UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha’s Chief Disciples Enshrined in Mongolia

Q1. The 2026 exposition and enshrinement of the sacred relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana at Ulaanbaatar was operationalised on the Indian side by which one of the following as the nodal ministry?

• A. Ministry of Culture
• B. Ministry of External Affairs
• C. Ministry of Minority Affairs
• D. Ministry of Tourism

Q2. With reference to Sanchi and the relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana, which of the following statements is/are correctly identified?

1. The relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana were preserved for centuries in the stupas of Sanchi.
2. Alexander Cunningham excavated Sanchi in the year 1850.
3. Cunningham documented his findings in the volume 'The Bhilsa Topes' (1854).
4. The Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana.

• A. 1, 2 and 3
• B. 1 and 4
• C. 2, 3 and 4
• D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. In the context of the relics preserved at Sanchi, a 'stupa' is best defined as which one of the following?

• A. A domed, mound-like commemorative structure that enshrines sacred relics and serves as a place of veneration
• B. A rock-cut congregational prayer hall culminating in an apse
• C. A residential complex of cells built for monks to dwell in
• D. An ornamental ceremonial gateway marking the entrance to a sacred precinct

Q4. In the Buddhist tradition, which one of the Buddha's disciples is regarded as foremost in wisdom and is traditionally titled the 'General of the Dharma'?

• A. Sariputra
• B. Mahamoggallana
• C. Ananda
• D. Mahakasyapa

Q5. With reference to the two chief disciples of the Buddha, which of the following statements is/are correctly identified?

1. Sariputra was renowned as foremost in wisdom among the Buddha's disciples.
2. Mahamoggallana was renowned for his psychic and supernatural (iddhi) powers.
3. Sariputra was reputed as a master of the Abhidhamma.
4. Mahamoggallana served as the Buddha's personal attendant.

• A. 1, 2 and 3
• B. 2 and 4
• C. 1 and 4
• D. 3 and 4 only

Q6. As of the 2026 Ulaanbaatar exposition, to how many foreign countries have the relics of the Buddha's two chief disciples (Sariputra and Mahamoggallana) been sent abroad for exposition?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Q7. The 'Celestial Journey' exposition, in which the relics of Lord Buddha and his two chief disciples were taken abroad, was held in Thailand in which year?

• A. 2022
• B. 2023
• C. 2024
• D. 2025

Q8. Which one of the following aircraft of the Indian Air Force was used to airlift the sacred relics from Delhi to Mongolia on 30 May 2026?

• A. IL-76 'Gajraj'
• B. C-17 Globemaster III
• C. C-130J Super Hercules
• D. An-32

Q9. The 2026 Mongolia exposition of the chief disciples' relics was announced by the Prime Minister of India during the State Visit of the President of Mongolia to India, which took place in which month and year?

• A. June 2022
• B. February 2024
• C. October 2025
• D. January 2026