History of Buddhism
Who presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council?
Vasumitra presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council held in Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka. Ashvaghosha was the vice-president.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2001
Evidence Source
Link ↗Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka in Kashmir?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2001, Paper I]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Buddhist Councils were organized to codify teachings and resolve sectarian differences. The 4th council marked a major turning point in Buddhist history.
Authentic Source Evidence
Chinese and Tibetan records confirm that Vasumitra was the president, while the famous poet Ashvaghosha served as the vice-president.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What was the most significant outcome of the 4th Buddhist Council?"
The formal split of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana (Theravada) sects and the use of Sanskrit for Buddhist texts.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Vasumitra's leadership solidified the Sarvastivada school's influence, which heavily shaped the future of Buddhism in Central Asia and China."
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