ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY JAINISM AND BUDDHISM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A blog where you get different types of questions along with solutions for ICSE Class 9 Questions and Answers.
A. MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
(i) Choose the correct answers from the given options:
- Which of the following means “Three Baskets” of Buddhist canon?
(a)Jataka (b)Tripitaka (c)Angas (d)Dwadashangi
Ans. b
2. Besides the five vows and other general doctrines of Jainism, Jains are expected to have knowledge of the __________ truths.
(a)seven (b)five (c)ten (d)nine
Ans. d
3. Jataka Tales give information about
(a)Buddha’s previous birth (b)Socio-economic conditions (c)Climatic conditions (d)None of the above
Ans. a
4. Vardhamana Mahavira was the
(a)Twenty-fourth Tirthankara (b)Sixth Tirthankara (c)First Tirthankara (d)Tenth Tirthankara
Ans. a
5. Tirthankaras are
(a)saints preaching doctrines of Hinduism (b)saints preaching doctrines of Buddhism (c)saints preaching doctrines of Jainism (d)None of the above
Ans. c
6. Jain texts were composed in
(a)Local languages (b)Prakrit (c)Sanskrit (d)Both (a) and (b)
Ans. b
7. Buddha’s Great Renunciation was the result of
(a)the four great sights (b)his marriage to a princess (c)his turning into an ascetic (d)All of the above
Ans. a
8. Which of the following is incorrect?
(a)Mahabhiskramana: The Great Renunciation (b)Dharmachakrapravartana: Turning of the wheel of sacred law (c)Chaudharma: Four Noble Truths (d)Ashtangika Marg: Eightfold Path
Ans. c
9. The members of the monastic orders of Buddhism are called __________ and __________
(a)Bhikshus; Bhikshunis (b)Bikhu; Bikhani (c)Sangha; Sanghi (d)Vinaya; Vinayaka
Ans. a
10. Buddhist texts were mainly composed in
(a)Sanskrit (b)Pali (c)Prakrit (d)All of the above
Ans. b
11. Semi-circular solid domes are called __________; monasteries are called __________ and __________ are large rectangular prayer halls.
(a)Stupas, viharas, chaityas (b)Viharas, chaityas, stupas (c)Chaityas, viharas, stupas (d)Stupas, chaityas, viharas
Ans. a
12. Which of the following vows means ‘practicing chastity’?
(a)Asteya (b)Ahimsa (c)Aparigraha (d)Brahmacharya
Ans. d
(ii)Read the two statements given below select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (R):
- (A) During this period, Jainism and Buddhism emerged as important religious reform movements.
(R) In the sixth century BCE, orthodox religious beliefs and practices were challenged by the new sects.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. b
- (A) Angas and Upangas are Jain texts which were orally passed on by religious readers to their pupils.
(R) Tripitakas are the most important literary works of Jains.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. c
- (A) Jainism and Buddhism grew and spread as a reaction against ritualism prevalent in the existing religious practices.
(R) Most of the Vedic literature was composed in Sanskrit and difficult to be understood by the common people.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. b
- (A) Mahavira attained salvation at Pavapuri in Bihar.
(R) Mahavira gave his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath near Varanasi.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. c
- (A) Jains believe in Moksha or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
(R) According to Jainism, good deeds alone liberate a man from the cycle of birth and death.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. c
- (A) Mahavira adopted the language of the common people, i.e., Prakrit to preach his doctrines.
(R) Buddhists adopted Pali language in their literature.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. d
- (A) Jains believed in Nine Truths and Tri-ratnas.
(R) Buddhists believed in Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. d
- (A) Hinayana does not believe that Buddha was God.
(R) Mahayana believes that Buddha was an incarnation of God.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. b
- (A) Both Jainism and Buddhism did not accept the Vedas.
(R) Buddhism believes in the middle path whereas Jainism believed in hard penance.
(a) (R) contradicts (A) (b) (R) is the reason for (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other
Ans. D
B. SHORT QUESTIONS FOR ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY JAINISM AND BUDHHISM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Q1. What are the Angas in Jain scripture? What the Angas comprise of?
Ans. The disciples of Lord Mahavira compiled his teachings in 12 parts. These parts are called Angas. These Angas are sacred Jain texts that outline various aspects of Jainism, including:
(i)Monastic codes and rituals
(ii)Guidelines for householders
(iii)Principles of self-discipline
(iv)Philosophical teachings on Karma and liberation
Q2. What do the Tripitakas refer to in Budhhism? What are the 3 main baskets of the Tripitakas?
Ans. The Tripitakas are sacred Budhhist scriptures. They contain the core teachings of Budhhism and are considered essential for understanding the faith.
The 3 main baskets of the Tripitakas are:
The Vinaya Pitaka, The Sutla Pitaka, The Abhidhamma Pitaka
Q3. What two factors contributed to the rise of Jainism and Budhhism?
Ans. Two factors that contributed to the rise of Jainism and Budhhism are:
(i)Reaction against complex Vedic rituals
(ii)Dissatisfaction with priestly dominance
Q4. What is the significance of Vardhamana Mahavira’s name? Who was he in Jainism?
Ans. ‘Vardhamana’ means one who grows or increases in spiritual strength. ‘Mahavira’ means “Great hero” or “Great Warrior” against passions and ignorance. The 24th Jain Tirthankara, Vardhamana Mahavira preached the principles of non-violence, self-control, and liberation.
