UPSC CSE Prelims

Correct Option: D Explanation: The Buddha’s life was directly associated with Kosala and Magadha, where he taught and was patronised; Avanti and Gandhara were not among the principal kingdoms he visited. Statement/Pair-wise Analysis: Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - Avanti was important to Buddhism’s later spread, but is not conventionally included among the Buddha’s direct life settings here. Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Gandhara became a major Buddhist centre later; it is not counted among the kingdoms directly linked to his life. Statement/Item 3: Correct - Shravasti in Kosala was an important venue for the Buddha’s teaching. Statement/Item 4: Correct - Rajagriha in Magadha and its rulers were directly associated with the Buddha. Option-wise Analysis: A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/items 1, 2; omits correct statement/item 4. B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2; omits correct statement/item 4. C: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1. D: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.