Cause of the Decline of Buddhism MCQs with Explanations
About the Topic: Causes of the Decline of Buddhism is an important UPSC topic covering political, social, religious and economic reasons behind the decline of Buddhism in India. Practice MCQ Questions with answers and detailed explanations.
Why did Buddhism started declining in India in the early medieval times?
1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism.
2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
Buddhism started declining in India in the early medieval times because Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism. The Kings of the Gupta dynasty was not opposed to Buddhism even though they supported Brahmanical faith. Statement (2) and (3) are not correct. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Ques: 2
Which one of the following rulers did not contribute towards the expansion of Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Pushyamitra Shunga
Pushyamitra Shunga (185-149 BCE) was the founder and the first ruler of the Shunga empire in east India. Pushyamitra was originally a “General” of the Mauryan Empire. In 185 BCE he assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha and proclaimed himself emperor. Buddhist texts state that Pushyamitra cruelly persecuted the Buddhist.
Ques: 3
The reason included in the expansion of Buddhism –
The simplicity of religion
Special appeal towards Dalits
Missionary concept of religion
Regional language
The soundness of Vedic spirit by Philosophers.
Code:
Correct Answer:
(C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The main reason for the spread of Buddhism was its simplicity. Its eight-fold path known as ‘Arya-Satya’ and concept of non-violence were simple and understandable by the common people. Buddha spread his message in the simple language or the language of common people. Buddhism did not believe in caste-distinctions. The non- Brahmins, particularly Dalits were attracted by the simplicity of Buddhism. They also followed the missionary concept.
Ques: 4
What were the causes that led to the decline of Buddhism in India?
Split in Buddhism
Language
Corruption in Sangha
Reforms in Hinduism
End of Royal Patronage
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Causes that led to decline of Buddhism:
Split in Buddhism: The division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana sects brought about great changes in Buddhism. Its popularity and prestige suffered.
Language: Buddha preached his teaching in Pali. After his death, Sanskrit, the language of the upper classes, also came to be adopted.
Corruption in Sangha: The monks and nuns started living a luxurious life. There was deterioration in the spiritual life. Buddhist sanghas received patronage of royalty and had become very rich. The monks and nuns used the riched for rheir personal benefit. They began to lead a worldly life.
Reforms in Hinduism: Reform movement in Hinduism started with full vigour once the appeal of new religions vanished. Hinduism assimilated the positive aspects of Buddhism. Even foreign invaders and settlers adopted Hinduism as their new religion. Among these are included the Shakas and the Satavahanas.
Invasions: From the eight century AD the Turkish invasion dealt a blow to Buddhism. The monasteries, which had accumulated great wealth, were looted. The invaders plundered the monasteries of Nalanda and Takshila and forced some of the monks to flee to neighbouring countries like Nepal and Tibet.
End of Royal Patronage- Rajput rulers were warlike and could not follow the policy of ahimsa, besides, the kings of the Gupta period patronised temples in honour of Hindu gods and goddess. Thus, the lack of royal patronage brought about the decline of Buddhism.
Ques: 5
Which of the following are the causes for the decline of Buddhism?
Reform of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism
Giving up the use of Pali
Practising idol-worship
Attacks by the Hunas and Turkish invaders
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Causes for the Popularity of Buddhism: Non-indulgence in metaphysical discussions and its original simplicity appealed to the masses. It did not attach any importance to the existing varna system and hence appealed to the lower classes. Admission of women to the Sangha also swelled its ranks (Gautami, the widowed step-mother of Buddha, was the first Buddhist nun). The use of Pali, the language of the people, in the early phase helped it further. Its adoption by the monarchies of Magadha, Kosala, Kausambi and several republican states in the initial period, and by Asoka, the Indo-Greeks, Kushanas, Harsha and Palas in the later period.
Causes for the Decline of Buddhism: Reform of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism. Giving up the use of Pali and taking up the use of Sanskrit by the Buddhists from the first century AD. Practising idol-worship and receiving offerings and huge donations, leading to deterioration in moral standards. Attacks by the Hunas (fifth and sixth centuries AD) and Turkish invaders (12th century AD).