Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2015 · Ancient History · Question 39

Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

  1. Avanti
  2. Gandhara
  3. Kosala
  4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4
  4. 3 and 4 only

Answer

3 and 4 only

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.

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