UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper 1 · Q52

History

Medium · Stupa architecture and origin

Consider the following statements about the stupa in ancient India:

1. The stupa was a purely Buddhist architectural innovation with no pre-Buddhist antecedents.

2. Stupas often served as repositories enshrining relics of the Buddha or of eminent Buddhist monks.

3. Many stupas served a votive or commemorative function, built to mark a pious act or donation.

How many of the above statements are correct?