Buddhism and Jainism | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Buddhism is key for UPSC exams, covering Prelims and Mains. This chapter explores Buddha's life, teachings, and Buddhism's impact on culture and history. It's crucial for understanding India's past and its global influence, helping UPSC aspirants in both knowledge and analytical skills for the exam.

Origin of Buddhism  

Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way life that had the potential of transforming a person.

• It is one of the important religions of South and South-Eastern Asian countries.
• The religion is based upon the teachings, and life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born circa 563 BCE.
• He was born into the royal family of the Sakya clan who ruled from Kapilvastu, in Lumbini which is situated near the Indo-Nepal Border.
• At the age of 29, Gautama left home and rejected his life of riches and embraced a lifestyle of asceticism or extreme self-discipline.
• After 49 consecutive days of meditation, Gautama attained Bodhi (enlightenment) under a pipal tree at Bodhgaya a village in Bihar.
• Buddha gave his first sermon in the village of Sarnath, near the city of Benares in UP. This event is known as Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana (turning of the wheel of law).
• He died at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at a place called Kushinagara a town in UP. The event is known as Mahaparinibban.

Causes of Origin of Buddhism

1. Favorable Temporal Context:
   • Time Period: The 6th century B.C. provided a conducive environment for the spread of Buddhism.
   • Public Discontent: During this time, people were disenchanted with superstitions, complex rituals, and blind beliefs.
   • Buddha's Message: Siddhartha Gautam's teachings offered respite to those oppressed by the weight of Brahmanism.
2. Simplicity of Doctrine:
   • Arya Satya: Buddhism's doctrines, including the 'Arya Satya,' 'Eightfold Path,' and the concept of non-violence, were straightforward and accessible.
   • Comparison to Jainism: Buddhism was perceived as simpler compared to Jainism, lacking the strictness of the latter and the complexity of Vedic ceremonies.
   • Refreshing Shift: People fatigued with Brahminical manipulations found Buddhism to be a peaceful and refreshing departure.
3. Simple Expressions:
   • Prakrit Language: Buddha conveyed his message in the common vernacular, using the Prakrit language, which was the spoken language in India.
   • Vs. Sanskrit: In contrast to the Brahmins' use of Sanskrit, a language not easily understood by the masses, Buddhism was communicated in a simple and comprehensible manner.
   • Appealing Message: The simplicity of Buddhist philosophy and its appealing message persuaded people to embrace the new faith.
4. Buddha's Endearing Personality:
   • Kind and Selfless: Siddhartha Gautam's personal qualities, characterized by kindness and selflessness, endeared him and his teachings to the public.
   • Moral Solutions: Buddha provided moral solutions to the problems faced by individuals, contributing to the rapid expansion of Buddhism.
   • Inexpensive Religion: Buddhism was cost-effective as it lacked the elaborate and expensive rites associated with Vedic rituals.
5. No Caste Discrimination:
   • Anti-Caste: Buddhism rejected the caste system, treating people from all castes equally.
   • Ethical Discussions: Followers of Buddhism, irrespective of their caste, engaged in discussions on ethics and morals.
   • Non-Brahmin Attraction: The anti-caste stance of Buddhism particularly attracted those outside the Brahminical fold.
6. Royal Support:
   • Kshatriya Prince: Siddhartha Gautam, the Buddha, belonged to the Kshatriya (warrior) class, which facilitated the acceptance of Buddhism among the ruling elite.
   • Supportive Kings: Kings like Prasenjit, Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Asoka, Kanishka, and Harshavardhan provided crucial patronage to Buddhism, aiding its growth across India and beyond.
   • Spread Beyond India: Asoka, in particular, played a role in spreading Buddhism beyond the borders of India, sending emissaries to propagate the faith.
7. Influence of Universities:
   • Role of Universities: Institutions like Nalanda, Taxila, Puspagiri, and Vikramsila played a pivotal role in disseminating Buddhist teachings.
   • Student Attraction: Students from various regions, including foreign countries, were attracted to these universities and embraced Buddhism.
   • Renowned Pilgrim: Hiuen Tsang, a famous Chinese pilgrim and student at Nalanda University, contributed significantly to the development and spread of Buddhism.
8. Buddhist Monks and Sangha:
   • Dedicated Monks: Prominent monks such as Ananda, Sariputta, Maudgalayana, Sudatta, and Upali were dedicated to the propagation of Buddhism.
   • Ascetic Lifestyle: The exemplary ascetic lifestyles of Buddhist monks (bhikshu) and lay devotees (Upasakas) inspired increasing numbers of people to adopt Buddhism.
   • Sangha Growth: The Buddhist 'Order' (Sangha) expanded its branches throughout India, attracting local populations.
9. Buddhist Councils:
   • Post-Buddha Period: After the passing of the Buddha, four Buddhist Councils were convened to preserve and propagate his teachings.
   • Organized Efforts: These councils played a vital role in organizing and disseminating the Buddhist scriptures and doctrines, contributing to the spread of Buddhism in India.

