PYQ 2013 Q86 · RaahUPSC PYQ

2013 · Art & CulturePrevious Year Question

Q86.

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

A. Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

B. Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

C. Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it

D. There is no material difference between the two

Answer

B

Explanation

Chaitya is a place of worship/prayer hall (contains a stupa at the far end). Vihara is the dwelling/residential place of Buddhist monks — a monastery.