Read the passage and answer the questions:
The Buddha: Teachings and Followers
The Buddha's teachings have been reconstructed from stories, found mainly in the Sutta Pitaka. Although some stories describe his miraculous powers, others suggest that the Buddha tried to convince people through reason and persuasion. According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing; it is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it. Within this transient world, sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic to human existence. It is by following the path of moderation between severe penance and self-indulgence that human beings can rise above these worldly troubles. Buddhist literature mentions several chaityas. It also describes places associated with the Buddha's life - where he was born (Lumbini), where he attained enlightenment (Bodh Gaya), where he gave his first sermon (Sarnath) and where he attained nibbana (Kusinagara). Gradually, each of these places came to be regarded as sacred. There were other places too that were regarded as sacred. This was because relics of the Buddha such as his bodily remains or objects used by him were buried there. These were mounds known as stupas. The stupa (a Sanskrit word meaning a heap) originated as a simple semi-circular mound of earth, later called anda. Gradually, it evolved into a more complex structure, balancing round and square shapes. Above the anda was the harmika, a balcony-like structure that represented the abode of the gods. Arising from the harmika was a mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a chhatri or umbrella. Around the mound was a railing, separating the sacred space from the secular world.
Which 'stupa' structure represents the abode of the gods?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Harmika
Option (1) Anda — Incorrect. The anda is the semi-circular mound of earth with which the stupa began; it is the body of the stupa, not the abode of the gods.
Option (2) Harmika — Correct. Above the anda was the harmika, a balcony-like structure that represented the abode of the gods.
Option (3) Yashti — Incorrect. The yashti is the mast arising from the harmika.
Option (4) Chhatri — Incorrect. The chhatri is the umbrella that often surmounted the yashti, at the very top of the stupa.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | 29-05 S1 | – | 27-05 S1 02-06 S3 | – |
NCERT (2026-27): “7.3 The structure of the stupa … The stupa (a Sanskrit word meaning a heap) originated as a simple semi-circular mound of earth, later called anda. Gradually, it evolved into a more complex structure, balancing round and square shapes. Above the anda was the harmika, a balcony-like structure that represented the abode of the gods. Arising from the harmika was a mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a chhatri or umbrella. Around the mound was a railing, separating the sacred space from the secular world.…” |