UPSC Prelims 2015 · GS Paper I
Question 39: 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 (d).
Kosala and Magadha were the two great kingdoms linked to the Buddha's life. He was born at Lumbini, in the Shakya country that was subject to Kosala, spent much time at Shravasti in Kosala, attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Magadha and taught at Rajagriha. Avanti and Gandhara belonged to the same group of mahajanapadas, but the Buddha's life is not tied to them.
- 1. Avanti was a contemporary mahajanapada but not tied to the Buddha's life.
- 2. Gandhara was in the north-west and not associated with his life.
- 3. He lived and taught at Shravasti in Kosala.
- 4. He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and taught at Rajagriha in Magadha.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Avanti was a contemporary mahajanapada but not tied to the Buddha's life.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: Gandhara was in the north-west and not associated with his life.
Only (d) 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 were not associated with the Buddha's life.
- (b) Wrong: Gandhara is not associated with the Buddha's life.
- (c) Wrong: Avanti is not associated with the Buddha's life.
- (d) Correct: Kosala and Magadha were the kingdoms linked to the Buddha.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.