UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 49
With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets ?
- Nayaputta
- Shakyamuni
- Tathagata
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (2 and 3 only)
Explanation: Shakyamuni (“sage of the Shakya clan”) and Tathagata are epithets of Gautama Buddha; Nayaputta refers to Mahavira in Jain tradition.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Incorrect/False - Nayaputta/Nataputta is an epithet of Mahavira.
2. Correct/True - Shakyamuni refers to the Buddha of the Shakya clan.
3. Correct/True - Tathagata is a title frequently used for the Buddha.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-incorrectly includes 1 (Nayaputta/Nataputta is an epithet of Mahavira.); omits correct item 2 (Shakyamuni refers to the Buddha of the Shakya clan.); omits correct item 3 (Tathagata is a title frequently used for the Buddha.).
B. Correct-includes precisely the true/correct statements or pairs identified above.
C. Incorrect-incorrectly includes 1 (Nayaputta/Nataputta is an epithet of Mahavira.).
D. Incorrect-omits correct item 2 (Shakyamuni refers to the Buddha of the Shakya clan.); omits correct item 3 (Tathagata is a title frequently used for the Buddha.).