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UPSC CSE Prelims 1993

Schools of Buddhism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

'Mahayana' sect and Buddhism emerged during the reign of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Mahayana Buddhism (The Greater Vehicle) became a distinct sect around the 1st century CE, shifting focus toward the worship of Buddha as a deity and the Bodhisattva ideal.

Explanation Historical records indicate that the Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the patronage of the Kushan Emperor Kanishka. It was here that the formal split between the conservative Hinayana (Theravada) and the progressive Mahayana sects was solidified.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option D is correct. Kanishka provided the royal patronage necessary for the Mahayana transition, which included the use of Sanskrit and the creation of Buddha images.
Logic 2: Ajatshatru (A) oversaw the First Council. Ashoka (B) was the patron of the Third Council (Theravada focus). Dharmapala (C) was a much later Pala ruler who supported Vajrayana.

Active Recall

Question

How did Mahayana differ from early Buddhist thought?

Answer

Mahayana introduced the deification of Buddha and the concept that all beings possess Buddha-nature and can become Bodhisattvas.

Core Insight

Kanishka's reign transformed Buddhism from a local monastic order into a major world religion capable of spreading across the Silk Road into China.

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