UPSC Prelims 2001 Q41: Ancient History – Buddhism & Jainism
Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of
Kanishka at Kashmir?
- (a) Parsva
- (b) Nagarjuna
- (c) Sudraka
- (d) Vasumitra
Answer: (d) Vasumitra
Explanation
President of the Buddhist Council held in Kashmir under Kanishka
| Council | Details |
|---|---|
| Fourth Buddhist Council (c. 1st century CE) | Kundalvana, Kashmir, under Kanishka; president Vasumitra, vice-president Ashvaghosha |
| Outcome | Split into Hinayana and Mahayana; commentaries (Vibhashas) compiled |
| Parsva | Senior monk who urged Kanishka to call the council |
| Nagarjuna | Later Mahayana philosopher (Madhyamika school) |
The Fourth Buddhist Council met in Kashmir under Kanishka and was presided over by Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosha as his deputy. Sudraka was a playwright (Mrichchhakatika), not a monk.
Answer: (d) Vasumitra.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Parsva advised Kanishka to call the council but did not preside.
- (b) Incorrect. Nagarjuna was a later Mahayana philosopher.
- (c) Incorrect. Sudraka was a playwright who wrote the Mrichchhakatika.
- (d) CORRECT. Vasumitra presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council.
Key point
Councils: Rajagriha (Mahakassapa, Ajatashatru); Vaishali (Sabakami, Kalashoka); Pataliputra (Moggaliputta Tissa, Ashoka); Kashmir (Vasumitra, Kanishka).
Remember
Fourth Council, Kashmir, Kanishka = Vasumitra (vice: Ashvaghosha).
Common mistakes
- Choosing Nagarjuna, the best-known Mahayana thinker.
- Choosing Parsva, who only proposed the council.
- Mixing up the presidents of the four councils.
Exam tip
Learn the four councils as a table of place, king and president.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII (old) — Ancient India by R. S. Sharma, chapter on the Kushans and Buddhism
- Upinder Singh — A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India, chapter on the Kushanas