UPSC Prelims 2014 Q25: Ancient History – Mahajanapadas & Early Kingdoms
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 code given below.
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 2 and 4
- (c) 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Kingdoms associated with the life of the Buddha
| Kingdom | Associated? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Avanti | No | The Buddha never visited it; his disciple Mahakachchayana took the faith there |
| 2. Gandhara | No | Buddhism reached the north-west later, under Ashoka and the Kushanas |
| 3. Kosala | Yes | He spent many rainy seasons at Jetavana, Sravasti |
| 4. Magadha | Yes | Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya; Rajagriha; King Bimbisara |
Events of the Buddha's life:
| Event | Place |
|---|---|
| Birth | Lumbini |
| Enlightenment | Bodh Gaya (Magadha) |
| First sermon | Sarnath |
| Death (Mahaparinirvana) | Kushinagar |
Answer: (c) 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Avanti and Gandhara were not part of the Buddha's own life.
- (b) Incorrect. Gandhara is wrong, and Kosala is left out.
- (c) CORRECT. Only Kosala and Magadha were associated with the life of the Buddha.
- (d) Incorrect. Avanti was never visited by the Buddha.
Key point
Buddha's life: Kosala (Sravasti) and Magadha (Bodh Gaya, Rajagriha); Lumbini, Sarnath, Kushinagar are the other key places.
Remember
Buddha's kingdoms: Kosala and Magadha.
Common mistakes
- Adding Gandhara because of the later Gandhara school of art.
- Adding Avanti as a great kingdom of the same age.
- Forgetting the four places: Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar.
Exam tip
The Buddha stayed in the middle Ganga plain: eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 4 (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings)
- A.L. Basham — The Wonder That Was India (Religion: Buddhism)