Which of the following pairs of Stupa sites and their descriptions are correctly matched? 1. Bairat : Example of 3rd century BCE stupa structure 2. Sanchi : Built with bricks during Ashoka's time 3. Rajagraha : Constructed over relics of Buddha 4. Gandhara : Stupa site outside Gangetic valley Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct Answer is 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation Stupas are significant Buddhist architectural structures, primarily serving as reliquaries or commemorative monuments. Their construction and characteristics evolved over centuries, reflecting regional styles and patronage. Statement-wise Analysis 1. Bairat : Example of 3rd century BCE stupa structure Correct: The stupa at Bairat (Rajasthan) is an early Buddhist site, and archaeological evidence indicates its construction dates back to the Mauryan period, specifically the 3rd century BCE, during the time of Ashoka. 2. Sanchi : Built with bricks during Ashoka's time Correct: The original stupa at Sanchi (Stupa No. 1) was indeed constructed with bricks during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was later enlarged and encased in stone. 3. Rajagraha : Constructed over relics of Buddha Correct: Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) is one of the eight places where the original relics of Buddha were enshrined in stupas after his Mahaparinirvana. These are known as the 'Saririka Stupas'. 4. Gandhara : Stupa site outside Gangetic valley Correct: The Gandhara region, encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, was a prominent center of Buddhist art and architecture, including numerous stupa sites. Geographically, it lies to the northwest of the Gangetic valley. Key Takeaway Early stupa sites like Bairat and Sanchi date to the Mauryan period, often built with bricks, while sites like Rajagriha hold original Buddha relics, and Gandhara represents a significant Buddhist architectural tradition outside the Gangetic plain.

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

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Which of the following pairs of Stupa sites and their descriptions are correctly matched?

Bairat : Example of 3rd century BCE stupa structure
Sanchi : Built with bricks during Ashoka's time
Rajagraha : Constructed over relics of Buddha
Gandhara : Stupa site outside Gangetic valley

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B3 and 4 only
C1, 2 and 3 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Stupas are significant Buddhist architectural structures, primarily serving as reliquaries or commemorative monuments. Their construction and characteristics evolved over centuries, reflecting regional styles and patronage.

Statement-wise Analysis

Bairat : Example of 3rd century BCE stupa structure
Correct: The stupa at Bairat (Rajasthan) is an early Buddhist site, and archaeological evidence indicates its construction dates back to the Mauryan period, specifically the 3rd century BCE, during the time of Ashoka.
Sanchi : Built with bricks during Ashoka's time
Correct: The original stupa at Sanchi (Stupa No. 1) was indeed constructed with bricks during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was later enlarged and encased in stone.
Rajagraha : Constructed over relics of Buddha
Correct: Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) is one of the eight places where the original relics of Buddha were enshrined in stupas after his Mahaparinirvana. These are known as the 'Saririka Stupas'.
Gandhara : Stupa site outside Gangetic valley
Correct: The Gandhara region, encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, was a prominent center of Buddhist art and architecture, including numerous stupa sites. Geographically, it lies to the northwest of the Gangetic valley.

Key Takeaway

Early stupa sites like Bairat and Sanchi date to the Mauryan period, often built with bricks, while sites like Rajagriha hold original Buddha relics, and Gandhara represents a significant Buddhist architectural tradition outside the Gangetic plain.

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

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

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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

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Solution

The correct Answer is 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Bairat : Example of 3rd century BCE stupa structure
Correct: The stupa at Bairat (Rajasthan) is an early Buddhist site, and archaeological evidence indicates its construction dates back to the Mauryan period, specifically the 3rd century BCE, during the time of Ashoka.
Sanchi : Built with bricks during Ashoka's time
Correct: The original stupa at Sanchi (Stupa No. 1) was indeed constructed with bricks during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was later enlarged and encased in stone.
Rajagraha : Constructed over relics of Buddha
Correct: Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) is one of the eight places where the original relics of Buddha were enshrined in stupas after his Mahaparinirvana. These are known as the 'Saririka Stupas'.
Gandhara : Stupa site outside Gangetic valley
Correct: The Gandhara region, encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, was a prominent center of Buddhist art and architecture, including numerous stupa sites. Geographically, it lies to the northwest of the Gangetic valley.