Prelims 2024 · Ancient History · Question 34
With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer
2 and 3 only
Nayaputta — This epithet is associated with Mahavira (Jaina tradition: Nataputta/Nayaputta), not Gautama Buddha. Verdict: Incorrect.
Shakyamuni — Buddha is widely known as Shakyamuni, meaning the sage of the Shakya clan. Verdict: Correct.
Tathagata — This is a well-known self-referential epithet used by the Buddha in Buddhist texts. Verdict: Correct.
Hence, 2 and 3 only are correct.