[Question: 936279]

Life of Gautama Buddha and Evolution of Buddhism

Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in 563 BC at  Lumbinivana in Kapilvastu within the Sakya Kshatriya clan. 

1. Family Background:
   • Father: Suddodhana, king of Kapilvastu.
   • Mother: Mahamaya, princess of the Koliya dynasty.
   • Step Mother: Mahaprajapati Gautami.
   • Wife: Yasodhara (Princess of the Kolli dynasty).
   • Son: Rahul.
2. Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
   • Renounced home at age 29 (Mahabhinishkramana).
   • Wandering ascetic life.
   • Teachers: Alara Kalama and Udraka Ramputra.
3. Enlightenment:
   • Attained Nirvana (enlightenment) at age 35 under a peepal tree at Uruvella (Bodh Gaya) on the bank of the river Niranjana (modern name Falgu) after 49 days of continuous meditation.
4. Key Events:
   • The first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park) is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the wheel of law).
   • Famous disciples: Ananda and Upali.
   • Rice milk is offered by Sujata, a farmer's daughter at Bodh Gaya.
   • Passed away at age 80 in 483 BC at Kushinagar, known as Mahaparinirvana.
5. Eight Great Places Associated with Buddhism:
   • Lumbini, Sarnath, Sravasti, Rajgriha, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar, Sankisa, and Vaishali.
   • Not associated: Patliputra.
6. Ashoka and Buddhism:
   • Ashoka was the greatest patron of Buddhism.
   • Called the 3rd Buddhist Council.
   • Sent a mission led by his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka.
7. Last Patrons of Buddhism: Palas of Bengal & Bihar were the last great patrons of Buddhism.

Events associated with Buddha’s life

Doctrine of Buddhism

The core idea of the Doctrines of Buddhism is obtained from

1) Four Noble Truths: Ariya-Sachchani and 

2) Eight-Fold Path: Astangika-Marga

Gautam Buddha’s teachings contain three important pillars:

• Buddha – Founder/ Teacher
• Dhamma – Teachings
• Sangha– Order of Buddhist monks/nuns (who act as torchbearers of Dhamma worshippers or Upasakas and are a major factor in the dissemination of the Buddha’s doctrine)
• While struggling for Enlightenment, Buddha had discovered Dhamma/Four Noble Truths

[Question: 702224]

1) Four Noble Truths

The four noble truths constitute the foundation of Buddhism's teachings:

1. Suffering (Dukha): In Buddhism, the acknowledgement of suffering, encapsulated in the phrase "Sabbam Dukham," signifies the universal nature of human distress. It refers not only to the specific pains and sorrows experienced but also to an individual's inherent capacity to endure hardship.
2. Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): The root cause of misery, identified as Trishna or desire, is highlighted in the Truth of the Cause of Suffering. According to Buddhist teachings, every form of suffering has a purpose and is an intrinsic part of the human experience.
3. End of Suffering (Nirodha): The Truth of the End of Suffering asserts that the attainment of Nibbana or Nirvana represents the culmination of pain and suffering. By reaching this state, individuals can liberate themselves from the cycle of suffering.
4. Path to the End of Suffering (Ashtangika-Marga): The Truth of the Path Leading to the End of Suffering outlines the Eightfold Path as the means to achieve the cessation of suffering. This path encompasses essential principles and practices that guide individuals towards a life free from the burdens of suffering.

