Question 21 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Culture

Question

Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 3, and 4

Strategy: Prioritize kingdoms central to Buddha's life: Kosala (birthplace region), Magadha (enlightenment), and Avanti (late-life visits). Exclude peripheral kingdoms like Gandhara. Use elimination by requiring the presence of both Kosala and Magadha to narrow down options.

Key Info: **Buddha's Connection to the Mahajanapadas**
Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was born in Lumbini, within the sphere of influence of the Kosala kingdom. He spent much of his teaching career in the Ganga plains, particularly in the Kosala and Magadha regions.

-   **Kosala:** This kingdom encompassed Shravasti, a key city visited by the Buddha. His father's clan, the Shakyas, was under Kosala's suzerainty and governed his birthplace, Lumbini.
-   **Magadha:** The Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, located in Magadha. He gave his first sermon in Sarnath and died in Kushinagar. Rulers of Magadha, such as Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, were his patrons and played pivotal roles in early Buddhism.
-   **Avanti:** While not a central location, Buddhist texts mention the Buddha's missionaries and interactions with Avanti later in his life, indicating some association.
-   **Gandhara:** Located in the northwest, Gandhara was significant for later Greco-Buddhist art but had no direct involvement with the Buddha's life events.

Although all these were among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, historical and Buddhist records primarily link the Buddha personally with Kosala, Magadha, and Avanti.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 3

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 4 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 3 and 4

Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? Avanti Gandhara Kosala Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

Avanti

Gandhara

Kosala

Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below: