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Topic Buddhist architecture
Asked 3 times across 2 UPSC exams over 10 years (2013–2023), peaking in 2023.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 3 PYQs
- Most asked in 2023
- Recurs across 2 years (2013–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2013 → NDA 2023
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (2 of 3) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CSE2023
With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements
- The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin
- Stupa was generally a repository of relics
- Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- A Only one
- B Only two ✓
- C All three
- D None
✓ Correct answer: (B)
History › Ancient India
NDA2023
Consider the following statements regarding Sanchi and its archaeological findings
- When Sanchi was discovered in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen
- Animals depicted at Sanchi include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A Only 1
- B Only 2
- C Both 1 and 2 ✓
- D Neither 1 nor 2
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
CSE2013
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
- A Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
- B Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks ✓
- C Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
- D There is no material difference between the two
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
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