Which one of the following statements about Buddhist Stupas in India is not correct?
- A.Ashoka played an important role in popularizing the Stupa cult.
- B.They were repositories of relics of Buddha and other monks.
- C.They were located in rural areas.
- D.They were located close to trade routes.
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, They were located in rural areas. Stupas grew up near towns and along trade routes, where traders and townspeople could visit and fund them.
A stupa is a hemispherical mound built over relics of the Buddha or of revered monks. After the Buddha's death his relics were divided among eight stupas, and tradition says Ashoka redistributed them into thousands of new ones across his empire. Great stupas such as Sanchi, Bharhut and Amaravati stood near busy routes and urban centres, and their inscriptions record gifts from merchants, guilds and artisans, which shows the close link between Buddhism and trade.
Option A is correct as a statement, since Ashoka's patronage spread the stupa cult far and wide. Option B is correct because holding relics is the very purpose of a stupa. Option D is correct because sites like Sanchi lay on major trade routes and were supported by traders.
Exam tip: stupa means relic mound; Sanchi was begun by Ashoka and enlarged under the Shungas and Satavahanas.
Practice Questions
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