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?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation Mahayana Buddhism, or the "Great Vehicle," emerged as a distinct sect around the 1st century AD/CE. It marked a significant theological departure from the earlier Theravada or Hinayana traditions, shifting focus from individual salvation (Arhatship) to universal salvation through the grace of Bodhisattvas and the worship of the Buddha as a deity. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of the Bodhisattva. Unlike the earlier tradition where individuals strove for their own liberation, a Bodhisattva is a compassionate being who accumulates merit but delays their own Nirvana to help others achieve salvation. This introduced the idea of a "saviour" who could ensure the spiritual well-being of others. - Statement 2 is Correct: Early Buddhism (often termed Hinayana) worshipped the Buddha through symbols such as the Bodhi tree, footprints, or the empty seat. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism initiated and popularized the worship of images and statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. This shift led to the development of major schools of art, such as the Gandhara and Mathura schools, which specialized in sculpting Buddha images. Key Takeaway: The primary distinctions of Mahayana Buddhism are the worship of Buddha idols (anthropomorphic representation) and the doctrine of the Bodhisattva (universal salvation), contrasting with the symbolic worship and individual focus of the earlier Hinayana sect.

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

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With reference to the development of Mahayana Buddhism, consider the following statements:

It strictly prohibited the worship of images of the Buddha.
It introduced the idea of a saviour who could ensure salvation.

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

2 only

Explanation

Mahayana Buddhism, or the "Great Vehicle," emerged as a distinct sect around the 1st century AD/CE. It marked a significant theological departure from the earlier Theravada or Hinayana traditions, shifting focus from individual salvation (Arhatship) to universal salvation through the grace of Bodhisattvas and the worship of the Buddha as a deity.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of the Bodhisattva. Unlike the earlier tradition where individuals strove for their own liberation, a Bodhisattva is a compassionate being who accumulates merit but delays their own Nirvana to help others achieve salvation. This introduced the idea of a "saviour" who could ensure the spiritual well-being of others.
Statement 2 is Correct: Early Buddhism (often termed Hinayana) worshipped the Buddha through symbols such as the Bodhi tree, footprints, or the empty seat. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism initiated and popularized the worship of images and statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. This shift led to the development of major schools of art, such as the Gandhara and Mathura schools, which specialized in sculpting Buddha images.

Key Takeaway:

The primary distinctions of Mahayana Buddhism are the worship of Buddha idols (anthropomorphic representation) and the doctrine of the Bodhisattva (universal salvation), contrasting with the symbolic worship and individual focus of the earlier Hinayana sect.

Your note

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

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Consider the following statements regarding the Vedic sacrificial tradition: 1. The early Vedic tradition, known from the Rigveda, consisted of hymns chanted during sacrifices for cattle, sons, and long life. 2. From c. 1000 BCE onwards, all sacrifices were performed exclusively by the kings and chiefs, and not by heads of households. 3. Elaborate sacrifices like the rajasuya and ashvamedha depended on Brahmana priests to conduct the ritual. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of the Bodhisattva. Unlike the earlier tradition where individuals strove for their own liberation, a Bodhisattva is a compassionate being who accumulates merit but delays their own Nirvana to help others achieve salvation. This introduced the idea of a "saviour" who could ensure the spiritual well-being of others.
Statement 2 is Correct: Early Buddhism (often termed Hinayana) worshipped the Buddha through symbols such as the Bodhi tree, footprints, or the empty seat. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism initiated and popularized the worship of images and statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. This shift led to the development of major schools of art, such as the Gandhara and Mathura schools, which specialized in sculpting Buddha images.

Key Takeaway: