54
Question 54
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:
1. Nayaputta
2. Shakyamuni
3. Tathagata
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
AOptions
A
A) 1 only
B
B) 2 and 3 only
C
C) 1, 2 and 3
D
D) None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha
BSolution
Let's examine each epithet:
1. Nayaputta: This epithet is associated with Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Mahavira was also known as Nigantha Nataputta or Nigantha Gnataputta, derived from 'Nāyaputta'. This is not an epithet for Gautama Buddha.
2. Shakyamuni: This is a very common and well-known epithet for Gautama Buddha. It means 'Sage of the Shakyas', referring to the Shakya clan into which he was born (Siddhartha Gautama).
3. Tathagata: This is another significant and frequently used epithet for Gautama Buddha. It is a Pali and Sanskrit word that Buddha uses to refer to himself or to other Buddhas. It means 'one who has thus come' or 'one who has thus gone', signifying one who has realized and passed through the truth.
Therefore, Shakyamuni and Tathagata are epithets for Gautama Buddha.
1. Nayaputta: This epithet is associated with Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Mahavira was also known as Nigantha Nataputta or Nigantha Gnataputta, derived from 'Nāyaputta'. This is not an epithet for Gautama Buddha.
2. Shakyamuni: This is a very common and well-known epithet for Gautama Buddha. It means 'Sage of the Shakyas', referring to the Shakya clan into which he was born (Siddhartha Gautama).
3. Tathagata: This is another significant and frequently used epithet for Gautama Buddha. It is a Pali and Sanskrit word that Buddha uses to refer to himself or to other Buddhas. It means 'one who has thus come' or 'one who has thus gone', signifying one who has realized and passed through the truth.
Therefore, Shakyamuni and Tathagata are epithets for Gautama Buddha.
CStrategy
For questions on ancient Indian history and religious figures, learn the various names and titles associated with key personalities. Pay attention to common confusions, like distinguishing between Buddha and Mahavira.
DSyllabus Analysis
History: Ancient History (Buddhism, Jainism, Key Personalities). Art & Culture.
EQuestion Analysis
This is a factual question from Ancient Indian History/Art & Culture. It tests knowledge of the epithets used for Gautama Buddha. 'Shakyamuni' and 'Tathagata' are well-known, while 'Nayaputta' is specifically associated with Mahavira. Easy to Medium difficulty.