Which one of the following is the common element among Rajagriha, Vaishali and Pataliputra?
Places where Buddhist Councils were held
Exploring the Common Element in Rajagriha, Vaishali, and Pataliputra
The question asks us to identify a feature shared by three historical Indian cities: Rajagriha, Vaishali, and Pataliputra. These cities played significant roles in ancient Indian history, particularly in the context of Buddhism and the Magadha empire.
Let's examine the options provided and see which one applies to all three locations.
Identifying the Link: Buddhist Councils Locations
A key common element among these three cities is their association with the early history of Buddhism, specifically as sites where major Buddhist Councils were held. Buddhist Councils were important gatherings of monks held to recite and preserve the teachings of the Buddha and to settle monastic discipline issues.
- First Buddhist Council: Held in Rajagriha (near the Saptaparni Cave) shortly after the Mahaparinirvana (death) of the Buddha, around 483 BCE. This council was crucial for compiling the Sutta Pitaka (Buddha's teachings) and the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules).
- Second Buddhist Council: Held in Vaishali about one hundred years after the Buddha's death, around 383 BCE. This council addressed issues of monastic discipline that had arisen over time.
- Third Buddhist Council: Held in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, around 250 BCE. This council was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa and aimed to purify the Sangha and compile the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
As we can see, each of these three cities hosted one of the significant early Buddhist Councils.
Analyzing Other Options
Let's briefly look at why the other options might not be the common element:
- Pali canon of the Sthaviravadins was compiled there: While the First Council in Rajagriha and the Third Council in Pataliputra were foundational for the Theravada (Sthaviravada) tradition's canon, attributing the entire compilation solely and commonly to all three cities might be an oversimplification or inaccurate for Vaishali in the same context. The canon's evolution spanned centuries and multiple locations.
- Ashokan Major Rock Edicts were found there: Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts are found inscribed on rocks in various parts of the Indian subcontinent, marking the extent of his empire. While Ashoka's capital was Pataliputra, and he had connections to Rajagriha and Vaishali, major rock edicts are not necessarily found in all three cities themselves. For example, no Major Rock Edict is located within modern-day Patna (Pataliputra) or Vaishali.
- Places associated with the compilation of Buddhist canons of the Mahasanghikas: The Mahasanghika school also emerged after the Second Council held in Vaishali, stemming from disagreements with the Sthaviravadins. While Vaishali is associated with this split, and the Mahasanghikas developed their own canon, it's not universally true that all three cities were equally or directly associated with the compilation of the Mahasanghika canons in the same way they are linked to the early councils central to both traditions.
Based on historical evidence, the most accurate and common element among Rajagriha, Vaishali, and Pataliputra is that they were the locations where major Buddhist Councils were held.
Conclusion on Rajagriha, Vaishali, Pataliputra Commonality
Therefore, the common element among Rajagriha, Vaishali, and Pataliputra is their historical significance as sites for holding important Buddhist Councils. This directly aligns with one of the provided options.
| City | Associated Buddhist Council | Approximate Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rajagriha | First Buddhist Council | c. 483 BCE |
| Vaishali | Second Buddhist Council | c. 383 BCE |
| Pataliputra | Third Buddhist Council | c. 250 BCE |
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Buddhist Councils | Historical gatherings of Buddhist monks to discuss doctrine, discipline, and scripture. |
| Rajagriha | Ancient capital of Magadha, site of the First Buddhist Council. |
| Vaishali | Ancient republic, site of the Second Buddhist Council. |
| Pataliputra | Capital of the Magadha and Mauryan empires, site of the Third Buddhist Council. |
| Pali Canon | Collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. |
| Ashokan Edicts | Inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka proclaiming his Dhamma. |
| Sthaviravadins | An early school of Buddhism, lineage from which Theravada developed. |
| Mahasanghikas | Another early school of Buddhism, separated from Sthaviravadins after the Second Council. |
Additional Information: Significance of the Cities in Ancient India
Beyond their connection to Buddhist Councils, these cities held significant historical and political importance:
- Rajagriha: Was the early capital of the powerful Magadha kingdom before Pataliputra. It was a prominent center during the Buddha's time.
- Vaishali: Was the capital of the Vajjian confederacy, a major Mahajanapada, and was one of the world's earliest republics. It was frequently visited by the Buddha.
- Pataliputra: Became the capital of the Magadha kingdom and later the vast Mauryan Empire under rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. It grew into a large and prosperous city, described by foreign visitors like Megasthenes.
Their strategic locations and political importance contributed to them being chosen as sites for major religious gatherings like the Buddhist Councils.
Important Questions from Buddhism
- Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?
Where is Central Institute of Buddhist Studies situated?
Ashoka's connection with Buddhism is evident from which one of the following edicts?
One of the major events of Ashoka’s reign was the convening of the ______ Buddhist Sangha (council) in 250 BCE in the capital Pataliputra.
At which of the following places did Lord Buddha attain enlightenment?
