Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Question:

Read the passage and answer the question :

Art historians had to acquire familiarity with hagiographies of the Buddha in order to understand Buddhist sculpture. According to hagiographies, the Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a tree. Many early sculptors did not show the Buddha in human form - instead, they showed his presence through symbols. The empty seat was meant to indicate the meditation of the Buddha, and the Stupa was meant to represent the Mahaparinibbana.

What do you understand by 'Hagiography'?

Options:

Branch of sculpture to study the postures of Buddha.

Biography of a saint or religious teacher.

Autobiography of Buddha.

A picture book on Buddhist pilgrimages.

Correct Answer:

Biography of a saint or religious teacher.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Biography of a saint or religious teacher.

Hagiography is a biography of a saint or religious leader. Hagiographies often praise the saint’s achievements, and may not always be literally accurate. They are important because they tell us about the beliefs of the followers of that particular tradition.