Buddhism and Jainism are two of the most ancient and influential religious traditions that emerged in ancient India. While they share some similarities in their philosophical and ethical teachings, they also have distinct beliefs, practices, and historical trajectories. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) can be an effective way to test one’s understanding of these religions, their core tenets, historical figures, and cultural impact.
MCQs on Buddhism and Jainism Practice Now
We present a series of MCQs that delve into the intricacies of Buddhism and Jainism, covering topics ranging from their origins and foundational principles to their sacred texts, practices, and contemporary relevance. Whether you’re a student, a scholar, or simply someone with a keen interest in these fascinating belief systems, these MCQs will challenge your knowledge and provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of these rich spiritual traditions.
Buddhism and Jainism are two of the most ancient and influential religious traditions that emerged in ancient India, shaping the spiritual landscape of the subcontinent and beyond. While they share some similarities in their philosophical and ethical teachings, such as a emphasis on non-violence, detachment, and the pursuit of enlightenment, they also have distinct beliefs, practices, and historical trajectories.
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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) can be an effective way to test one’s understanding of these religions, their core tenets, historical figures, and cultural impact. We present a comprehensive series of MCQs that delve into the intricacies of Buddhism and Jainism, covering a wide range of topics from their origins and foundational principles to their sacred texts, practices, significant events, and contemporary relevance.
These MCQs are designed to challenge both novice learners and those with a deeper familiarity with these belief systems, offering a unique opportunity to assess and reinforce one’s knowledge. Whether you’re a student studying world religions, a scholar delving into the nuances of these traditions, or simply someone with a keen interest in exploring the rich tapestry of spiritual thought, these MCQs will not only test your understanding but also provide valuable insights into the profound wisdom and enduring influence of Buddhism and Jainism.
MCQ on Jainism and Buddhism
Q1. When was Gautam Buddha born?
(a) 563 B.C
(b) 561 B.C
(c) 558 B.C
(d) 544 B.C
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Q2. Which of the events of Buddha’s life is known as ‘Mahabhinishkramana’?
(a) His death
(b) His birth
(c) His departure from home
(d) His attainment of enlightenment
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Q3. Gautam Buddha was born at
(a) Vaishali
(b) Lumbini
(c) Kapilvastu
(d) Patliputra
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Q4. What is the original name of Buddha?
A) Siddhartha Gautama
B) Ashoka
C) Mahavira
D) Aryabhata
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Q5. Where did Mahatma Buddha’s ‘Mahaparinirvan’ take place?
(a) Lumbini
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Kapilvastu
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Q6. Gautam Buddha attained “Mahaparinirvana” in kingdom of
(a) Aung
(b) Magadha
(c) Malla
(d) Vatsa
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Q7. Mahaparinirvana Temple is located at (a) Kushinagar
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodh Gaya
(d) Shravasti
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Q8. Who amongst the following was the last person converted by the Buddha?
(a) Anand
(b) Vasumitra
(c) Ghoshal
(d) Subhadda
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Q9. What is the term used to refer to the Buddha’s teachings?
A) Dharma
B) Karma
C) Nirvana
D) Sangha
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Q10. Where did Buddha reside during the last rainy season of his life?
(a) Shravasti
(b) Vaishali
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Sarnath
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Q11. Who was Alara Kalama?
(a) A disciple of Buddha
(b) A distinguished Buddhist monk
(c) A king of Buddha’s time
(d) A teacher of Buddha
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Q12. Where did Buddha preach his fi rst sermon?
(a) Kashi
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Bodh Gaya
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Q13. In Buddhist text “Dharmachakra Pravartana” is known as
(a) His (Buddha) sight
(b) First Sermon at Sarnath
(c) His religious norms
(d) Buddha rituals
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Q14. Which philosophy accepts ‘Triratna’?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Nyaya philosophy
(c) Yoga philosophy
(d) Jainism
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Q15. What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism?
A) To become wealthy
B) To attain enlightenment or Nirvana
C) To gain power
D) To seek revenge
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Q16. What does ‘Triratna’ means in Buddhism?
(a) Tripitaka
(b) Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
(c) Sheel, Samadhi, Sangha
(d) Satya, Ahinsa, Karuna
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Q17. Who among the following conducted the first Buddhist Council ?
(a) Ananda
(b) Mahakassapa
(c) Moggaliputta Tissa
(d) Upali
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Q18.Which of the following rulers convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Ajatashatru
(c) Kanishka
(d) Kalashoka
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Q19. The first Buddhist council was held in which of the following cities.
