Context:
Recently excavations began at Ramgram, led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to discover Buddha’s eighth relic.
Places Associated with Buddha’s Life:
- Lumbini, Kapilavastu, Nepal – Birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
- At the time of Buddha’s birth, Lumbini was part of the Shakya Janapada.
- Bodh Gaya – Bihar
- Place of Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- Located on the bank of the river Niranjana (Uruwela at that time).
- Sarnath – Uttar Pradesh.
- Site of Buddha’s 1st sermon (Dhammachakraparivartan Sutra) in the Deer Park.
- Part of Kashi Janapada during Buddha’s time.
- Kushinagar – Uttar Pradesh
- Place of Buddha’s death and Mahaparinirvana.
- Capital of the Malla Janapada at the time of Buddha’s death.
- Sravasti – Uttar Pradesh
- Buddha spent 24 Chaturmasas (24 years) here, making it a significant site for his monastic life.
- Capital of the Kosala Kingdom during Buddha’s time.
- Sankasya – Uttar Pradesh
- Believed to be the place where Buddha descended from heaven after preaching to his mother.
- Rajgir – Bihar
- Early capital of Magadh Janapada, where Buddha spent significant time.
- Ruled by King Bimbisara during Buddha’s time.
- Vaishali – Bihar.
- Buddha received his spiritual training here and delivered his last sermon.
- Part of Vajji Janapada during Buddha’s time.
Other Important Buddhist Sites:
- Amaravati – Andhra Pradesh
- Site of a great Buddhist Stupa built in pre-Mauryan times.
- Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
- Nagarjunkonda – Andhra Pradesh
- Major Buddhist center with numerous Viharas (monasteries) and universities.
- Nalanda – Bihar
- Renowned ancient university and center for Buddhist learning founded by Kumara Gupta, Gupta dynasty
- Vikramshila – Bihar
- Important center for the study of Mahayana Buddhism.
Source: The Print
Previous Year Question
Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of Buddha?
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Magadha, Kosala, Vaishali, Vajji, were the kingdoms and regions that were associated with the life of Buddha.