UPSC Prelims 2024 · Question 34 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Buddha Epithets
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2024
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicMauryan Age
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
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:
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Surviving early Jain and Buddhist literature uses several names (or epithets) for Mahavira, including Nayaputta, Muni, Samana, Nigantha, Brahman, and Bhagavan — so Nayaputta (1) is an epithet of Mahavira, NOT of Gautama Buddha.
Shakyamuni (2): This epithet refers to Gautama Buddha as the 'Sage of the Shakyas', indicating his association with the Shakya clan. This is indeed an epithet of Gautama Buddha.
Tathagata (3): This is a Pali and Sanskrit term used by Gautama Buddha to refer to himself or other Buddhas, meaning 'Thus-come', one who has come from Thusness. This is indeed an epithet of Gautama Buddha.
Only 2 (Shakyamuni) and 3 (Tathagata) are epithets of Gautama Buddha → Option (b) 2 and 3 only.