(a) Nalanda
(b) Gaya
(c) Rajgir
(d) Bodhgaya
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Q20. The Second Buddhist Council was held at which place?
(a) Rajgriha
(b) Vaishali
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Kashi (Varanasi)
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Q21. Where was the third Buddhist Council held?
(a) Taxila
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodhgaya
(d) Pataliputra
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Q22. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at which place
(a) Magadha
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Kashmir
(d) Rajgriha
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Q23. Which of the following is NOT one of the Three Jewels (Triratna) of Buddhism?
A) The Buddha
B) The Dharma
C) The Guru
D) The Sangha
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Q24. What is the term used to refer to the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth?
A) Karma
B) Samsara
C) Nirvana
D) Dhamma
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Q25. Who is called ‘Crypto-Buddhist’?
(a) Shankara
(b) Kapil
(c) Ramanuja
(d) Patanjali
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Q26. What is “Tripitaka”?
(a) Three monkeys of Gandhiji
(b) Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh
(c) Triratnas of Mahavira
(d) Collection of the preachings of Buddha
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Q27. Which of the following is NOT one of the Four Noble Truths?
A) The truth of suffering
B) The truth of the origin of suffering C) The truth of the end of suffering D) The truth of the eightfold path to enlightenment
E) The truth of reincarnation
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Q28. Tripitakas are the sacred books of the
(a) Jains
(b) Hindus
(c) Parsees
(d) Buddhists
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Q29. Ashokaram monastery was situated at
(a) Vaishali
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Kaushambi
(d) Shravasti
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Q30. The Stupa site which is not connected with any incident of Lord Buddha’s life, is :
(a) Sarnath
(b) Sanchi
(c) Bodhgaya
(d) Kusinara
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Q31. What is the term for the state of being fully awake or enlightened?
A) Bodhi
B) Samsara
C) Karma
D) Nirvana
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Q32. Who advocated ‘Neo-Buddhism’?
(a) Radhakrishnan
(b) Tagore
(c) Ambedkar
(d) Vivekananda
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Q33. Who among the following is known as the ‘Light of Asia’?
(a) Gautama Buddha
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Mahavir Swami
(d) Swami Vivekanand
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Q34. What is the fundamental diff erence between Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism?
(a) Belief in Non-violence
(b) Caste free society
(c) Worship of God and Goddess
(d) Worship of stupas
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Q35. Which of the following laid the foundation of idol worship in the country?
(a) Jainism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Ajivikas
(d) Vedic religion
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Q36. To which Buddhist School did Nagarjuna belong ?
(a) Sautrantika
(b) Vaibhashika
(c) Madhyamika
(d) Yogachara
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Q37. Buddhist centre of learning is (a) Vikramshila
(b) Varanasi
(c) Girnar
(d) Ujjain
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Q38. What is the name of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment?
A) Bodhi Tree
B) Banyan Tree
C) Peepal Tree
D) Neem Tree
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Q39. Vallabhi University was situated in
(a) Bihar
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Bengal
(d) Gujarat
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Q40. Nalanda University was founded during the dynasty of
(a) Maurya
(b) Kushan
(c) Gupta
(d) Pala
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Q41. Who was the founder of Nalanda University?
(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(b) Kumargupta
(c) Dharmapal
(d) Pushyagupta
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Q42. Why was Nalanda University famous in the world?
(a) Medical Science
(b) Philosophy
(c) Buddhist Religious Philosophy
(d) Chemical Science
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Q43. Which of the following is NOT one of the Three Marks of Existence?
A) Impermanence (Anicca)
B) Non-self (Anatta)
C) Suffering (Dukkha)
D) Bliss (Sukha)
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Q44. What is the term for a Buddhist monastery?
A) Stupa
B) Vihara
C) Pagoda
D) Chorten
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Q45. Who has propounded the doctrine of momentariness?
(a) Buddha
(b) Jaina
(c) Charvaka
(d) Nyaya
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Q46. Which form of Buddhism was prominent during the Sultanate period?
(a) Theravada
(b) Hinayana
(c) Vajrayana
(d) Tantrayana
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Q47. What is the term for the wheel that represents the Buddha’s teachings?
A) Dharmachakra
B) Stupa
C) Mandala
D) Thangka
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Q48. Which of the following is NOT one of the Three Poisons in Buddhism?
