3 and 8 marks questions from last 25 years cbse board

3-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Explain the main teachings of Mahavira.(2017)

• Emphasized Ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings.
• Advocated truthfulness, celibacy, and self-discipline.
• Liberation (moksha) achieved by freeing the soul from karmic bondage.

2. What are the four noble truths taught by Buddha?(2015)

• Life is full of suffering (Dukkha).
• Suffering is caused by desire and attachment.
• There is an end to suffering (Nirvana).
• The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.

3. Define the Eightfold Path in Buddhism. (2013)

• Right View: Understand Four Noble Truths.
• Right Intention: Commitment to self-improvement.
• Right Speech: Speak truthfully and kindly.
• Right Action: Ethical conduct.
• Right Livelihood: Harmless earning.
• Right Effort: Cultivate positive mind.
• Right Mindfulness: Awareness of body and mind.
• Right Concentration: Meditation practice.

4. Mention any three architectural features of the Sanchi Stupa. (2010)

• Hemispherical dome representing the universe.
• Harmika (square railing) on top symbolizing heaven.
• Four gateways (toranas) with carvings depicting Buddha’s life.

5. Who was Ashoka and why is he important for Buddhism? (2005)

• Mauryan emperor who embraced Buddhism.
• Spread Buddhism through missionaries.
• Built stupas and pillars with inscriptions promoting Dharma.

6. What is the significance of the Jataka tales in Buddhism? (2011)

• Stories of Buddha’s previous lives.
• Teach moral lessons like kindness and sacrifice.
• Helped spread Buddhist values through art and stories.

7. Name three important Buddhist sites related to Buddha’s life. (2016)

• Bodh Gaya (enlightenment).
• Sarnath (first sermon).
• Kushinagar (death or Mahaparinirvana).

8. What role did Ashoka’s edicts play in the spread of Buddhism? (2009)

• Communicated moral teachings.
• Promoted non-violence and tolerance.
• Helped spread Buddhism within and outside India.

9. What is the main message of the Buddhist concept of Nirvana? (2010)

• Liberation from birth and death cycle.
• End of suffering and desire.
• Ultimate spiritual goal.

10. Mention three differences between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. (2010)

• Hinayana focuses on individual salvation; Mahayana on saving all beings.
• Hinayana uses Pali texts; Mahayana uses Sanskrit.
• Mahayana worships Bodhisattvas; Hinayana does not.

8-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Describe the main ideas of Jainism and how they influenced Indian society. ( 2018)

• Jainism teaches Ahimsa (non-violence) as highest virtue.
• Emphasizes truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, detachment.
• Liberation by freeing soul from karma.
• Promoted vegetarianism and respect for all life.
• Influenced trade ethics and Indian culture.
• Developed Jain art and temple architecture.
• Encouraged asceticism and self-discipline.
• Added religious diversity and coexistence in India.

2. Explain the key teachings of Buddhism and how they differ from Hindu beliefs. (2012)

• Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path central.
• Rejects Vedic authority and caste system.
• Focus on individual effort for Nirvana, not rituals.
• Belief in Anatta (no permanent soul).
• Different interpretation of karma and rebirth.
• Emphasizes meditation and ethical conduct.
• Inclusive and accessible to all social classes.
• Challenged orthodox Hindu beliefs.

3. Discuss the architectural significance of the Great Stupa at Sanchi. (2008)

• One of oldest stone structures, symbolizing Buddha’s presence.
• Hemispherical dome represents universe and burial mound.
• Harmika and chhatra symbolize cosmic elements.
• Four gateways (toranas) with carved scenes from Buddha’s life.
• Influenced Buddhist architecture across Asia.
• Place for meditation and worship without idols.
• Reflects advanced stone carving and symbolism.
• Spread Buddhist teachings through visual stories.

4. How did the teachings of Buddha and Mahavira influence the culture and society of ancient India? (2003)

• Preached non-violence and compassion.
• Rejected caste system; promoted equality.
• Influenced laws and social practices.
• Encouraged monastic life and renunciation.
• Promoted vegetarianism and respect for life.
• Inspired art, literature, and architecture.
• Added to religious diversity and philosophical debates.
• Influenced rulers like Ashoka.

5. Discuss the architectural features and religious significance of Ajanta caves. (2014)

• Rock-cut monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas).
• Murals and sculptures depict Buddha’s life and Jataka tales.
• Show high artistic and architectural skills.
• Centers for learning and meditation.
• Helped preserve Buddhist teachings through art.
• Paintings with vivid colors and expressions.
• Influenced later temple architecture.
• UNESCO World Heritage site.

6. Explain the concepts of Ahimsa and Karma in Jainism. (2006)

• Ahimsa means total non-violence to all beings.
• Avoid harm even to insects and plants.
• Karma is the moral consequences of actions.
• Good deeds reduce karmic bondage; bad deeds increase it.
• Liberation (moksha) by cleansing karma.
• Strict discipline to avoid new karma.
• Ahimsa influenced Indian vegetarianism.
• Karma explains moral responsibility.

7. Describe the contributions of Ashoka to Indian art and architecture. (2000)

• Built stupas (Sanchi) and pillars with inscriptions.
• Promoted Buddhist architecture with symbolism.
• Pillars have carved capitals like Lion Capital of Sarnath.
• Edicts spread moral teachings and dhamma.
• Constructions served as pilgrimage centers.
• Encouraged stone carving and sculpture.
• Influenced Buddhist art beyond India.
• Integrated religion and statecraft.

8. Explain the role of monasteries (viharas) in the spread of Buddhism. (2007)

• Viharas housed monks for living and study.
• Centers for learning, meditation, and scriptures.
• Preserved Buddhist teachings and culture.
• Often attached to stupas and prayer halls.
• Attracted pilgrims, spreading Buddhism locally and abroad.
• Offered community services like education.
• Supported by kings and merchants.
• Architecture reflected religious ideals and promoted art.