Consider the following information: Archaeological Site State Description 1. Kesariya Stupa Bihar One of the largest ancient Buddhist stupas in the world 2. Piprahwa Uttar Pradesh Ancient stupa site yielding Buddha relics in soapstone caskets with early Brahmi inscriptions 3. Ramabhar Stupa Uttar Pradesh Stupa marking the Mahaparinirvana cremation site of Gautama Buddha at Kushinagar 4. Salihundam Andhra Pradesh Major coastal Buddhist site featuring stupas and pillared halls overlooking the Vamsadhara river In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1, 2, 3 and 4

[D] 1 and 4 only

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation:

Row 1 is correctly matched: Kesariya Stupa in East Champaran, Bihar, is a massive terraced stupa dating back to the Maurya and Gupta periods.
Row 2 is correctly matched: Piprahwa in Siddharthnagar district, UP (identified with Kapilavastu), yielded bone relics of the Buddha inside inscribed crystal and soapstone caskets during excavations.
Row 3 is correctly matched: Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar, UP, marks the exact spot where Gautama Buddha was cremated after his Mahaparinirvana.
Row 4 is correctly matched: Salihundam in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent hilltop Buddhist site containing stupas, chaityas, and viharas.