A) Greed
B) Hatred
C) Delusion
D) Envy
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Q49. What is the term for the Buddhist teaching of non-violence or non-harming?
A) Ahimsa
B) Dharma
C) Karma
D) Samsara
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Q50. What is the term for a Buddhist monk or nun?
A) Bhikkhu (male) / Bhikkhuni (female)
B) Lama
C) Roshi
D) Geshe
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Q51. The originator of the Jain religion is
(a) Arya Sudharma
(b) Mahavira Swami
(c) Parshwanath
(d) Rishabh Dev
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Q52. Which of the following is NOT one of the three jewels (ratna-traya) of Jainism?
a) Right Knowledge
b) Right Faith
c) Right Conduct
d) Right Livelihood
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Q53. Where was Mahavira Swami born?
(a) Kundagram
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Magadha
(d) Vaishali
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Q54.Mahavira Jain breathed his last at
(a) Rajgir
(b) Ranchi
(c) Pavapuri
(d) Samastipur
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Q55. On the banks of which river did Mahavira Swami attain enlightenment?
(a) Swarnasikta
(b) Palashini
(c) Ganga
(d) Rijupalika
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Q56. The word Tirthankara is related to
(a) Buddhists
(b) Christians
(c) Hindus
(d) Jains
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Q57. The last Tirthankara of the present cosmic age is:
a) Mahavira
b) Parshvanath
c) Neminath
d) Rishabhanath
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Q58. How many spiritual beings are believed to exist according to Jainism?
a) Two
b) Five
c) Seven
d) Infinite
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Q59. Which one of the following was not a Jain Tirthankara ?
(a) Chandraprabhu
(b) Nathamuni
(c) Nemi
(d) Sambhav
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Q60. Prabhasgiri is a pilgrim spot of : (a) Buddhists
(b) Jains
(c) Saivites
(d) Vaishnavites
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Q61. In Jain Religion, which word is used for ‘Complete Intellect’?
(a) Jin
(b) Ratna
(c) Kaivalya
(d) Nirvana
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Q62. Syadvad is a doctrine of
(a) Lokayatism
(b) Shaivism
(c) Jainism
(d) Vaishnavism
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Q63. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul
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Q64. Which of the following is NOT one of the five great vows (mahavrata) of Jainism?
a) Non-violence
b) Non-stealing
c) Non-possession
d) Non-lying
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Q65. Jainism originated in:
a) Northern India
b) Southern India
c) Central India
d) Eastern India
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Q66. The Basic point of Jainism is (a) Act
(b) Loyalty
(c) Non-violence
(d) Disfavour
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Q67. Which of the following is the earliest holy book of Jain?
(a) Twelve Angas
(b) Twelve Upangas
(c) Fourteen Purvas
(d) Fourteen Uppurva
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Q68. The first disciple of Lord Mahavir was
(a) Jamali
(b) Yashoda
(c) Bipin
(d) Prabhas
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Q69. “Samadhi Maran” related to Philosophy?
(a) Buddhist Philosophy
(b) Jain Philosophy
(c) Yoga Philosophy
(d) Lokayata Philosophy
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Q70. Which of the following is the supreme principle or truth in Jainism?
a) Karma
b) Moksha
c) Anekantavada
d) Ahimsa
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Q71. Jains are divided into how many major sects?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
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Q72. The sect which believed in abiding nature of destiny:
(a) Jainism
(b) Ajivakas
(c) Charvaka
(d) Buddhism
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Q73. Who used the caves of Barabar as their shelter-house?
(a) Ajivakas
(b) Tharus
(c) Jains
(d) Tantrikas
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Q74. Which one of the following is not true about the Barabar hill caves?
(a) There are in all four caves on the Barabar hill
(b) Inscriptions of Ashoka are found on the walls of three caves
(c) These inscriptions inform us about the dedication of these caves to the Ajivikas
(d) These inscriptions date back to 6th century BC.
