2013 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 36: History and Culture
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
aVihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
bChaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
cChaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
dThere is no material difference between the two
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
In Buddhist rock-cut architecture, a chaitya is a prayer hall with a stupa at the far end, which worshippers walk around. A vihara is a monastery: a hall surrounded by small cells where monks live. Karle is a well-known chaitya, and the Pandavleni caves at Nashik have viharas. So chaityas are for worship and viharas are dwellings of the monks.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. This reverses the two terms.
- (b) Correct. Chaitya is the worship hall; vihara is the monks' dwelling.
- (c) Wrong. The stupa is inside the chaitya hall; a vihara is a residential hall with cells.
- (d) Wrong. They differ clearly in function.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.