Four Buddhist Councils were held at the following places. Arrange them in correct chronological order and select the correct answ…

Question

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

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A. 1, 2, 4, 3
2. B. 2, 1, 3, 4
3. C. 2, 1, 4, 3 (Correct answer)
4. D. 1, 2, 3, 4

Correct Answer

Option C — 2, 1, 4, 3

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 2, 1, 4, 3.

Key Points

• 2. Rajagriha — First Council, about 483 BCE, soon after the Buddha's death, under Ajatashatru; presided over by Mahakassapa. The Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas were compiled.
• 1. Vaishali — Second Council, about 383 BCE, under Kalashoka; the schism into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas occurred.
• 4. Pataliputra — Third Council, about 250 BCE, under Ashoka; presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa. The Abhidhamma Pitaka was added.
• 3. Kundalvana (Kashmir) — Fourth Council, about 72 CE, under Kanishka; presided over by Vasumitra with Ashvaghosha as deputy. Buddhism split into Hinayana and Mahayana.
• Order: 2 → 1 → 4 → 3, option (c).

Additional Information

• The Tripitaka — *Vinaya*, *Sutta* and *Abhidhamma* Pitakas — is written in Pali.
• Key life events of the Buddha and their symbols: birth at Lumbini (lotus/bull), enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (Bodhi tree), first sermon at Sarnath (wheel — Dharmachakra Pravartana), and death at Kushinagar (stupa — Mahaparinirvana).
• The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path form the core doctrine; the Triratna are Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
• At the Fourth Council the proceedings were recorded in Sanskrit, marking Mahayana's shift away from Pali.