Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?<br/>1. Avanti<br/>2. Gandhara<br/>3. Kosala<br/>4. Magadha<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. Avanti — Avanti was a major Mahajanapada of the Buddha’s age, but it is not counted among the kingdoms directly associated with the main events of his life. Verdict: Incorrect.

2. Gandhara — Gandhara was contemporary to the Buddha, but it was not directly associated with the key events of his life. Verdict: Incorrect.

3. Kosala — Kosala was closely linked with the Buddha; Shravasti in Kosala was one of his main centres of activity, under King Prasenajit. Verdict: Correct.

4. Magadha — Magadha was directly associated with the Buddha’s life; Rajagriha and later Pataliputra region were important, and King Bimbisara/Ajatashatru were his contemporaries. Verdict: Correct.

Hence, the kingdoms associated with the life of the Buddha are 3 and 4 only.