UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies

Question 60: History and Culture

Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because

aBuddhism was in the ascendant at that time

bThey had renounced the policy of war and violence

cCaste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them

dBuddhism provided easier access to Indian society

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The Greeks, Shakas and Kushanas came as foreign rulers into a society ordered by varna and ritual purity, where orthodox Brahmanical opinion treated outsiders as impure (mlechchhas) and gave them no fixed place. Buddhism, with no caste barriers and a welcome for all, offered an easier route into Indian society, and rulers such as Menander and Kanishka became its patrons. The key therefore takes access to Indian society as the reason.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Its being on the rise does not explain why outsiders chose it.
(b) Many of these rulers were conquerors and did not renounce war.
(c) Close to the key's reason, but the key stresses access to society, not a dislike of caste.
(d) Right: Buddhism offered foreigners an easier way into Indian society.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.