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UPPCS Mains 2010

Modern Perceptions of Ancient Figures

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following is known as the 'Light of Asia'?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The title 'Light of Asia' reflects the profound impact of the Buddha's life and philosophy on the moral and spiritual landscape of the entire continent.

Explanation The term was popularized by Sir Edwin Arnold in his 1879 narrative poem titled *'The Light of Asia'*. The book brought the life and message of Gautama Buddha to the Western world, depicting him as a source of wisdom for all humanity.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. The title is uniquely synonymous with the Buddha in literary and historical contexts.
Logic 2: While Gandhi, Mahavira, and Vivekanand were influential, this specific poetic epithet is reserved for the founder of Buddhism.

Active Recall

Question

What was the significance of Edwin Arnold's book?

Answer

It was one of the first works to present the Buddha's life to a Western audience in an accessible and reverent poetic form, sparking a global interest in Buddhism.

Core Insight

The 'Light of Asia' label signifies that Buddha's teachings were not just a local Indian phenomenon but a beacon of enlightenment that transformed the culture of most of the Asian continent.

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