Which East Asian architectural form is derived from Indian stupas and is used to house relics?

• A. Stupa
• B. Mihrab
• C. Finial
• D. Pagoda

Answer: (D)

Understanding how Buddhist architectural forms migrated and transformed from India to East Asia helps explain why a pagoda became the East Asian form used to house relics. Indian stupas are mound-like reliquaries built to enshrine sacred relics. As Buddhism spread to China, Korea, and Japan, builders adapted the stupa into a tall, multi-tiered tower with upturned eaves—the pagoda—that continues to enshrine relics and scriptures. The stacked levels and the spire symbolize sacred ascent and protection of the relics. The other terms refer to different contexts: a stupa is the original Indian form; a mihrab marks the direction of prayer in a mosque; a finial is simply a decorative tip on a roof or spire.