Q. 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 codes given below.

• 1, 2 and 3 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1, 3 and 4
• 3 and 4 only

Answer: (d) 3 and 4 only

Notes:

• Buddha travelled through the towns and villages in the kingdoms of Kosala and Magadha teaching his philosophy. Other regions where he wandered were Vaishali, Vajji, etc.
  • Jetavana (Jeta garden) was perhaps the best known among the beautiful gardens provided to Buddha’s entourage and it was close to Sravasti, the capital of the Kosala kingdom.
  • Perhaps the second-most important monastic resort of Buddha was the “bamboo grove” in Rajgriha, the capital of Magadha, provided by king Bimbisara.
• Kosala:
  • The Buddha was born in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu, which was part of the Shakya republic within the Kosala kingdom.
  • His mother, Mahamaya, was a princess from the Kosalan dynasty.
  • The Buddha often preached at the capital city of Shravasti (Savatthi) in Kosala, where he spent the rainy seasons during the last 25 years of his life.
• Magadha:
  • The Buddha died in Kusinara, which was part of the Malla republic within the Magadha kingdom.
  • Magadha’s king Bimbisara was a follower of the Buddha.
  • Rajgir, the early capital of Magadha, was also a place where the Buddha lived as an ascetic.
• Gandhara:
  • While Gandhara became a significant center of Buddhism later, it was not directly associated with the historical events of the Buddha’s life.
  • During the rule of Asoka Gandhara was influenced by Buddhist culture.
• Avanti:
  • Avanti was not directly related to the life of Buddha.