Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Sthaviravadins:
- The Sthaviravadins are actually associated with the Theravada school of Buddhism.
- They emphasize the original teachings of the Buddha and adhere to the Pali Canon.
Lokottaravadin Sect:
- The Lokottaravadin sect is indeed considered an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
- This sect believed in the supernatural qualities of the Buddha and his teachings.
Deification of Buddha:
- The Mahasanghikas did foster the deification of the Buddha, which significantly contributed to the development of Mahayana Buddhism.
- This belief system emphasized the divine nature of the Buddha and led to the incorporation of more elaborate religious practices and teachings.

“Teaching of the Elders”
It emphasises individual liberation from suffering through personal effort and meditation.
This school focuses on the original teachings of Buddha as found in the Pali Canon and the Tripitaka.
Believes- only one historical Buddha- Shakyamuni
Samrat Ashoka– Contributed to spread
It is the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism
Practised in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
Sub-sects:
- Sarvastivada, Sthaviravada, Vibhajjavada, Sammitiya

Emerged in the 4th Buddhist council around the first century BCE.
It emphasises the concept of Bodhisattvas, who are beings that work for the enlightenment of all sentient beings.
Harshvarddhana was the patronage of Mahayana Buddhism; he established numerous monasteries and Buddhist institutions, sponsored the translation of Buddhist texts into Sanskrit, and organised Buddhist assemblies and councils.
From Kashmir spread to Central Asia – China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and includes
Sub-sects:
- Pure Land Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism.