UPSC CSE Prelims
Buddhist Sculpture Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Buddhist Sculpture with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Maitreya
Maitreya is recognized in Buddhist tradition as the future Buddha who will appear on Earth to teach the pure dharma when the teachings of Gautama Buddha have been completely forgotten. Avalokiteshvara (also known as Lokesvara or Padmapani) is a compassionate bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism but is not considered a future Buddha destined to save the world.
📝 Short Notes: Key Buddhist Figures
| Figure | Description |
|---|---|
| Maitreya | Future Buddha who will appear in the future to teach dharma; currently resides in Tushita heaven |
| Avalokiteshvara | Bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism; embodies the compassion of all Buddhas |
| Lokesvara | Another name for Avalokiteshvara, meaning "Lord of the World" |
| Padmapani | Form of Avalokiteshvara holding a lotus (padma); depicted in Ajanta Cave paintings |
| Gautama Buddha | Historical Buddha of the current age; achieved enlightenment at Bodh Gaya |
Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes
Detailed Explanation:
Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth-touching gesture) depicts the moment when Siddhartha Gautama, under attack by Mara's temptations at Bodh Gaya, touched the ground with his right hand to call upon Earth goddess (Vasudhara/Sthavira) as witness.
The Earth testified to Buddha's accumulated merits, purity, and spiritual worthiness across countless past lives, defeating Mara's claim and confirming his right to enlightenment. The gesture symbolizes witnessing purity and chastity, not physical protection from disturbance.
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