Consider the following statements regarding the story of the Monkey King found in the Jatakas: 1. The story describes a monkey king who saved his followers by making a bridge of mango tree branches. 2. This story is depicted on a piece of sculpture found from a stupa at Bharhut. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b) 2 only Explanation The the Jatakas, a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha. These stories illustrate the virtues (paramitas) of the Bodhisattva and are frequently depicted in early Buddhist art, particularly on the railings and gateways of stupas. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. According to the Mahakapi Jataka, the Monkey King (the Bodhisattva) did not make a bridge out of mango tree branches. Instead, he stretched his own body across the river to bridge the gap between the mango tree and the opposite bank. He tied a creeper to his waist and the tree, but finding it too short, he used his body to complete the bridge, allowing his followers to cross over his back to safety. The specific act of self-sacrifice-using his body as the bridge-is the central moral of the story. - Statement 2 is Correct. This specific narrative is famously depicted in a relief sculpture (medallion) found at the Bharhut Stupa in Madhya Pradesh (circa 2nd century BCE). The sculpture visually narrates the story, showing the monkeys crossing over the body of the Monkey King while the human king of Varanasi watches from below. Key Takeaway The Mahakapi Jataka is a significant Buddhist narrative highlighting the virtue of self-sacrifice. It is historically significant as a subject of narrative art on the railings of the Bharhut Stupa.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

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Consider the following statements regarding the story of the Monkey King found in the Jatakas:

The story describes a monkey king who saved his followers by making a bridge of mango tree branches.
This story is depicted on a piece of sculpture found from a stupa at Bharhut.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b) 2 only

Explanation

The the Jatakas, a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha. These stories illustrate the virtues (paramitas) of the Bodhisattva and are frequently depicted in early Buddhist art, particularly on the railings and gateways of stupas.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. According to the Mahakapi Jataka, the Monkey King (the Bodhisattva) did not make a bridge out of mango tree branches. Instead, he stretched his own body across the river to bridge the gap between the mango tree and the opposite bank. He tied a creeper to his waist and the tree, but finding it too short, he used his body to complete the bridge, allowing his followers to cross over his back to safety. The specific act of self-sacrifice-using his body as the bridge-is the central moral of the story.
Statement 2 is Correct. This specific narrative is famously depicted in a relief sculpture (medallion) found at the Bharhut Stupa in Madhya Pradesh (circa 2nd century BCE). The sculpture visually narrates the story, showing the monkeys crossing over the body of the Monkey King while the human king of Varanasi watches from below.

Key Takeaway

The Mahakapi Jataka is a significant Buddhist narrative highlighting the virtue of self-sacrifice. It is historically significant as a subject of narrative art on the railings of the Bharhut Stupa.

Your note

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With reference to the famous pillar at Mehrauli, which of the following statements is incorrect?

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Consider the following statements regarding the structure of a Stupa: 1. The pradakshina patha was a path laid around the stupa, usually surrounded by railings. 2. Devotees walked around the stupa in an anti-clockwise direction to ward off evil spirits. 3. The entrance to the path was through gateways, which were typically plain and devoid of sculpture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the construction and decoration of Stupas and Temples: 1. Kings and queens were the sole financiers of these structures. 2. An association of ivory workers paid for one of the gateways at Sanchi. 3. Merchants, farmers, and garland makers also contributed to the decorations. 4. The names of ordinary men and women were never inscribed on pillars or railings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (b) 2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. According to the Mahakapi Jataka, the Monkey King (the Bodhisattva) did not make a bridge out of mango tree branches. Instead, he stretched his own body across the river to bridge the gap between the mango tree and the opposite bank. He tied a creeper to his waist and the tree, but finding it too short, he used his body to complete the bridge, allowing his followers to cross over his back to safety. The specific act of self-sacrifice-using his body as the bridge-is the central moral of the story.
Statement 2 is Correct. This specific narrative is famously depicted in a relief sculpture (medallion) found at the Bharhut Stupa in Madhya Pradesh (circa 2nd century BCE). The sculpture visually narrates the story, showing the monkeys crossing over the body of the Monkey King while the human king of Varanasi watches from below.