[Solved] Kushinagar: Capital of Malla Republic and Buddha's Death

Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): Kushinagar was the capital of Malla Republic. Reason (R): Lord Buddha's Mahaparinirvana took place in Kushinagar.

[U.P.P.C.S. Special Prelims 2004]

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is B.

Ancient Kushinara (Kushinagar) served both a political and religious function in early Indian history.

Kushinagar was indeed the capital of one of the branches of the Malla republic (one of the 16 Mahajanapadas). It is also the specific location where Gautama Buddha passed away (Mahaparinirvana) in 483 BCE.

Both statements are individually true. (A) describes its political status, and (R) describes its religious significance.

However, (R) is not the explanation of (A). Kushinagar was the capital because of the Malla people's political organization, not because the Buddha chose to die there centuries after it was established.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Buddha choose Kushinagar for his final departure?"

According to tradition, it was a quiet place suitable for his final moments, and he wished to honor the hospitality of the Mallas.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The transition from Kushinara as a political capital to a religious pilgrimage site (Kushinagar) shows the lasting legacy of the Buddha on Indian geography."

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