2015 · Q39
Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
- 1.Avanti
- 2.Gandhara
- 3.Kosala
- 4.Magadha
- (a)1, 2 and 3
- (b)2 and 3 only
- (c)1, 3 and 4
- (d)3 and 4 only
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Kingdoms 3 and 4 are correct, so the official answer is (d). Kosala, ruled by Prasenajit, contained Sravasti, where the Buddha spent the greater number of his rain retreats at the Jetavana monastery given by Anathapindika, and Kapilavastu, his natal Sakya territory, lay within its sphere. Magadha under Bimbisara and then Ajatasatru contained Rajagriha, where the Venuvana was given to the order, Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment, and Nalanda, and Bimbisara was among his earliest royal patrons. Gandhara, in the north west around Taxila and Pushkalavati, had no association with the Buddha's life; its Buddhist connection is later and artistic, the Gandhara school of sculpture arising under Kushana patronage some five centuries afterwards, which is exactly the confusion the item is built on. Avanti, with its capital at Ujjayini under Pradyota, was reached by Buddhism through the missionary work of the disciple Mahakatyayana rather than by the Buddha himself, who is not recorded as having travelled there. Elimination route: rejecting Gandhara removes options (a) and (b), after which the item turns on Avanti alone.
Moderate · Static · Ancient and Medieval History · Mahajanapadas to Gupta