Re Call - MCQ - National Renaissance In Sri Lanka -Buddhist Renaissance In Sri Lanka — O/L Past Papers & Revision Courses

#1. What were the two primary catalysts that sparked the Buddhist Renaissance in Sri Lanka?

The fall of the Kandyan Kingdom and the rise of a new merchant class.

Economic competition with Hindu traders and new taxes imposed by the British.

A desire for political independence and the influence of the Indian independence movement.

Missionary criticism of Buddhist traditions and the lack of government support for native language education.

#2. Which of the following was a primary strategy employed by Buddhist monks to revive traditional learning and counter colonial cultural influence?

Lobbying the British government for official funding.

Sending monks to study at universities in England.

The establishment of Pirivenas, traditional centers of monastic education.

Translating European scientific texts into Sinhala and Pali.

#3. The Vidyodaya Pirivena, a cornerstone of the educational revival, was established in 1873 at Maligakanda by which revered monk?

Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero

Rev. Walane Siddhartha Thero

Rev. Ratmalane Dhammaloka Thero

#4. Which prominent scholar-monk founded the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda in 1875, further strengthening the Buddhist educational movement?

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero

Rev. Ratmalane Dhammaloka Thero

Rev. Walane Siddhartha Thero

Rev. Bulathgama Dhammalankara

#5. What was the name of the pioneering Buddhist printing press established in Galle in 1862 to publish materials that countered missionary literature?

Sarasavi Sandaresa Printers

Lankopakara Printers

Sudarshana Printers

Kawatakathika Printers

#6. The establishment of the Lankopakara Printers was made possible through funding from local philanthropists and which notable foreign supporter?

The East India Company

The British Crown

The King of Thailand

The French Government

#7. Which of the following was a prominent Buddhist newspaper that emerged during the renaissance, used to promote national and religious consciousness?

Udayabhanu

Muslim Nevisian

Sinhala Bauddhaya

The Catholic Messenger

#8. What was the main objective of the famous series of public confrontations known as the “Pancha Maha Wadha” (Five Great Debates)?

To negotiate for greater political representation.

To counter the arguments and public preaching of Christian missionaries.

To standardize Buddhist doctrines across different monastic orders.

To raise funds for the restoration of ancient temples.

#9. Who was the celebrated champion and lead speaker for the Buddhist side in the “Pancha Maha Wadha”?

Anagarika Dharmapala

Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala

Sir Henry Steel Olcott

#10. Which specific debate, held in 1873, gained international acclaim and was directly responsible for inspiring Sir Henry Steel Olcott to come to Sri Lanka?

The Baddegama Debate

The Gampola Debate

The Waragoda Debate

The Panadura Debate

#11. What was Sir Henry Steel Olcott’s most significant and lasting contribution to the Buddhist Renaissance?

He personally led the public debates against missionaries.

He translated the entire Tripitaka into English.

He founded the Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement and established a network of Buddhist schools.

He acted as the chief political negotiator for the Buddhists with the British government.

#12. What was the name of the influential organization founded by Sir Henry Steel Olcott in 1880, which became the main vehicle for establishing Buddhist schools?

The Mahabodhi Society

The Young Men's Buddhist Association

The Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement

The Buddhist Theosophical Society

#13. Premier institutions like Ananda Vidyalaya (Colombo) and Dharmaraja Vidyalaya (Kandy) were established as part of the educational revival led by which figure and his movement?

Sir Henry Steel Olcott

Anagarika Dharmapala

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala

Piyadasa Sirisena

#14. Which of these was a major victory for the Buddhist renaissance, resulting in official recognition from the colonial government?

The return of all temple lands confiscated by the British.

The appointment of a Buddhist council to advise the governor.

The declaration of Vesak Poya as a public holiday.

The establishment of a government-funded Buddhist university.

#15. What iconic symbol, created during this era, represents the Buddhist faith worldwide and stands as a key achievement of the renaissance?

The six-coloured Buddhist flag

The official Dharmachakra emblem

The standardized Bodhi leaf symbol

The formal design of the monk's saffron robe

#16. The religious revival gave birth to a powerful new movement focused on patriotism and nationalism, which was championed by leaders such as Anagarika Dharmapala and __________.

Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda

Sir Ponnambalam Ramanadan

Walisinghe Harischandra

T.B. Jayah

#17. The movement to protect and restore ancient heritage sites, such as those in Anuradhapura, was led by Anagarika Dharmapala and which other dedicated activist?

John De Silva

Walisinghe Harischandra

Don Spater Senanayake

H.C.P. Bell

#18. While the renaissance was a local movement, it was aided by the work of European scholars like H.C.P. Bell and Riis David, who contributed primarily through __________.

providing financial grants to new schools

their archaeological research and translations of ancient texts

leading the public debates against missionaries

organizing the Temperance Movement

#19. What was the primary goal of the Temperance Movement, an important social campaign led by figures like Anagarika Dharmapala and Piyadasa Sirisena?

To promote vegetarianism among the public.

To advocate for women's right to vote.

To campaign against the consumption of alcohol.

To demand better working conditions on plantations.

#20. How did national writers like Piyadasa Sirisena and John De Silva use their art to contribute to the renaissance?

By writing novels and dramas that criticized Western cultural imitation and social problems like alcoholism.

By translating Buddhist scriptures into modern Sinhala.

By composing new patriotic songs and anthems.

By documenting the history of the Kandyan Kingdom.

#21. Anagarika Dharmapala’s vision for the nation, which he spread through his publications, was centered on the idea of __________.

adopting a British-style parliamentary democracy

reviving the glory of Sri Lanka's past civilization and its harmonious way of life

creating a modern, industrialized state based on Western models

establishing a new kingdom with a Buddhist monarch

#22. To expand its impact, the Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement established branches in other key cities, including __________.

Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya

Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa

Galle, Kandy, and Ratnapura

Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Bandarawela

#23. The movement for protecting Buddhist heritage sites undertook the renovation of which famous stupa, with work beginning around 1870?

The Jethavanaramaya

The Ruwanweli Seya

The Abhayagiri Dagaba

The Mirisawetiya Stupa

#24. During the Great Debates, Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero was effectively supported by a team of other eminent monks, which included __________.

Anagarika Dharmapala and Walisinghe Harischandra

Piyadasa Sirisena and John De Silva

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sumangala and Rev. Rathmalane Dhammaloka

Don Karolis Hewawitharana and Sir Henry Steel Olcott

#25. What were the two primary challenges that spurred the Buddhist renaissance in Sri Lanka?

Economic decline and the collapse of the monarchy.

Internal disputes among Buddhist sects and lack of royal patronage.

Missionary criticism of Buddhist traditions and the absence of government support for native language education.

The introduction of new agricultural methods and the migration of workers.

#26. Who founded the Vidyodaya Pirivena in Maligakanda in 1873, a key institution in the revival of Buddhist education?

Rev. Walane Siddhartha Thero.

Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero.

Rev. Ratmalane Dhammaloka Thero.

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero.

#27. The Lankopakara Printers, established in Galle in 1862, was a significant step for the Buddhist revival. From where did it receive crucial funding?

Exclusively from the British colonial government.

From wealthy Buddhist merchants in Colombo.

From the King of Thailand and local philanthropists.

From a consortium of European academic societies.

#28. Which of the “Pancha Maha Wadha” (Five Great Debates) gained international recognition and was instrumental in inspiring Sir Henry Steel Olcott to come to Sri Lanka?

The Udanwita Debate (1866).

The Gampola Debate (1871).

The Panadura Debate (1873).

The Baddegama Debate (1865).

#29. What was the name of the organization founded by Sir Henry Steel Olcott in 1880 to establish Buddhist schools and promote Buddhist education?

The Mahabodhi Society.

Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement.

The Young Men's Buddhist Association.

The Sri Lankan Buddhist Congress.

#30. Which of the following was a key achievement of the Buddhist renaissance, resulting in an official day of recognition from the government?

The restoration of Ruwanweli Seya.

The establishment of Lankopakara Printers.

The declaration of Vesak Poya as a public holiday.

The victory in the Panadura debate.

#31. The movement for Patriotism and Nationalism was led by several key figures. Who among the following was a prominent leader of this movement?

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala.

Don Karolis Hewawitharana.

Anagarika Dharmapala.

Sir Henry Steel Olcott.

#32. Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero is best remembered for his leading role in which aspect of the Buddhist renaissance?

Establishing Buddhist printing presses.

Leading the Buddhist side in public debates against missionaries.

Founding the Vidyodaya Pirivena.

Campaigning for the Temperance Movement.

#33. The establishment of pirivenas like Parama Dhamma Chethiya, Vidyodaya, and Vidyalankara had a significant cultural impact. What was their main contribution?

They focused exclusively on teaching English to compete with missionary schools.

They primarily trained monks for missionary work abroad.

They produced scholars proficient in Sinhala, Pali, and Sanskrit, thereby preserving indigenous culture.

They functioned as political centers for anti-British agitation.

#34. Ananda Vidyalaya in Colombo and Dharmaraja Vidyalaya in Kandy are prominent schools established as part of which initiative?

The government's effort to promote bilingual education.

The movement led by Sir Henry Steel Olcott to create a network of Buddhist schools.

The initiative by local philanthropists to educate the poor.

The educational reforms proposed by the Donoughmore Commission.

#35. The Temperance Movement in Sri Lanka was a direct response to what specific issue promoted under British rule?

The spread of gambling.

The consumption of tobacco.

The rise of alcoholism.

The decline in traditional sports.

#36. Which national writer used the medium of drama, including works like the Sura Act in Sinhala Parabhawa, to highlight the dangers of alcoholism?

Piyadasa Sirisena.

Anagarika Dharmapala.

John De Silva.

Walisinghe Harischandra.

#37. European scholars like George Turner and H.C.P. Bell contributed to the national renaissance by:

Funding the construction of new temples and schools.

Translating the Bible into local languages.

Lobbying the British Parliament for Sri Lankan independence.

Conducting archaeological research that uncovered the island's ancient civilization.

#38. Who was the founder of the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda in 1875?

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero.

Rev. Walane Siddhartha Thero.

Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero.

Rev. Ratmalane Dhammaloka Thero.

#39. Which of these publications was NOT mentioned as a key newspaper or magazine of the Buddhist renaissance?

Lakmini Pahana.

Sarasavi Sandaresa.

Masika Thegga.

Sinhala Bauddhaya.

#40. Walisinghe Harischandra and Anagarika Dharmapala were leading figures in which specific effort?

The Temperance Movement.

The establishment of the Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement.

The protection and restoration of ancient Buddhist religious sites.

The translation of Pali texts into English.

#41. The renovation of which major religious monument is noted to have commenced around 1870 as part of the movement to protect religious places?

The Abhayagiri Stupa.

The Jetavanaramaya.

Ruwanweli Seya.

The Temple of the Tooth.

#42. Which individual is specifically credited with leading the effort to protect the sacred site of Buddhagaya in India for Buddhists?

Walisinghe Harischandra.

Sir Henry Steel Olcott.

Anagarika Dharmapala.

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala.

#43. What symbolic item, still in use globally today, was introduced as a result of the Buddhist renaissance in Sri Lanka?

The Dharmachakra emblem.

The Vesak lantern.

The Bodhi tree flag.

The six-colored Buddhist flag.

#44. Who was the founder of the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena in Rathmalana, one of the earliest centers of the educational revival?

Rev. Walane Siddhartha Thero.

Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero.

Rev. Ratmalane Dhammaloka Thero.

Rev. Bulathgama Dhammalankara Thero.

Re Call – MCQ – National Renaissance in Sri Lanka -Buddhist Renaissance in Sri Lanka

Results

#1. What were the two primary catalysts that sparked the Buddhist Renaissance in Sri Lanka?

#2. Which of the following was a primary strategy employed by Buddhist monks to revive traditional learning and counter colonial cultural influence?

#3. The Vidyodaya Pirivena, a cornerstone of the educational revival, was established in 1873 at Maligakanda by which revered monk?

#4. Which prominent scholar-monk founded the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda in 1875, further strengthening the Buddhist educational movement?

#5. What was the name of the pioneering Buddhist printing press established in Galle in 1862 to publish materials that countered missionary literature?

#6. The establishment of the Lankopakara Printers was made possible through funding from local philanthropists and which notable foreign supporter?

#7. Which of the following was a prominent Buddhist newspaper that emerged during the renaissance, used to promote national and religious consciousness?

#8. What was the main objective of the famous series of public confrontations known as the “Pancha Maha Wadha” (Five Great Debates)?

