[Solved] 80-Foot Giant Buddha Bodhgaya: History and Builder

The Giant Buddha statue of 80 feet at Bodhgaya was constructed by-

[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Bodhgaya is a site of international pilgrimage where various Buddhist nations have contributed modern monuments to honor the site of the Buddha's enlightenment.

Authentic Source Evidence

The 80-foot (approx. 25m) 'Great Buddha' statue was commissioned by the Japanese Daijokyo sect. It was inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1989 and is made of pink sandstone and red granite. The statue depicts Buddha in the 'Dhyana Mudra' (meditation pose) seated on a lotus.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: While many countries have monasteries in Bodhgaya, this specific 80-foot landmark is the contribution of the Japanese community.

Logic 2: It represents a modern addition to the sacred landscape, reflecting the global pan-Buddhist reverence for Bodhgaya.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"In which mudra is the Great Buddha of Bodhgaya depicted?"

Dhyana Mudra (Meditative Gesture).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Great Buddha statue illustrates the continued life and evolving heritage of Bodhgaya through international patronage in the 20th century."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Enlightenment 4