Besides Buddha and his prominent disciples, several other prominent personalities were associated with Buddhism at different times in history. Here we will have a look at the prominent personalities associated with Buddhism, which will be useful for UPSC IAS Exam aspirants.

Other Prominent Personalities Associated with Buddhism

Nagasena

He responded to Indo-Greek monarch Menander I (or Milindaconcerns )'s concerning Buddhism in the book Milinda Panho, which was written around 150 BC in Pali language.

Nagarjuna

Founder of the Madhyamaka School of Mahayana Buddhism, Nagrajuna lived between 150 and 250 AD.

Vasubandhu

A Gandhara-based Mahayana Buddhist who wrote from the perspectives of the Sarvastivada and Sautrantika schools in the 4th-5th century AD.

Bodhidharma

A Buddhist monk who lived in the 5th or 6th century AD and spread Buddhism to China.

Buddhaghosa

An Indian Theravada Buddhist commentator and scholar best known for his book Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification) in the 5th century.

Padmasambhava

An 8th-century monk who is revered as the "Second Buddha" in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and India's Himalayan states.

Atisa

• A Buddhist Bengali religious leader and teacher who was a key player in the growth of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism in Asia during the 11th century.
• From Tibet to Sumatra, he influenced Buddhist philosophy.

Dalai Lama

They are current spiritual gurus of Tibetan Buddhism's Yellow Hat School.

Conclusion

Buddhism , through the ages, was spread by different personalities. Those prominent personalities have a major role in the growth of Buddhism after Buddha’s mahaparinirvana.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following was a major contribution of Ashvagosa to Buddhism?

A) He established the first Buddhist monastery in India

B) He wrote the biography of Buddha, *Buddhacharita*

C) He constructed the Sanchi Stupa

D) He spread Mahayana Buddhism to China

2. The Gandhara School of Art is a fusion of which two cultures?

A) Indian and Persian

B) Greek and Indian

C) Chinese and Indian

D) Roman and Japanese

3. Which Emperor played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism in India and abroad?

A) Chandragupta Maurya

B) Ashoka the Great

C) Harsha

D) Kanishka

4. What is the main theme depicted in the art of the Gandhara School?

A) Depiction of mythological gods

B) Scenes from the life of Buddha

C) Indian epics like the Ramayana

D) Hindu deities in human form

5. Who was Nagarjuna and what is his contribution to Buddhist philosophy?

A) He founded the Yogacara school of Buddhism

B) He introduced the doctrine of emptiness in Buddhism

C) He was a major figure in Theravada Buddhism

D) He wrote the *Tripitaka*

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the role of Ashoka the Great in the propagation of Buddhism both in India and globally.

Answer: Ashoka’s contribution to Buddhism is unparalleled. After his conversion, he embraced Buddhism and its values of non-violence and compassion. He actively promoted Buddhism by constructing stupas, pillars, and edicts with Buddhist teachings. He sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, ensuring that Buddhism became an influential religion across Asia. Ashoka’s reign marked the consolidation of Buddhism as a state religion, and his policies fostered a peaceful and prosperous society. His patronage significantly aided in the establishment of monastic institutions, leading to Buddhism’s institutional growth. Ashoka’s promotion of Buddhist ideals contributed to the social and cultural cohesion of India and set the stage for the spread of Buddhism worldwide.

Q2: Discuss the significance of the Gandhara School of Art in the cultural history of Buddhism.

Answer: The Gandhara School of Art was instrumental in bridging the gap between Greek and Indian artistic traditions, particularly in the depiction of Buddhist themes. It played a crucial role in visualizing Buddhist philosophy for a wide audience. Gandhara art was primarily focused on the life and teachings of Buddha, portraying key moments such as his enlightenment and death. This art form helped disseminate Buddhist ideas across regions beyond India, particularly in Central Asia, China, and the Mediterranean. The Greco-Roman influence in Gandhara art made it easier for people from different cultures to relate to Buddhist ideals, thereby facilitating the spread of Buddhism globally. Its legacy continues to influence Buddhist art in East Asia and beyond.

Q3: Examine Nagarjuna’s contribution to Buddhist philosophy and its impact on the development of Mahayana Buddhism.

Answer: Nagarjuna’s contributions to Buddhist philosophy are profound, particularly his formulation of the doctrine of *emptiness* (shunyata), which posits that all phenomena are devoid of inherent existence. He argued that everything is interconnected and contingent upon other factors. His teachings significantly shaped the Mahayana school of Buddhism, offering a nuanced understanding of reality that transcends the limitations of conventional thinking. Nagarjuna’s works, particularly the *Mulamadhyamakakarika*, have influenced not only Buddhist philosophy but also Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese Buddhist traditions. His ideas on interdependence and the nature of reality continue to be central to Buddhist teachings, offering a robust philosophical foundation for Mahayana practitioners.

Previous Year Questions on Other prominent personalities Associated with Buddhism

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Who was the founder of the Gandhara School of Art?

A) Ashvagosa
B) Kanishka
C) Chandragupta Maurya
D) Harsha

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Gandhara School of Art emerged during the reign of Kanishka, a Kushan emperor. He played a significant role in promoting the fusion of Greek and Indian artistic traditions, which laid the foundation for the unique style of Gandhara art.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the influence of Emperor Ashoka on the spread of Buddhism.

Answer: Emperor Ashoka, after his conversion to Buddhism, made it a state-supported religion. He built stupas and edicts inscribed with Buddhist teachings across India and sent missionaries to regions such as Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. His patronage contributed significantly to the global spread of Buddhism and its acceptance in foreign lands, particularly in the countries of Southeast Asia.