UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 25
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
- Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
- The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (2 and 3 only)
Explanation: Sthaviravada belongs to early conservative Buddhist schools, not Mahayana. Lokottaravada emerged within Mahasanghika thought, whose elevated concept of the Buddha helped influence later Mahayana traditions.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Incorrect - Sthaviravadins (“Elders”) were early Buddhist schools, not a Mahayana school.
2. Correct - Lokottaravada was a branch of the Mahasanghika tradition.
3. Correct - Mahasanghika conceptions of the supramundane Buddha contributed to emerging Mahayana ideals.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (Sthaviravadins (“Elders”) were early Buddhist schools, not a Mahayana school); omits correct item 3 (Mahasanghika conceptions of the supramundane Buddha contributed to emerging Mahayana ideals).
B. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 2, 3.
C. Incorrect-omits correct item 2 (Lokottaravada was a branch of the Mahasanghika tradition).
D. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (Sthaviravadins (“Elders”) were early Buddhist schools, not a Mahayana school).