How did Devadatta attempt to split the Sangha?

He proposed five more austere rules (like living only in forests and never eating meat) to attract monks who felt the Buddha's middle path was too lenient.

Internal History of the Sangha

UPSC Archival Analysis

Q: Who among the following wanted to become the leader of the Sangha even during the lifetime of Buddha?

Devadatta was the monk who challenged Gautama Buddha's leadership and sought to head the Sangha during the Buddha's own lifetime.

Exam Year

1999

Evidence Source

Link

ID: HIS_ANC_1999_111 Ref: Standard Educational Reference