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U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013

Southeast Asian Buddhist Art

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Where is Borobudur Stupa situated?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The spread of Indian culture led to the creation of monumental Buddhist and Hindu structures across Southeast Asia, often surpassing their Indian prototypes in scale.

Explanation Borobudur is located in the Kedu Valley of Central Java, Indonesia. It was constructed during the 8th and 9th centuries CE by the Syailendra Dynasty. It is a massive three-dimensional mandala comprising nine stacked platforms and a central dome.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Borobudur is the defining monument of the island of Java.
Logic 2: While Cambodia hosts Angkor Wat (Hindu-turned-Buddhist), the specific 'Borobudur Stupa' is exclusively Javanese.

Active Recall

Question

How is the pilgrim's journey designed at Borobudur?

Answer

The structure is designed as a physical metaphor for the spiritual path to Nirvana, where pilgrims ascend through layers representing different levels of consciousness.

Core Insight

Borobudur represents the cultural zenith of the Indo-Javanese period, blending local beliefs with Mahayana Buddhism.

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