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U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2009

Spread of Buddhism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The reason included in the expansion of Buddhism: 1. The simplicity of religion 2. Special appeal towards Dalits 3. Missionary concept of religion 4. Regional language 5. The soundness of Vedic spirit by Philosophers Select the correct code:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Buddhism spread rapidly because it functioned as a socio-religious reform movement that addressed the limitations of the existing Brahminical order.

Explanation NCERT highlights that the use of Pali and Prakrit (people's languages) instead of Sanskrit, along with the rejection of the caste hierarchy, made Buddhism accessible. The establishment of the Sangha provided a structured missionary network.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statements 1, 2, 3, and 4 are correct. The simple moral code, inclusion of lower castes (Dalits/Shudras), organized preaching (missionary), and vernacular language were key drivers.
Logic 2: Statement 5 is incorrect. Buddhism was a *reaction* against the complexities and ritualism of the Vedic spirit, not an expansion of it.

Active Recall

Question

Why did royal patronage matter for Buddhism?

Answer

Rulers like Ashoka provided the resources and political influence necessary to build stupas and send missions across borders.

Core Insight

Buddhism's success was as much a social revolution as it was a spiritual one, offering a dignified alternative to the rigid caste structures of the 6th century BCE.

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