✅ Answer: A) 1 and 3 onlyStatements 1 and 3 are correct. Buddha was born at Lumbini (Nepal) and delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. Statement 2 is incorrect — Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (not Sarnath). The four sacred places: Birth = Lumbini; Enlightenment = Bodh Gaya; First Sermon = Sarnath; Death = Kushinara.

✅ Answer: B) Avoiding extremesThe Middle Path (Madhyama Pratipad) in Buddhism refers to avoiding two extremes — extreme asceticism (self-mortification) and extreme indulgence (sensual pleasure). Buddha himself tried both extremes and found neither led to enlightenment. The Middle Path leads to wisdom, calm, and Nirvana through the Eightfold Path.

✅ Answer: B) Bimbisara and AjatashatruMahavira (599–527 BCE) was a contemporary of both Bimbisara and Ajatashatru of Magadha. Gautama Buddha was also a contemporary of these kings. Both Mahavira and Buddha lived during the same period — the 6th–5th century BCE — and both challenged Brahmanical dominance.

✅ Answer: C) Buddhist paintings and sculpturesThe Ajanta caves (Maharashtra) are famous for Buddhist paintings and sculptures. They contain 30 rock-cut caves dating from 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. The paintings depict Jataka tales and scenes from Buddha’s life. Ajanta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ellora (also Maharashtra) has Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves.

✅ Answer: A) Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, MaggaThe Four Noble Truths in order: (1) Dukkha — life is suffering; (2) Samudaya — suffering has a cause (desire/tanha); (3) Nirodha — suffering can be ended; (4) Magga — the path to end suffering (Eightfold Path). This is the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and is frequently asked in exams.

✅ Answer: C) Bakhtiyar KhiljiNalanda University was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 CE. This was a devastating blow to Buddhism in India — the great library was burned and monks were killed. Nalanda was the world’s greatest centre of Buddhist learning, attracting students from China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

✅ Answer: B) Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right ConductThe Triratna (Three Jewels) of Jainism are: Samyak Darshana (Right Faith), Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct). These three together lead to liberation (Moksha). The Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavrata) are: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha.

✅ Answer: B) VaishaliThe Vajji republic (Lichchhavi confederation) had its capital at Vaishali (Bihar). Vaishali is significant as: (1) Capital of Vajji republic, (2) Birthplace of Mahavira, (3) Site of Second Buddhist Council, (4) Buddha’s last visit before Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali is considered one of the world’s earliest republics.

✅ Answer: C) Kashmir under KanishkaThe Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir (Kundalvana) in the 1st century CE under Kanishka (Kushana king). It was presided over by Vasumitra (with Ashvaghosha). It led to the formal split between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana texts were compiled in Sanskrit. The Third Council was at Pataliputra under Ashoka.

✅ Answer: D) BrahmacharyaParshvanatha (23rd Tirthankara) taught four vows: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, and Aparigraha. Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) added the fifth vow: Brahmacharya (celibacy). These five together are called the Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows) for Jain monks. Lay followers follow the Anuvrata (lesser vows).