Q5. What are the 4 key vows observed by Jains?
Ans. The 4 vows are:
(i)Ahimsa – Avoid harming living beings
(ii)Aparigraha – Detach from material possessions
(iii)Satya – Speak the truth
(iv)Achaurya or Asteya – Donot take anything that is not given
Q6. What do the “Three Jewels” or Triratnas signify in Jainism?
Ans. The Triratnas or Three Jewels in Jainism are the three guiding principles that lead a person to liberation. They are:
(i) Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) – having true belief in the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
(ii) Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan) – gaining correct understanding of reality.
(iii) Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) – living a life based on non-violence and moral discipline.
Together, these three form the foundation of Jain philosophy and the path to attain moksha (salvation).
Q7. Mention any two reasons that helped Jainism spread in India.
Ans. (i)Simple Teachings: Jainism taught simple principles like truth, non-violence, and honesty, which were easy for common people to follow.
(ii)Royal Support: Several rulers and wealthy merchants, such as King Chandragupta Maurya and Kharavela of Kalinga, supported Jainism and helped in its spread through donations and construction of temples.
Q8. Into which two sects did Jainism divide, and why were they given these names?
Ans. Jainism divided into two sects — Digambaras and Svetambaras.Digambaras (meaning “sky-clad”) were so called because their monks did not wear clothes, believing this showed complete renunciation.Svetambaras (meaning “white-clad”) got their name because their monks wore simple white garments.
Q9. Give any two reasons why Jainism did not gain a large number of followers.
Ans. (i)Strict Rules: Jainism demanded severe self-discipline, fasting, and renunciation, which were difficult for ordinary people to follow.
(ii)Use of Prakrit Language: Jain teachings were mainly preached in Prakrit, which limited their understanding to certain regions and people, reducing wider appeal.
Q10. Who was Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha? In which place was he born?
Ans. Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was the founder of Buddhism. He was a great religious reformer who taught the way to attain enlightenment and end human suffering. He was born in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu, around 563 BCE.
Q11. What were the four significant sights that deeply influenced the life of Gautama Buddha?
Ans. The Four Great Sights were the scenes that Siddhartha Gautama saw when he went outside his palace for the first time. They were:
(i)An old man – showing the reality of aging.
(ii)A sick person – revealing human suffering.
(iii)A dead body – teaching the truth of mortality.
(iv)A holy ascetic – symbolizing renunciation and the path to peace.
These sights made him realize the impermanence of worldly pleasures and inspired him to seek enlightenment.
Q12. In what way did Gautama Buddha achieve enlightenment?
Ans. After years of wandering and practicing severe penance, Buddha sat in deep meditation under a peepul tree at Bodh Gaya. He resolved not to rise until he discovered the truth about suffering. After forty-nine days of continuous meditation, he attained enlightenment (Bodhi). He understood the causes of suffering and the path to end it. In this way he became the Buddha, – “the Enlightened One.”
Q13. What are the Four Noble Truths taught by Gautama Buddha?
Ans. The Four Noble Truths form the core of Buddha’s teachings. They are:
(i)Dukkha – Life is full of suffering and sorrow.
(ii)Samudaya – Desire and attachment are the main causes of suffering.
(iii) Nirodha – Suffering can end by overcoming desire.
(iv)Magga – The way to end suffering is by following the Eightfold Path.
These truths guide followers toward peace, wisdom, and ultimately nirvana (liberation).
Q14. Mention any four principles of the Eightfold Path taught by Buddha.
Ans. The Eightfold Path shows the way to end suffering and attain enlightenment. Four of its main principles are:
(i)Right Speech – speaking truthfully and kindly.
(ii)Right Action – behaving morally and avoiding harm to others.
(iii) Right Livelihood – earning a living through honest and non-violent means.
(iv)Right Effort – giving up evil thoughts and developing good ones.
These steps help a person live a balanced and righteous life.
Q15. At which event did Buddha deliver his first sermon at Sarnath, and what does the name of this event literally mean?
Ans. Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath is called the “Dharmachakra Pravartana.” The literal meaning of this term is “Turning the Wheel of Law.” It signifies the beginning of Buddha’s teaching mission. He set in motion the principles of Dharma for the first time.
Q16. Mention any two rules or principles that guided the Buddhist monastic community (Sangha).
Ans. Two important principles that governed the Sangha were:
(i)Celibacy and Renunciation – Monks and nuns had to give up worldly life and live a life of chastity.
(ii)Obedience to the Rules – Members had to follow the Vinaya, the code of conduct laid down by Buddha, which included discipline, honesty, and non-violence.
Q17. Mention any two aspects of Buddhism that drew people to follow it.
Ans. (i)Message of Equality: Buddhism rejected caste distinctions and promoted equality, which appealed to people from all sections of society.
(ii)Simple and Practical Teachings: Its teachings on moderation, non-violence, and the Eightfold Path were easy to understand and follow in daily life.
Q18. Mention any two reasons that led to the decline of Buddhism in India.
Ans. (i)Revival of Hinduism: Hinduism absorbed many Buddhist ideas and practices, reducing Buddhism’s distinct appeal.
(ii)Foreign Invasions: Invasions by Turkish rulers destroyed many Buddhist monasteries and centers of learning, weakening the religion in India.
Leave a Reply