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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:
  1. 1, 2 and 3
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4
  4. 3 and 4 only

Explanation

Kingdoms Kosala and Magadha are associated with the life of buddha
  • Buddha was born in 563 BCE in Lumbini. His father, King Śuddhodana, was the leader of the Shakya clan, which was part of the Kosala kingdom.
    • Pasenadi (also known as Prasenajit) was an immensely popular ruler of Kosala, and a contemporary of the Buddha.
    • Kosala today can be identified with the areas of Lucknow, Gonda, Faizabad, and Baharaich of Uttar Pradesh
  • Magadha was a significant kingdom in the Buddha’s time. The Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya (Magadha) and delivered many sermons in this region, including Rajgir.

Some important Buddhist sites:

  • Sarnath (near Varanasi): Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after he attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. His first teachings is known as Dharmachakrapravartana Sutra.
  • Rajgir: It was the capital of Magadh Kingdom. It was here that Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching at Gridhra-kuta, (Vulture peak). He initiated king Bimbisara of Magadha and countless others to Buddhism. It was here that Budhha delivered his famous Atanatiya Sutra.
  • Sravasti: It was the capital of Kosala kingdom. The Buddha passed the greater part of his monastic life in Sravasti.
  • Vaishali: It is said that the Buddha visited this place thrice and spent quite a long time here. The Buddha announced his Nirvana here.
  • Kushinagar: It is one of the four sacred places of Lord Buddha. Buddha delivered his last sermon, attained Mahaparinirvana (salvation) in 483 BC and was cremated at Rambhar Stupa.
Avanti and Gandhara are not associated with life of buddha
  • Though Avanti was a contemporaneous kingdom, it was not directly associated with significant events in the Buddha’s life. Gandhara, located in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, was culturally important in later Buddhist history (especially during the spread of Mahayana Buddhism) but was not associated with Buddha’s life directly.
Answer: (d) 3 and 4 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

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