Question 42

Let's analyze each statement regarding Stupas:

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. This statement is incorrect. While stupas became intrinsically linked with Buddhism and served as its primary architectural manifestation, their origins predate Buddhism. Early stupa-like mounds served as pre-Buddhist burial or funerary mounds in India, possibly for venerated individuals or as part of a funerary cult. Buddhism later adopted and transformed this existing tradition into a central element of its architectural and spiritual practice.

2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. This statement is correct. A primary function of stupas in Buddhism was to house the corporeal relics of the Buddha (e.g., bones, hair, teeth) or those of important Buddhist monks and saints, as well as their belongings or sacred texts. These are known as 'sararika stupas'.

3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. This statement is correct. Stupas were often built to commemorate significant events in the Buddha's life or important figures ('paribhogika stupas') or as objects of devotion and merit-making ('votive stupas' built by pilgrims). Buddhists would circumambulate them as a form of worship and to accumulate merit.

Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.