Q. Four Buddhist Councils were held at the following places. Arrange them in correct chronological order and select the correct answer from the code given below.
1. Vaishali
2. Rajagriha
3. Kundalvana
4. Pataliputra
a) 1, 2, 4, 3
b) 2, 1, 3, 4
c) 2, 1, 4, 3
d) 1, 2, 3, 4
Correct Answer: c) 2, 1, 4, 3
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2025
Explanation:
Correct chronological order of the Buddhist Councils by place is: Rajagriha (1st) → Vaishali (2nd) → Pataliputra (3rd) → Kundalvana (4th). Mapping to the given list: 2, 1, 4, 3.
Justification:
– 1st Council: Rajagriha (Sattapanni cave), under Ajatashatru, soon after the Buddha’s parinirvana; led by Mahakassapa.
– 2nd Council: Vaishali, about a century later, under Kalasoka, addressing disputes over monastic discipline.
– 3rd Council: Pataliputra, under Ashoka (c. 3rd century BCE), led by Moggaliputta Tissa; purification of the Sangha and dispatch of missions.
– 4th Council: Kundalvana (Kashmir), under Kanishka (c. 1st–2nd century CE), associated with the Sarvastivadin tradition.
