UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I
Question 25: History and Culture
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.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Kosala and Magadha were the two great kingdoms of the Buddha's life. He was born at Lumbini among the Sakyas, whose republic was under Kosala, spent many rainy seasons at Shravasti in Kosala, and attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Magadha, often staying at its capital Rajagriha. Avanti and Gandhara were contemporary mahajanapadas but are not tied to events of his life.
- 1. Avanti was a contemporary kingdom but not tied to his life.
- 2. Gandhara was a contemporary kingdom but not tied to his life.
- 3. Kosala: the Sakyas were its vassals and he often stayed at Shravasti.
- 4. Magadha: enlightenment region and capital Rajagriha.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Avanti was a contemporary kingdom but not tied to his life.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: Gandhara was a contemporary kingdom but not tied to his life.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 3 or 4.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Avanti and Gandhara are not associated with the events of his life.
- (b) Wrong. Gandhara is not, and it leaves out Kosala.
- (c) Right. Kosala and Magadha are the kingdoms linked with his life.
- (d) Wrong. Avanti is not associated with his life.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.