U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011

Sacred Buddhist Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Stupa site which is NOT connected with any incident of Lord Buddha's life, is:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Buddhist sites are categorized into those associated with the Buddha's physical biography and those established as monastic or imperial centers later.

Explanation
Bodhgaya: Site of Enlightenment.
Sarnath: Site of the First Sermon.
Kusinara: Site of Mahaparinirvana.
Sanchi: While it is a magnificent Buddhist complex, it was established by Emperor Ashoka as a regional center and does not host an event from the historical Buddha's life.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Options A, C, and D are part of the 'Eight Great Places' (Ashtamahasthanas) of Buddha's life.
Logic 2: Sanchi's importance is historical and architectural rather than biographical.

Active Recall

Question

Who built the original brick stupa at Sanchi?

Answer

Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

Core Insight

Sanchi represents the institutionalization of Buddhism by the state, independent of the personal travels of the historical Buddha.