#9. Who was the celebrated champion and lead speaker for the Buddhist side in the “Pancha Maha Wadha”?

#10. Which specific debate, held in 1873, gained international acclaim and was directly responsible for inspiring Sir Henry Steel Olcott to come to Sri Lanka?

#11. What was Sir Henry Steel Olcott’s most significant and lasting contribution to the Buddhist Renaissance?

#12. What was the name of the influential organization founded by Sir Henry Steel Olcott in 1880, which became the main vehicle for establishing Buddhist schools?

#13. Premier institutions like Ananda Vidyalaya (Colombo) and Dharmaraja Vidyalaya (Kandy) were established as part of the educational revival led by which figure and his movement?

#14. Which of these was a major victory for the Buddhist renaissance, resulting in official recognition from the colonial government?

#15. What iconic symbol, created during this era, represents the Buddhist faith worldwide and stands as a key achievement of the renaissance?

#16. The religious revival gave birth to a powerful new movement focused on patriotism and nationalism, which was championed by leaders such as Anagarika Dharmapala and __________.

#17. The movement to protect and restore ancient heritage sites, such as those in Anuradhapura, was led by Anagarika Dharmapala and which other dedicated activist?

#18. While the renaissance was a local movement, it was aided by the work of European scholars like H.C.P. Bell and Riis David, who contributed primarily through __________.

#19. What was the primary goal of the Temperance Movement, an important social campaign led by figures like Anagarika Dharmapala and Piyadasa Sirisena?

#20. How did national writers like Piyadasa Sirisena and John De Silva use their art to contribute to the renaissance?

#21. Anagarika Dharmapala’s vision for the nation, which he spread through his publications, was centered on the idea of __________.

#22. To expand its impact, the Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement established branches in other key cities, including __________.

#23. The movement for protecting Buddhist heritage sites undertook the renovation of which famous stupa, with work beginning around 1870?

#24. During the Great Debates, Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero was effectively supported by a team of other eminent monks, which included __________.

#25. What were the two primary challenges that spurred the Buddhist renaissance in Sri Lanka?

#26. Who founded the Vidyodaya Pirivena in Maligakanda in 1873, a key institution in the revival of Buddhist education?

#27. The Lankopakara Printers, established in Galle in 1862, was a significant step for the Buddhist revival. From where did it receive crucial funding?

#28. Which of the “Pancha Maha Wadha” (Five Great Debates) gained international recognition and was instrumental in inspiring Sir Henry Steel Olcott to come to Sri Lanka?

#29. What was the name of the organization founded by Sir Henry Steel Olcott in 1880 to establish Buddhist schools and promote Buddhist education?

#30. Which of the following was a key achievement of the Buddhist renaissance, resulting in an official day of recognition from the government?

#31. The movement for Patriotism and Nationalism was led by several key figures. Who among the following was a prominent leader of this movement?

#32. Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda Thero is best remembered for his leading role in which aspect of the Buddhist renaissance?

#33. The establishment of pirivenas like Parama Dhamma Chethiya, Vidyodaya, and Vidyalankara had a significant cultural impact. What was their main contribution?

#34. Ananda Vidyalaya in Colombo and Dharmaraja Vidyalaya in Kandy are prominent schools established as part of which initiative?

#35. The Temperance Movement in Sri Lanka was a direct response to what specific issue promoted under British rule?

#36. Which national writer used the medium of drama, including works like the Sura Act in Sinhala Parabhawa, to highlight the dangers of alcoholism?

#37. European scholars like George Turner and H.C.P. Bell contributed to the national renaissance by:

#38. Who was the founder of the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda in 1875?

#39. Which of these publications was NOT mentioned as a key newspaper or magazine of the Buddhist renaissance?

#40. Walisinghe Harischandra and Anagarika Dharmapala were leading figures in which specific effort?

#41. The renovation of which major religious monument is noted to have commenced around 1870 as part of the movement to protect religious places?

#42. Which individual is specifically credited with leading the effort to protect the sacred site of Buddhagaya in India for Buddhists?

#43. What symbolic item, still in use globally today, was introduced as a result of the Buddhist renaissance in Sri Lanka?

#44. Who was the founder of the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena in Rathmalana, one of the earliest centers of the educational revival?