Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Symbol) | List II (Representation) A. Tree | 1. Meditation of the Buddha B. Empty Seat | 2. Mahaparinibbana C. Stupa | 3. First Sermon D. Wheel | 4. Enlightenment

The correct Answer is A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 Explanation Early Buddhist art utilized various symbols to represent the Buddha and key events in his life, as direct anthropomorphic representations were initially avoided. These symbols conveyed profound spiritual meanings related to the Buddha's journey and teachings. Statement-wise Analysis 1. A. Tree - 4. Enlightenment - Correct: The Bodhi tree (Pipal tree) under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment is a primary symbol for this event. 2. B. Empty Seat - 1. Meditation of the Buddha - Correct: An empty seat or throne often symbolizes the presence of the Buddha, particularly during his meditation or teaching, without depicting his physical form. It represents his spiritual presence. 3. C. Stupa - 2. Mahaparinibbana - Correct: Stupas are hemispherical structures containing relics of the Buddha or Buddhist saints. They are primarily associated with the Buddha's Mahaparinibbana (death and final liberation) and his burial. 4. D. Wheel - 3. First Sermon - Correct: The Dharma Chakra (wheel of law) symbolizes the Buddha's First Sermon, delivered at Sarnath, which "set in motion the wheel of Dharma." It represents his teachings and the propagation of the Buddhist doctrine. Key Takeaway Early Buddhist art employed specific symbols such as the Tree for Enlightenment, Empty Seat for Meditation, Stupa for Mahaparinibbana, and Wheel for the First Sermon to represent key events in the Buddha's life and teachings.

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

mcqeasy

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List I (Symbol)	List II (Representation)
A. Tree	1. Meditation of the Buddha
B. Empty Seat	2. Mahaparinibbana
C. Stupa	3. First Sermon
D. Wheel	4. Enlightenment

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
BA-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
CA-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
DA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Explanation

Early Buddhist art utilized various symbols to represent the Buddha and key events in his life, as direct anthropomorphic representations were initially avoided. These symbols conveyed profound spiritual meanings related to the Buddha's journey and teachings.

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Tree - 4. Enlightenment
- Correct: The Bodhi tree (Pipal tree) under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment is a primary symbol for this event.
B. Empty Seat - 1. Meditation of the Buddha
- Correct: An empty seat or throne often symbolizes the presence of the Buddha, particularly during his meditation or teaching, without depicting his physical form. It represents his spiritual presence.
C. Stupa - 2. Mahaparinibbana
- Correct: Stupas are hemispherical structures containing relics of the Buddha or Buddhist saints. They are primarily associated with the Buddha's Mahaparinibbana (death and final liberation) and his burial.
D. Wheel - 3. First Sermon
- Correct: The Dharma Chakra (wheel of law) symbolizes the Buddha's First Sermon, delivered at Sarnath, which "set in motion the wheel of Dharma." It represents his teachings and the propagation of the Buddhist doctrine.

Key Takeaway

Early Buddhist art employed specific symbols such as the Tree for Enlightenment, Empty Seat for Meditation, Stupa for Mahaparinibbana, and Wheel for the First Sermon to represent key events in the Buddha's life and teachings.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

With reference to the Jaina monastic vows, consider the following statements: 1. Jaina monks and nuns took five vows, including observing celibacy. 2. The vow to abstain from possessing property was optional for nuns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the development of Mahayana Buddhism, consider the following statements: 1. It strictly prohibited the worship of images of the Buddha. 2. It introduced the idea of a saviour who could ensure salvation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In Jaina philosophy, the cycle of birth and rebirth is believed to be determined by:

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James Fergusson, an early modern art historian, interpreted the site of Sanchi primarily as a centre associated with which of the following forms of worship?

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With reference to the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. The French and English showed no interest in the Sanchi Stupa. 2. Shahjehan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum provided funds for the preservation of the site and the building of a museum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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The correct Answer is A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Tree - 4. Enlightenment
- Correct: The Bodhi tree (Pipal tree) under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment is a primary symbol for this event.
B. Empty Seat - 1. Meditation of the Buddha
- Correct: An empty seat or throne often symbolizes the presence of the Buddha, particularly during his meditation or teaching, without depicting his physical form. It represents his spiritual presence.
C. Stupa - 2. Mahaparinibbana
- Correct: Stupas are hemispherical structures containing relics of the Buddha or Buddhist saints. They are primarily associated with the Buddha's Mahaparinibbana (death and final liberation) and his burial.
D. Wheel - 3. First Sermon
- Correct: The Dharma Chakra (wheel of law) symbolizes the Buddha's First Sermon, delivered at Sarnath, which "set in motion the wheel of Dharma." It represents his teachings and the propagation of the Buddhist doctrine.