UPSC Prelims 2003 Q43: Ancient History – Buddhism & Jainism
Consider the following statements:
1. Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka.
2. Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Kosha - lan dynasty.
3. Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- (a) Only 1
- (b) Only 2
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 2 and 3
Explanation
> Note for students: Factually only statement 3 is correct, and no option says 'Only 3'. The published key (c) '2 and 3' is the nearest. Choose (c), or skip it to avoid the negative mark.
Mahavira, Buddha and Parshvanatha
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Mahavira's mother was the daughter of the Lichchhavi chief Chetaka | False: Trishala was the sister of Chetaka in the Jain tradition |
| 2. Buddha's mother was a princess of the Koshalan dynasty | False: Mahamaya was a princess of the Koliya clan |
| 3. Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras | True |
Only statement 3 is factually correct. The printed options do not offer 'Only 3'; option (c) '2 and 3' is the published key and the nearest, though statement 2 is wrong.
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 (published key; the factual set is 3 only).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is not correct.
- (b) Incorrect. It leaves out statement 3, which is true.
- (c) CORRECT. It includes the true statement 3 and is the nearest option.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are not correct.
Key point
Parshvanatha: Varanasi, son of Ashvasena; Mahavira: Kundagrama, Vaishali; Buddha: Lumbini.
Remember
Parshvanatha was born at Varanasi (Banaras).
Common mistakes
- Thinking Mahavira's mother was Chetaka's daughter.
- Calling the Buddha's mother a Koshalan princess.
- Forgetting that Parshvanatha was from Banaras.
Exam tip
Koliyas and Shakyas: the clans of Buddha's mother and father.
Sources
- Romila Thapar — Early India
- R. S. Sharma — Ancient India (NCERT textbook for Class XI)