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Q9 (IAS/2019) History & Culture › Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy › Buddhist doctrine and sects Official Key

Consider the following : 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is option D because all three features are characteristics of Mahayana Buddhism.

The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition[3], confirming that image worship and rituals (statement 3) are indeed features of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahāyāna also refers to the path of the bodhisattva striving to become a fully awakened Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings[4], establishing that treading the path of Bodhisattvas (statement 2) is a central characteristic of this tradition.

Regarding the deification of the Buddha (statement 1), the growing ascendancy of Mahayana Buddhism allowed the representation of the person of Buddha in human form[5], which reflects the veneration and worship of the Buddha as a divine or semi-divine figure. The emphasis on Buddha worship and the development of elaborate rituals around Buddha images indicates the deification aspect of Mahayana Buddhism.

Therefore, all three statements—deification of the Buddha, the Bodhisattva path, and image worship with rituals—are features of Mahayana Buddhism, making option D the correct answer.

Sources
  1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
  2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
  3. [3] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
  4. [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana
  5. [5] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Polity and Society in Post-Mauryan Period > Art and Literature > p. 82
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following : 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the …
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 7.5/10 · 2.5/10

This is a classic 'Sitter' question derived directly from the core NCERT definition of the Mahayana split. It tests the fundamental shift from individual salvation (Theravada) to universal salvation via devotion. If you miss this, your static history base is critically weak.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does Mahayana Buddhism include the deification of the Buddha as a characteristic feature?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
Presence: 5/5
“The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition. This new way of thinking was called Mahayana – literally, the "great vehicle". Those who adopted these beliefs described the older tradition as Hinayana or the "lesser vehicle".”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly records that worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas became an important part of Mahayana.
  • Links the emergence of image worship directly with Mahayana as a 'new way of thinking'.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Religious Policy > p. 109
Presence: 5/5
“Harsha was a worshipper of Siva at least up to 631 CE. But he embraced Buddhism under the influence of his sister Rajyasri and the Buddhist monk Hieun Tsang. He subscribed to the Mahayana school of thought. Yet he held discourses among learned men of various creeds. Slaughter of animals and consumption of meat was restricted. Harsha summoned two Buddhist assemblies (643 CE), one at Kanauj and another at Prayag. The assembly at Kanauj was attended by 20 kings including Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa. A large number of Buddhist, Jain and Vedic scholars attended the assembly. A golden statue of Buddha was consecrated in a monastery and a small statue of Buddha (three feet) was brought out in a procession.”
Why this source?
  • Describes consecration of a golden Buddha statue and a public procession, concrete acts of veneration.
  • Shows royal endorsement of Buddha-image worship under a Mahayana-subscribing ruler.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Polity and Society in Post-Mauryan Period > Art and Literature > p. 82
Presence: 4/5
“partly due to royal patronage and partly due to other factors, like the growing ascendancy of Mahayana Buddhism, which allowed the representation of the person of Buddha in human form. The Greek influence led to an Indo-Greek style of sculpture and art commonly referred to as Gandhara. Art. Statues of Buddha, sculpted particularly in Taxila and the north-western regions, show him in graceful garments, surrounded by cherubs and leaves inspired by the Greek tradition. But mention must also be made of the red sandstone sculpture with intricate carving produced near Mathura. The Buddhists began to carve out rock caves in the hills of western India, which served as religious centres with chaityas and viharas, stretching from the Ajanta caves to the Kanheri caves in Mumbai.”
Why this source?
  • Notes that Mahayana allowed representation of the person of the Buddha in human form.
  • Connects this shift to flourishing sculptural traditions (Gandhara, Mathura) that produced iconic images.
Statement 2
Is following the Bodhisattva path (treading the path of Bodhisattvas) a central feature of Mahayana Buddhism?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"these include the Mahāyāna sūtras and their emphasis on the bodhisattva path and Prajñāpāramitā. ... Mahāyāna also refers to the path of the bodhisattva striving to become a fully awakened Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings, and is thus also called the "Bodhisattva Vehicle" (Bodhisattvayāna)."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states Mahāyāna emphasizes the bodhisattva path in its sutras.
  • Identifies Mahāyāna itself as the 'Bodhisattva Vehicle' (Bodhisattvayāna), linking the tradition to the bodhisattva path.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"This compassionate commitment to help others is the central characteristic of the Mahāyāna bodhisattva."
Why this source?
  • Describes the compassionate commitment to help others (bodhicitta) as the central characteristic of the Mahāyāna bodhisattva.
  • Connects generation of bodhicitta and taking bodhisattva vows as core to the Mahāyāna path.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Formally taking bodhisattva vows (praṇidhāna) which entails formally reciting several vows or resolutions to follow the bodhisattva path."
Why this source?
  • Lists formally taking bodhisattva vows as a principal practice within Mahāyāna, showing active adherence to the bodhisattva path.
  • Indicates institutionalized practices (vows, text study) centered on following the bodhisattva path.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Aianta > p. 133
Strength: 4/5
“From Jataka stories and select scenes from the life history of Buddha are depicted. Apart from the statue of Buddha, Bodhisattva is also a striking feature of chaityas and viharas.”
Why relevant

States that aside from Buddha images, Bodhisattva figures are a striking feature of chaityas and viharas, indicating special emphasis on Bodhisattvas in Buddhist religious sites.

