[Solved] Who were the Theris? Elder Nuns in Buddhism | Concept & Explanation

Who among the following were referred to as the Theris' in ancient India?

[CDS 2023 (I)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Early Buddhism allowed women to enter the monastic order (Sangha), leading to a unique class of female spiritual masters whose experiences were codified in verse.

Authentic Source Evidence

Theris refers to 'Elder Nuns' in Buddhism. The Therigatha is a collection of 73 poems by these women, documenting their path to enlightenment.

Analytical Breakdown

Option B is Correct: To be a 'Theri', a nun typically needed to have experienced at least ten monsoon seasons (Vassa) within the Sangha.

Significance: These verses are among the oldest surviving records of women's spiritual voices in world history.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the primary theme of the Therigatha poems?"

They describe the struggles of women from various social backgrounds and the ultimate liberation (Arhatship) they achieved through Buddhism.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The status of 'Theri' recognized spiritual authority and seniority based on merit and time, rather than social or family background."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Therigatha 2 Bhikkhuni Sangha 2

Analysing authentic CDS (I)previous year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Women in Early Buddhism helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Theris Buddhism and Elder Nuns builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →