Read the passage and answer the following question:

The tradition of erecting stupas may have been pre-Buddhist, but they came to be associated with Buddhism. Since they contained relics regarded as sacred, the entire stupa came to be venerated as an emblem of both the Buddha and Buddhism... Asoka distributed portions of Buddha's rehes to every important town and ordered the construction of stupas over them. By the 2nd century BCE, a number of stupas, including those at Bhuhut, Sanchi and Sarnath had been built.

The word 'stupa' is derived from which language?

Sanskrit

The correct answer is Option (3) → Sanskrit

A stupa is a religious monument in Buddhism, and the term is derived from the Sanskrit word "stupa" (स्तूप). Stupas are significant structures in Buddhist architecture and are typically characterized by a mound or dome-shaped structure, often containing relics associated with Buddha or other revered figures.

Key features of a stupa include:

Dome or Mound: The central element of a stupa is the dome or mound, representing the universe or cosmic axis. This mound symbolizes the enlightenment of Buddha.

Spire or Harmika: At the top of the dome, there is usually a vertical shaft or spire called the harmika, representing the axis mundi or the cosmic axis. It may be crowned with an umbrella-like structure.

Square Base: Stupas often have a square base, and the architecture may vary, incorporating symbolic elements and carvings.

Relic Chamber: Stupas typically house a relic chamber, which contains the relics of Buddha or other revered figures. The relics are considered sacred and are enshrined within the stupa.

So, the correct option is [3].