How to extend

A student could infer that an emphasis in temple iconography may reflect doctrinal importance and then check Mahayana doctrinal sources or geographic spread of these sites to test whether this emphasis aligns with Mahayana practice.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Architecture and Sculpture > p. 129
Strength: 4/5
“Hariti with children are significant. Bodhisattva carved out independently is another important feature. The popular Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is depicted in painting and sculpture.”
Why relevant

Notes independent carvings of Bodhisattvas and names the popular Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, suggesting prominent cult/representation of Bodhisattvas in visual culture.

How to extend

One could relate prominent devotional figures (Avalokitesvara) to schools (e.g., Mahayana) known for Bodhisattva devotion and then look up doctrinal texts or regional art associations to evaluate centrality.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Paintings > p. 128
Strength: 4/5
“The prominent colours used are black, red, white, yellow, blue and green. The aesthetic features of the paintings are garland, necklaces, headgear, ear-rings and the perfection of the movements of the human hands. The story panels are attractive and informative. Scenes from the Jataka stories and select episodes from the life history of Buddha are the central theme of the paintings. The celestial figures of Kinnaras, Vidyadharas and Gandharvas are depicted in paintings and sculptures. In the paintings of the later period Bodhisattva is shown in larger relief. Though a variety of human moods are presented, the dominant ones are of compassion and peace.”
Why relevant

Says later paintings show Bodhisattva in larger relief and dominant moods of compassion and peace, implying an artistic focus on Bodhisattva ideals (compassion).

How to extend

A student might link the prominence of compassion-themed Bodhisattva imagery to the Bodhisattva ethic and then consult Mahayana teachings or survey regions where such art flourished to test the claim.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Decline of Buddhism in India > p. 43
Strength: 3/5
“Buddhism faced divisions from time to time. Division into various splinter groups like 'Hinayana', 'Mahayana', 'Vajrayana', 'Tantrayana' and 'Sahajayana' led Buddhism to lose its originality. Pali and Prakrit were the spoken languages of people of north India, and it was through these languages the message of Buddhism was spread. But ever since the times of Fourth Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka, Sanskrit had come to be adopted. Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects P = 43 ٨”
Why relevant

Mentions divisions into 'Hinayana' and 'Mahayana' among Buddhist groups, establishing the existence of a distinct Mahayana tradition that could have distinct emphases (such as Bodhisattva ideals).

How to extend

Combine this with the iconographic emphasis on Bodhisattvas in other snippets to hypothesize that Bodhisattva practice is a distinctive feature of Mahayana, then verify by consulting Mahayana doctrinal summaries or historical spread.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Religion > p. 112
Strength: 3/5
“The Palas were great patrons of Mahayana Buddhism. The Buddhist philosopher Haribhadra was the spiritual preceptor of Dharmapala, the founder of the Pala kingdom. Bengal remained one of the few places where Buddhist monasteries continued to exist. The kingdom as well as Buddhism soon suffered decline because of large-scale conversion of merchants and artisans to Islam.”
Why relevant

Notes the Palas were great patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and that Buddhist monasteries persisted in Bengal, suggesting a regional center where Mahayana institutions (and their iconography/ideals) were supported.

How to extend

A student could map Mahayana patronage regions against sites showing Bodhisattva prominence to see if Bodhisattva emphasis correlates with Mahayana strongholds, supporting or weakening the statement.

