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Topic Buddhist symbolism
Asked 2 times across 2 UPSC exams over 4 years (2022–2026), peaking in 2026.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 2 PYQs
- First appeared in NDA 2022 — 4 years before CSE 2026 (allied exams preview CSE)
- Most asked in 2026
- Recurs across 2 years (2022–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
NDA 2022 → CSE 2026
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (2 of 2) 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.
CSE2026
What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?
- A The meditation of the Buddha ✓
- B The Buddha's First Sermon
- C The Buddha's Mahaparinibbana
- D The Buddha's Mahabhinishkramana
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Art & Culture › Religion & Philosophy
NDA2022
Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?
- A Empty Seat and Stupa only
- B Wheel and Tree only
- C Wheel, Tree and Stupa only
- D Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
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