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UPSC CSE Prelims 2014

Historical Geography of Buddhism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

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:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Buddha's life and ministry were confined to the central Gangetic plains (Middle Country or Madhyadesha) of ancient India.

Explanation Buddha was born in Lumbini (near Kosala), attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya (Magadha), preached at Sarnath (Kashi/Kosala border), and passed away in Kushinagar (Malla/Magadha influence).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statements 3 and 4 are correct. Kosala (King Pasenadi) and Magadha (Kings Bimbisara/Ajatashatru) were the primary regions where Buddha lived and preached.
Logic 2: Avanti (Western India) and Gandhara (Northwest) were too far during his lifetime. While the King of Avanti invited him, Buddha never visited personally. Gandhara became Buddhist only much later under the Mauryas.

Active Recall

Question

Which Mahajanapada was Buddha's birthplace located in?

Answer

Lumbini was located in the Shakya republic, which was an ally and eventual part of the Kosala Mahajanapada.

Core Insight

Buddha's success was largely due to the patronage of powerful kings in the Magadha and Kosala regions, which provided a stable environment for the early Sangha.

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