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 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• The Buddha's life unfolded in Kosala and Magadha: he was born at Lumbini in the Shakya republic (a Kosalan dependency), preached at Sravasti (Kosala's capital) for many rainy seasons, attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and preached at Rajagriha in Magadha, where kings Bimbisara and Ajatashatru were his patrons.

• Avanti (1) and Gandhara (2) were among the sixteen Mahajanapadas but were not directly associated with his life.

• Hence 3 and 4 only, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 3: Avanti and Gandhara were not part of the Buddha's life.
(b) 2 and 3 only: Gandhara was not associated; Magadha was.
(c) 1, 3 and 4: Avanti was not associated with the Buddha's life.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.