BUDDHIST ARTS AND CULTURE

Which of the following statements about anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha is true?

• A) Anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha first appeared in Southern India.

• B) The Bimaran casket is an example of an anthropomorphic representation of the Buddha.

• C) Anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha date back to the 5th century CE.

• D) The Bimaran casket is a contemporary art piece unrelated to Buddhism.

Which historical event is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire?

• A) The construction of the Great Wall of China.

• B) The defeat of the Roman Empire.

• C) The conquest of the Macedonian satraps in 305–303 BCE.

• D) The establishment of the Gupta Dynasty in India.

Which statement accurately reflects Ashoka's approach to religion and his interactions with Greek populations in his empire?

• A) Ashoka remained expansionist and focused on conquering new territories.

• B) Ashoka's religious policies were not documented in the edicts of Ashoka.

• C) Ashoka worked to spread Buddhism throughout his empire and claims to have converted Greek populations.

• D) Ashoka excluded Greek populations from his religious initiatives.

What was the significant outcome of the Kalinga war in relation to Ashoka's perspective on warfare?

• A) The war led Ashoka to believe that conquering other kingdoms was necessary for stability.

• B) Kalinga remained culturally intact with its system of kingship after the war.

• C) Ashoka continued to engage in further wars of conquest after the Kalinga campaign.

• D) The high death toll and brutality of the Kalinga war transformed Ashoka's views on war and conquest.

What significant construction projects did Ashoka undertake as part of his support for Buddhism?

• A) Building 84,000 chaityas in South Asia.

• B) Constructing viharas exclusively in Central Asia.

• C) Establishing Sangharama residences for Buddhist monks across Europe.

• D) Erecting stupas, Sangharama, viharas, chaitya, and residences for Buddhist monks in South Asia and Central Asia.

What is the significance of the Ashokan pillar erected at Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his First Sermon?

• A) It features a statue of Buddha in a meditative pose.

• B) Four lions stand atop the drum, each symbolizing one of the Four Noble Truths.

• C) It is covered in intricate carvings depicting Ashoka's conquests.

• D) The pillar is inscribed with the entire Buddhist scriptures.

The Caves of Ajanta, dating from the 2nd century B.C.E. to 650 C.E., are renowned for what type of architectural and artistic features?

• A) Intricate frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology.

• B) Elaborate stone carvings showcasing Hindu deities.
  

• C) Hidden treasure chambers believed to contain vast riches.

• D) Buddhist rock-cut cave temples with exquisite paintings and sculptures.

In Buddhist art and iconography, who is Avalokitesvara also known as in China where the deity is sometimes represented as feminine?

• A) Tara

• B) Guanyin

• c) Kannon

• D) Shiva

The West Buddha statues in Bamiyan is located in what Country?

• Afghanistan

• Iran

• Iraq

• Pakistan

Which of the following is a symbolic representation of the Buddha often used to represent his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree?

• A) The cart wheel

• B) The stupa

• C) The bayan tree

• D) The throne