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UPPCS Prelims 2011

Geography of the Buddha's Life

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Gautam Buddha attained 'Mahaparinirvana' in kingdom of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Mahaparinirvana refers to the final death of the Buddha, signifying the end of the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of ultimate peace.

Explanation According to the *Mahaparinibbana Sutta*, the Buddha passed away in Kushinagar, which was the capital of the Malla Mahajanapada (republic). He was roughly 80 years old at the time.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. The Mallas were a powerful republican state in what is now eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Logic 2: While Buddha spent most of his life in Magadha (B) and Kosala, his final days were spent in the territory of the Mallas.

Active Recall

Question

What is the symbolic representation of Mahaparinirvana?

Answer

The **Stupa** is the architectural and symbolic representation of the Buddha's death and his entry into final Nirvana.

Core Insight

The location of the Buddha's death in a republican state (Malla) reflects the early Buddhist affinity for non-monarchical social structures.

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