Statement 3
Is image worship (veneration of Buddha images) a feature of Mahayana Buddhism?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
Presence: 5/5
“The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition. This new way of thinking was called Mahayana – literally, the "great vehicle". Those who adopted these beliefs described the older tradition as Hinayana or the "lesser vehicle".”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly says worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition.
  • Directly links this practice to the movement identified as Mahayana.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Polity and Society in Post-Mauryan Period > Art and Literature > p. 82
Presence: 4/5
“partly due to royal patronage and partly due to other factors, like the growing ascendancy of Mahayana Buddhism, which allowed the representation of the person of Buddha in human form. The Greek influence led to an Indo-Greek style of sculpture and art commonly referred to as Gandhara. Art. Statues of Buddha, sculpted particularly in Taxila and the north-western regions, show him in graceful garments, surrounded by cherubs and leaves inspired by the Greek tradition. But mention must also be made of the red sandstone sculpture with intricate carving produced near Mathura. The Buddhists began to carve out rock caves in the hills of western India, which served as religious centres with chaityas and viharas, stretching from the Ajanta caves to the Kanheri caves in Mumbai.”
Why this source?
  • States Mahayana allowed representation of the person of the Buddha in human form.
  • Connects this change to the rise of Buddha statues and sculptural traditions used in worship.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Religious Policy > p. 109
Presence: 4/5
“Harsha was a worshipper of Siva at least up to 631 CE. But he embraced Buddhism under the influence of his sister Rajyasri and the Buddhist monk Hieun Tsang. He subscribed to the Mahayana school of thought. Yet he held discourses among learned men of various creeds. Slaughter of animals and consumption of meat was restricted. Harsha summoned two Buddhist assemblies (643 CE), one at Kanauj and another at Prayag. The assembly at Kanauj was attended by 20 kings including Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa. A large number of Buddhist, Jain and Vedic scholars attended the assembly. A golden statue of Buddha was consecrated in a monastery and a small statue of Buddha (three feet) was brought out in a procession.”
Why this source?
  • Records a historical instance where a Mahayana patronage resulted in consecration and public procession of Buddha statues.
  • Provides concrete ritual practice (statue consecration and procession) consistent with image veneration.
Statement 4
Are ritual practices a feature of Mahayana Buddhism?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
Presence: 5/5
“The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition. This new way of thinking was called Mahayana – literally, the "great vehicle". Those who adopted these beliefs described the older tradition as Hinayana or the "lesser vehicle".”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly records that worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition.
  • Image worship is a clear ritual practice tied to Mahayana identity (the 'great vehicle').
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Religious Policy > p. 109
Presence: 4/5
“Harsha was a worshipper of Siva at least up to 631 CE. But he embraced Buddhism under the influence of his sister Rajyasri and the Buddhist monk Hieun Tsang. He subscribed to the Mahayana school of thought. Yet he held discourses among learned men of various creeds. Slaughter of animals and consumption of meat was restricted. Harsha summoned two Buddhist assemblies (643 CE), one at Kanauj and another at Prayag. The assembly at Kanauj was attended by 20 kings including Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa. A large number of Buddhist, Jain and Vedic scholars attended the assembly. A golden statue of Buddha was consecrated in a monastery and a small statue of Buddha (three feet) was brought out in a procession.”
Why this source?
  • Describes consecration of a golden Buddha statue and a public procession linked to a Mahayana-supporting king.
  • Shows organized ceremonial acts (consecration, procession) practiced under Mahayana patronage.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 1.2 Difference and conflict > p. 142
Presence: 4/5
“Often associated with the goddess were forms of worship that were classified as Tantric. Tantric practices were widespread in several parts of the subcontinent – they were open to women and men, and practitioners often ignored differences of caste and class within the ritual context. Many of these ideas influenced Shaivism as well as Buddhism, especially in the eastern, northern and southern parts of the subcontinent. All of these somewhat divergent and even disparate beliefs and practices would come to be classified as Hindu over the course of the next millennium. The divergence is perhaps most stark if we compare Vedic and Puranic traditions.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies Tantric forms of worship as ritual-heavy practices that influenced Buddhism.
  • Implies adoption of ritual/ceremonial elements (Tantric practices) within Buddhist traditions.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC focuses on the 'turning points' in cultural history. They rarely ask for obscure dates of councils but obsess over the *doctrinal shifts* that changed the religion's interface with the common people (e.g., introduction of idols).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from NCERT Class XII 'Themes in Indian History Part I', Chapter 4, Page 103.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The Schism in Buddhism (4th Council under Kanishka) and the transition from Pali/Symbolic Buddhism to Sanskrit/Iconic Buddhism.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Mahayana Package': 1) Language: Sanskrit (vs Pali). 2) Goal: Bodhisattva/Universal Salvation (vs Arhat/Individual Nirvana). 3) Key Bodhisattvas: Avalokiteshvara (Compassion), Manjushri (Wisdom), Maitreya (Future). 4) Art Schools: Gandhara & Mathura (Anthropomorphic Buddha).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying religious sects, always tabulate the 'Before vs After'. Ask: How did the *method* of worship change? (Symbols -> Idols). How did the *goal* change? (Self -> Others). This binary comparison solves 90% of sect-based questions.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Image worship in Mahayana Buddhism
💡 The insight

Mahayana incorporated the worship of Buddha images and Bodhisattvas as a key devotional practice.

High-yield for questions contrasting Mahayana and Hinayana practices; links religious belief with art and popular devotion, and helps explain institutional changes and spread of Buddhism.

📚 Reading List :
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Aianta > p. 133
🔗 Anchor: "Does Mahayana Buddhism include the deification of the Buddha as a characteristic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Human-form representation & Gandhara–Mathura art
💡 The insight

Mahayana permitted depiction of the Buddha in human form, shaped by Indo-Greek (Gandhara) and Mathura sculptural styles.

Useful for art-history and cultural-contact questions; connects iconography, foreign influence, and the changing modes of religious expression under different Buddhist schools.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Polity and Society in Post-Mauryan Period > Art and Literature > p. 82
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 9.2 Symbols of worship > p. 100
🔗 Anchor: "Does Mahayana Buddhism include the deification of the Buddha as a characteristic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Royal patronage and public veneration
💡 The insight

Rulers consecrated and processed Buddha images, demonstrating state support for Mahayana devotional practices.

Important for topics on religion–state relations, patronage of monasteries, and how political endorsement shaped religious practice and artistic production.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Religious Policy > p. 109
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Religion > p. 112
🔗 Anchor: "Does Mahayana Buddhism include the deification of the Buddha as a characteristic..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Bodhisattva as a prominent Buddhist ideal and icon
💡 The insight

Bodhisattvas appear repeatedly as independent figures in sculpture, painting and religious spaces and embody compassion-related moral actions.

High-yield for questions on Buddhist religious practice and art history: helps link iconography to religious ideals and identify sectarian emphases in visual culture. Useful for essay and prelims questions on religious symbolism and cultural continuity.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Architecture and Sculpture > p. 129
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Aianta > p. 133
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Paintings > p. 128
🔗 Anchor: "Is following the Bodhisattva path (treading the path of Bodhisattvas) a central ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Division between Mahayana and Hinayana/Theravada
💡 The insight

Buddhism developed distinct streams labelled Mahayana and Hinayana (Theravada), reflecting differing emphases within the tradition.

Core concept for comparative questions on Buddhist schools: explains doctrinal and institutional differences and underpins questions on regional patronage and historical development. Mastery enables candidates to answer synoptic questions linking doctrine, art and polity.

📚 Reading List :
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > Hinayana or Theravada? > p. 103
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Decline of Buddhism in India > p. 43
🔗 Anchor: "Is following the Bodhisattva path (treading the path of Bodhisattvas) a central ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Bodhisattva motif in Jataka narratives and ethical teaching
💡 The insight

Jataka tales present the Bodhisattva in previous births exemplifying self-sacrifice and compassion as moral models.

Important for MCQs and mains answers on Buddhist ethics and narrative sources: connects literary tradition to religious ideals and to questions on how ethics shaped popular perceptions of Buddhism.

📚 Reading List :
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class > A Story of Bodhisattva from the Matanga Jataka > p. 67
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > The Starving Tigress: A Jataka Tale > p. 42
🔗 Anchor: "Is following the Bodhisattva path (treading the path of Bodhisattvas) a central ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Iconic representation in Mahayana Buddhism
💡 The insight

Mahayana introduced and embraced depiction and veneration of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas in human form.

High-yield for questions on religious and artistic developments; explains the shift from symbolic to iconic worship and connects to Buddhist art, temple/monastery archaeology and cultural diffusion to East Asia.

📚 Reading List :
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Polity and Society in Post-Mauryan Period > Art and Literature > p. 82
🔗 Anchor: "Is image worship (veneration of Buddha images) a feature of Mahayana Buddhism?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Self-Labeling' Trap: On the same NCERT page (p. 103), it notes that while Mahayana followers called the old tradition 'Hinayana' (Lesser Vehicle), the followers of the older tradition described themselves as 'Theravadins' (Teachers of the Elders). Expect a statement swapping these terms.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Mass Appeal' Logic: Mahayana means 'Great Vehicle'—a big ship to carry *everyone*. To carry the masses, a religion needs easier tools: Idols (tangible focus), Rituals (structured activity), and Saviors (Bodhisattvas to help you). If an option implies making religion 'easier' or 'devotional' compared to strict meditation, it is Mahayana.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS2 (IR/Soft Power): Mahayana Buddhism is the 'Northern Buddhism' that traveled via the Silk Road to China, Korea, and Japan. This shared cultural heritage is the bedrock of India's 'Buddhist Circuit' diplomacy and Act East Policy today.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2016 · Q50 Relevance score: 1.31

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2020 · Q72 Relevance score: 0.22

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2014 · Q85 Relevance score: -0.98

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: 1. A grand image of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below - Ajanta 2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock - Mount Abu 3. "Arjuna's Penance" / "Descent of Ganga" sculpted on the surface of huge boulders - Mamallapuram Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

NDA-II · 2011 · Q94 Relevance score: -4.38

The themes of the murals of the Ajanta Caves are 1. Decorative design which include a variety of animals, trees and flowers. 2. Portraits of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. 3. Narrative scenes portraying Jatka stories. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

IAS · 1997 · Q86 Relevance score: -4.56

In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as