Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Question:

Read the passage and answer the question :

When Buddhism spread to East Asia, pilgrims such as Fa Xian and Xuan Zang travelled all the way from China to India in search of texts. These they took back to their own country, where they were translated by scholars. Indian Buddhist teachers also travelled to faraway places, carrying texts to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in monasteries in different parts of Asia. Modern translations have been prepared from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan texts.

Why did Buddhist teachers travel to faraway places?

Options:

So that Buddhism does not spread from India.

To circulate the teachings of the Buddha.

To write texts in other countries.

To bring the Chinese to India.

Correct Answer:

To circulate the teachings of the Buddha.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → To circulate the teachings of the Buddha.

Pilgrimage for Texts:

  • During the spread of Buddhism to East Asia, pilgrims like Fa Xian and Xuan Zang journeyed from China to India in search of Buddhist texts. Their purpose was to obtain sacred texts, likely including scriptures and teachings attributed to the Buddha.

Translation Efforts:

  • Pilgrims, upon returning to their own countries, engaged scholars to translate the acquired texts. This highlights the commitment to making Buddhist teachings accessible in different linguistic and cultural contexts.

Reciprocal Exchange:

  • The passage notes that Indian Buddhist teachers also traveled to faraway places, carrying texts. This suggests a reciprocal exchange of knowledge, with both the retrieval and dissemination of Buddhist teachings occurring through travel.

Preservation in Monasteries:

  • Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in monasteries across Asia. Monasteries served as repositories of knowledge and played a crucial role in maintaining and transmitting Buddhist teachings.

So, the correct option is [2].