UPSC Prelims 2024 Question:

With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets?

1. Nayaputta
2. Shakyamuni
3. Tathagata
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation:

• • In ancient texts, epithets such as Arhats, Parivrajaka, Vira etc were common uses for great monks belonging to Ajivikas, Buddhism & Jainism. 
  • Under Jain texts, the epithet Nataputta or Nayaputta was referred to Mahavira. So, point 1 is not correct. 
  • The epithets of Tathagata & Shakyamuni is associated with Buddha where he is called as: 
    
    

• Tathagata: “One who has thus gone” or liberated himself from the endless cycle of Samara or Death & Birth. So, point 3 is correct.
  
  

• Shakyamuni: Ashoka's Lumbini Pillar inscription mentions the birth of Shakyamuni or Buddha at Lumbini, as he belonged to Shakya Clan. So, point 2 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: History| Buddhism and Jainism