Consider the following statements regarding the religious context of the 6th century BCE: 1. Buddhism and Jainism were part of the shraman tradition. 2. Yaksha worship was introduced for the first time by Buddhism and was not prevalent before. 3. Ashoka patronised the Buddhist shraman tradition in the first century BCE. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation The 6th century BCE in ancient India was a period of significant intellectual and spiritual upheaval, characterized by the rise of heterodox sects known as the Shramana traditions. These movements emerged as distinct alternatives to the established Vedic Brahmanism, questioning the authority of the Vedas and the caste system. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The term "Shramana" refers to "one who strives" or performs asceticism. Buddhism and Jainism were the most prominent movements within the Shramana tradition. They rejected Vedic rituals and emphasized individual effort, ethical living, and renunciation to achieve liberation. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Yaksha worship was a widespread indigenous folk tradition (worship of nature spirits and tutelary deities) that existed in India long before the rise of Buddhism or Jainism. Rather than introducing it, Buddhism and Jainism assimilated these pre-existing popular figures into their art and mythology to gain wider acceptance (e.g., the Yakshi figures at Sanchi and Bharhut). - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty is historically placed in the 3rd century BCE (reigning approximately 268-232 BCE). He was a major patron of the Buddhist Shramana tradition, but the timeline mentioned (1st century BCE) is factually wrong. Key Takeaway: Buddhism and Jainism are Shramana traditions that arose in the 6th century BCE. Yaksha worship is a pre-Vedic/pre-Buddhist folk tradition later integrated into major religions. Ashoka ruled and patronized Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE.

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the religious context of the 6th century BCE:

Buddhism and Jainism were part of the shraman tradition.
Yaksha worship was introduced for the first time by Buddhism and was not prevalent before.
Ashoka patronised the Buddhist shraman tradition in the first century BCE.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2 only
D1 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

The 6th century BCE in ancient India was a period of significant intellectual and spiritual upheaval, characterized by the rise of heterodox sects known as the Shramana traditions. These movements emerged as distinct alternatives to the established Vedic Brahmanism, questioning the authority of the Vedas and the caste system.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The term "Shramana" refers to "one who strives" or performs asceticism. Buddhism and Jainism were the most prominent movements within the Shramana tradition. They rejected Vedic rituals and emphasized individual effort, ethical living, and renunciation to achieve liberation.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Yaksha worship was a widespread indigenous folk tradition (worship of nature spirits and tutelary deities) that existed in India long before the rise of Buddhism or Jainism. Rather than introducing it, Buddhism and Jainism assimilated these pre-existing popular figures into their art and mythology to gain wider acceptance (e.g., the Yakshi figures at Sanchi and Bharhut).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty is historically placed in the 3rd century BCE (reigning approximately 268-232 BCE). He was a major patron of the Buddhist Shramana tradition, but the timeline mentioned (1st century BCE) is factually wrong.

Key Takeaway:
Buddhism and Jainism are Shramana traditions that arose in the 6th century BCE. Yaksha worship is a pre-Vedic/pre-Buddhist folk tradition later integrated into major religions. Ashoka ruled and patronized Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Pitalkhora | 1. Great Stupa B. Kondane | 2. Stupa of 3rd century BCE C. Bairat | 3. Inscription of disciple Balaka D. Sanchi | 4. Inscription of artisan Kanha

medium

What was the crowning element originally placed atop the lions of the Sarnath Capital?

medium

In the aniconic phase of Buddhist art, the presence of the Buddha was often symbolised by:

easy

Which one of the following statements correctly reflects the stance of early Buddhism and Jainism towards the social order?

easy

The construction of stupas and monuments during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods was primarily:

easy

Keep practising Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture chapters

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The term "Shramana" refers to "one who strives" or performs asceticism. Buddhism and Jainism were the most prominent movements within the Shramana tradition. They rejected Vedic rituals and emphasized individual effort, ethical living, and renunciation to achieve liberation.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Yaksha worship was a widespread indigenous folk tradition (worship of nature spirits and tutelary deities) that existed in India long before the rise of Buddhism or Jainism. Rather than introducing it, Buddhism and Jainism assimilated these pre-existing popular figures into their art and mythology to gain wider acceptance (e.g., the Yakshi figures at Sanchi and Bharhut).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty is historically placed in the 3rd century BCE (reigning approximately 268-232 BCE). He was a major patron of the Buddhist Shramana tradition, but the timeline mentioned (1st century BCE) is factually wrong.