correct answer.
Where was the first Buddhist Council convened?
Detailed Explanation:
The First Buddhist Council was convened in 483 BCE at Sattapanni caves in Rajagriha (modern Rajgir, Bihar) immediately after Buddha's death. King Ajatashatru patronized the council, and Mahakasyapa presided over it to compile Buddha's teachings into Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
Pataliputra hosted the Third Council under Ashoka, Vaishali the Second Council, while Amaravati and Kanganhalli are important Buddhist sites but never hosted councils.
Therefore, Rajagriha is the correct location, making Option 1 the correct answer.