Part of: Madhya Pradesh Gk set 6

Where is the largest concentration of stupas in India?

Category: Madhya Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the historical significance of Madhya Pradesh in ancient Indian history.

Correct Answer: A) Madhya Pradesh.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question asks about the largest concentration of stupas in India. Stupas are dome-shaped structures that are typically associated with Buddhist religious sites. They are used to house relics of the Buddha or other important Buddhist figures and are often surrounded by a path for circumambulation and adorned with sculptures and carvings.

Madhya Pradesh, particularly the region of Sanchi, is renowned for its large number of stupas. Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the most famous and is believed to have been originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Over the centuries, many more stupas were added to the site, making it the location with the largest concentration of stupas in India.

While other states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and even some parts of Kerala have significant historical and religious sites, they do not have the same concentration of stupas as Madhya Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh, for example, is known for sites like Sarnath and Kushinagar, which are important in Buddhist history but do not have as many stupas as Sanchi. Similarly, Bihar is known for sites like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, which are significant but not as rich in stupas as Sanchi.

Therefore, the correct answer is Madhya Pradesh, as it is home to the largest concentration of stupas in India, particularly in the region of Sanchi.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Madhya Pradesh, particularly the region of Sanchi, is known for having the largest concentration of stupas in India. Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its Buddhist monuments.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Kerala is known for its temples and churches, but it is not known for a large concentration of stupas. Stupas are more commonly associated with Buddhist sites, which are less prevalent in Kerala.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Uttar Pradesh has significant historical and religious sites, including stupas, but it does not have the largest concentration of stupas in India. The concentration of stupas in Madhya Pradesh, especially in Sanchi, is much larger.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Bihar has important Buddhist sites, such as Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, but it does not have the largest concentration of stupas. The region of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh has a greater number of stupas.

Mnemonic: S - Stupas, T - Teli Ka Mandir, U - Ujjain, P - Pachmarhi, A - Amarkantak

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