With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• A stupa is a mound-like structure that enshrines relics of the Buddha or Buddhist monks and is venerated in Buddhism, though the tradition itself predates Buddhism. In Vedic society, funerary practices such as pitramedha involved collecting ashes or bodily remains in an urn and constructing a memorial mound over it. References to such mound-like structures appear in the Vedic Samhitas, and the term ‘estuka’ in the Rigveda likely denoted any raised heap or pile on the ground. Over time, especially after the Buddha’s passing, stupas became closely associated with Buddhism.

Statement 2 is correct

• Stupa contained relics regarded as sacred; the entire stupa came to be venerated as an emblem of both the Buddha and Buddhism.

Statement 3 is correct

• Stupa can be:
  • Relic stupas: Contain the relics of the Buddha and other religious figures.
  • Object stupas: Enclose objects that belonged to the Buddha or his disciples.
  • Commemorative stupas: Built to commemorate significant events in the lives of the Buddha and his disciples.
  • Symbolic stupas: Represent various aspects of Buddhist theology.
  • Votive stupas: Constructed to commemorate visits or to gain spiritual benefits.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Medium