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Q75. The famous pilgrimage of Buddhists as well as of Jains in Uttar Pradesh is at
(a) Sarnath
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Devipatan
(d) Kushinagar
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Q76. What is the name given to a Jain ascetic?
a) Bhikku
b) Sadhu
c) Arhat
d) Siddha
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Q77. The sacred formula of Jainism is:
a) Namo Arihantanam
b) Om Namah Shivaya
c) Om Mani Padme Hum
d) Sat Chit Ananda
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Q78. Which holy book contains the teachings of Mahavira?
a) Kalpasutra
b) Acarangasutra
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b
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Q79. The doctrine of “anekantavada” means:
a) Non-violence
b) Non-attachment
c) Non-possession
d) Non-absolutism
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Q80. The term “Arhat” refers to:
a) An enlightened soul
b) An ascetic
c) A lay follower
d) A sacred place
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Q81. Jains follow a strict:
a) Vegetarian diet
b) Non-vegetarian diet
c) Can eat both vegetarian and non-vegetarian
d) None of the above
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Q82. Who was the first Tirthankara?
a) Mahavira
b) Parshvanath
c) Rishabhanath
d) Neminath
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Q83. What is the literal meaning of the term “Jain”?
a) Enlightened one
b) Ascetic
c) Conqueror
d) Seeker of truth
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Q84. Which of these is NOT one of the three primary disciplines of Jainism?
a) Right Perception
b) Right Knowledge
c) Right Action
d) Right Belief
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Q85. According to Jainism, what is the cause of rebirth?
a) Karma
b) Maya
c) Nirvana
d) Moksha
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Q86. Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of Jainism?
a) Non-violence
b) Non-attachment
c) Non-possession
d) Celibacy
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Jainism and Buddhism questions and answers
- Who is the founder of Buddhism?
a) Mahavira
b) Gautama Buddha
c) Adi Shankara
d) Guru Nanak
Answer: b) Gautama Buddha
- Which of the following is NOT one of the Three Jewels (Triratna) of Buddhism?
a) The Buddha
b) The Dharma
c) The Sangha
d) The Vedas
Answer: d) The Vedas
- What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism?
a) Moksha
b) Nirvana
c) Brahman
d) Samsara
Answer: b) Nirvana
- Who is the founder of Jainism?
a) Gautama Buddha
b) Mahavira
c) Adi Shankara
d) Guru Nanak
Answer: b) Mahavira
- Which of the following is NOT one of the Three Jewels (Triratna) of Jainism?
a) Right Faith
b) Right Knowledge
c) Right Conduct
d) The Sangha
Answer: d) The Sangha
- What is the ultimate goal of Jainism?
a) Moksha
b) Nirvana
c) Brahman
d) Samsara
Answer: a) Moksha
- Which of the following is a sacred text of Buddhism?
a) Vedas
b) Upanishads
c) Tripitaka
d) Bhagavad Gita
Answer: c) Tripitaka
- Which of the following is a sacred text of Jainism?
a) Vedas
b) Upanishads
c) Agamas
d) Bhagavad Gita
Answer: c) Agamas
- What is the concept of “ahimsa” in both Buddhism and Jainism?
a) Non-violence
b) Meditation
c) Reincarnation
d) Karma
Answer: a) Non-violence
- Which of the following is a fundamental principle of both Buddhism and Jainism?
a) Caste system
b) Idol worship
c) Detachment from material desires
d) Sacrificial rituals
Answer: c) Detachment from material desires
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What is the main difference between Buddhism and Jainism?
The main difference between Buddhism and Jainism lies in their ultimate spiritual goal. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to achieve Nirvana, which is a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Jainism, on the other hand, aims for Moksha, which is the complete liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?
The Four Noble Truths are the central teachings of Buddhism, which were expounded by Gautama Buddha after attaining enlightenment. These truths are: (1) Dukkha (suffering) is an inherent part of existence, (2) The cause of suffering is craving or desire, (3) The cessation of suffering is achievable by eliminating craving, and (4) The Noble Eightfold Path is the way to eliminate suffering.
What is the concept of “Ahimsa” in Jainism?
“Ahimsa” is the fundamental principle of non-violence in Jainism. It is the highest ethical principle and involves the practice of not harming any living being through thoughts, words, or actions. Jains follow strict vegetarian diets and go to great lengths to avoid harming even the smallest of creatures.
What is the significance of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?
The Eightfold Path is a practical guideline prescribed by the Buddha for achieving enlightenment and ending suffering. The eight elements of the path are: Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. Following this path is believed to lead to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.
What are the three main principles of Jainism?
he three main principles of Jainism are: (1) Ahimsa (non-violence), (2) Anekantavada (non-absolutism or multi-perspectivism), and (3) Aparigraha (non-attachment or non-possession). These principles form the foundation of Jain philosophy and are believed to be essential for achieving spiritual liberation.