Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Who among the following was Buddha's foster mother?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
This question explores the key figures in the early life of Siddhartha Gautama and the gender inclusivity of the early Sangha.Explanation
Mahapajapati Gotami was the sister of Buddha's biological mother, Maya. After Maya's death shortly after childbirth, Gotami raised Siddhartha. She later became a pioneer for women in Buddhism by becoming the first ordained nun (Bhikshuni).Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option D is correct. She led a group of women to request ordination from the Buddha at Vaishali.
Logic 2: Maya (C) was his biological mother. Purna (A) was a male disciple. Gajalakshmi (B) is a Hindu goddess associated with prosperity and not a historical relative of the Buddha.