About the Topic: Buddhist Councils played a significant role in preserving and spreading the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Practice Buddhist Councils MCQ Questions with answers and detailed explanations covering all four Buddhist Councils, their locations, patrons and major outcomes for UPSC and other competitive examinations.
First Buddhist Conference after the death of Buddha was presided over by:
Correct Answer:
(A) Mahakashyapa
The first Buddhist Council was held soon after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha, under the patronage of King Ajatshatru with the monk Mahakasapa presided at Rajgriha, in the Saptaparni Cave. The idea was to preserve Buddha’s teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples (Vinaya). Ananda, one of the great disciples of Buddha, recited Suttas and Upali; another disciple recited Vinaya. Abhidhamma Pitaka was also included.
Ques: 2
Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Vasumitra
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir under the patronage of Kushan King Kanishka and the president of this council was Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosa as his deputy president. This council distinctly divided Buddhism into two sects, namely Mahayana and Hinayana.
Ques: 3
Four Buddhist Councils were held in the following places.
Vaishali
Rajgriha
Kundalavana
Pataliputra
Arrange them in chronological order by using the code given below:
Correct Answer:
(D)
2, 1, 4, 3
First Buddhist council was held soon after the death of Buddha under the patronage of King Ajatashatru with the monk Mahakassapa presiding at Saptaparni Cave at Rajgriha. The second council took place during the reign of Kalasoka after 100 years of Buddha’s death in Vaishali and was presided over by Sabakami. The third council was held during the reign of Ashoka at Pataliputra, and the fourth council was held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir (Kundalavana).
Ques: 4
After the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha, the first Buddhist council was held at
Correct Answer:
(A) Rajgriha (Rajgir)
The first Buddhist council was held just after the death (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Buddha during the tenure of Magadh king Ajatshatru in the Saptakarni caves of Rajgriha (Rajgir).
Ques: 5
What was the main objective of the Third Buddhist Council?
Correct Answer:
(C) Purify Buddhism from Corruption
The Third Buddhist Council, convened by Emperor Ashoka, aimed to purify Buddhism by addressing issues within the Sangha (monastic community), particularly corruption and heretical views. This involved expelling monks with heretical beliefs, clarifying doctrines, and ensuring the Sangha's adherence to orthodox teachings.