In summary, the Four Noble Truths provide a comprehensive framework within Buddhism, addressing the nature of suffering, its origin, the possibility of its cessation through Nirvana, and the practical path to achieve liberation from suffering.

2) Eight-Fold Paths 

The Eight-Fold Path is more about unlearning rather than learning, i.e., to learn in order to unlearn and uncover. The path consists of eight interconnected activities and is a process that helps one to move beyond the conditioned responses that obscure one’s nature. The Ashtangika-Marga consists of the following:

• Right Vision (Samma-Ditthi) – it is about understanding the nature of reality and the path of transformation.
• Right Thought or Attitude (Samma-Sankappa) – it signifies having emotional intelligence and acting from love and compassion.
• Right or Whole Speech (Samma-Vacca) – it signifies truthful, clear, uplifting and unharmful communications.
• Right or Integral Action (Samma-Kammanta) – it signifies an ethical foundation of life, on the principles of non-exploitation of oneself and others. It consists of five rules, which form the ethical code of conduct for the members of the monastic order and the laity. These are:
  • Do not commit violence.
  • Do not covet the property of others.
  • Do not indulge in corrupt practices or sensual behaviour.
  • Do not speak a lie.
  • Do not use intoxicants.
  • In addition to these, monks and nuns were strictly instructed to observe the following three additional precepts-
  • To avoid eating after mid-day.
  • To refrain from any sort of entertainment and use of ornaments to adorn oneself.
  • To refrain from using high or luxurious beds, and from handling gold and silver (including money).
• Right or Proper Livelihood (Samma-Ajiva) – it lays emphasis on livelihood based on correct action and on the ethical principles of non-exploitation. It is believed that this forms the basis of an ideal society.
• Right Effort or Energy (Samma-Vayama) – it signifies consciously directing our life energy to the transformative path of creative and healing action that fosters wholeness thus moving towards conscious evolution.
• Right Mindfulness or Thorough Awareness ( Samma-Sati) – it means knowing one’s own self and watching self behaviour. There is a saying by the Buddha, “If you hold yourself dear, watch yourself well”.
• Right Concentration or Meditation (Samma-Samadhi) – samadhi literally means to be fixed, absorbed in. It means getting one’s whole being absorbed in various levels or modes of consciousness and awareness.
  

[Question: 936280]

Major Buddhist Texts

The early Buddhist literature is divided into canonical and non-canonical texts: 

1. Canonical texts: 

Tipitaka

The earliest compilation of Buddhist teachings which were written on long, narrow leaves is “The Tipitakas” (in Pali) and “Tripitaka” (in Sanskrit). 

• All the branches of Buddhism have the Tripitakas (also called three baskets/collections) as part of their core scriptures, which comprise three books which are:  

1. The Sutta (conventional teaching) 
2. The Vinaya (disciplinary code)
3. The Abhidhamma (moral psychology)

1. Sutta Pitaka –  consists of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. It is divided into five Nikayas or collections:
(i) Dighgha Nikaya
(ii) Majhim Nikaya
(iii) Sanyukta Nikaya
(iv) Anguttar Nikaya
(v) Kshudraka Nikaya

2. Vinay Pitaka- This contains rules for monks and nuns of the monastic order (Sangha). It includes the Patimokkha – a list of transgressions against monastic discipline and atonements for these. The Vinaya text also includes doctrinal expositions, ritual texts, biographical stories and some elements of Jatakas or “birth stories”. 

3. Abhidhamma Pitaka –The Abhidamma Pitaka is a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching and the scholarly activity of the monks. It consists of the religious and metaphysical discourses of Buddha
[Question: 702225]

2. Non-canonical texts: 

Some important ones are: 

• Mahavastu (written in Sanskrit-Prakrit mixed) - it is about the sacred biography, i.e hagiography of the Buddha. 
• Nidanakatha - the first connected life story of Buddha.
• The Dipavamsa & the Mahavamsa (both in Pali)- both give historical and mythical accounts of the Buddha's life, Buddhist Councils, Asoka and the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. 
• Visuddhimagga (the path to purification written by Buddhaghosa) - deals with the development from the purity of discipline to enlightenment (Nibbana). 
• Milindapanho (in Pali) - consists of a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Milinda/Menander and the monk Nagasena on various philosophical issues. It is the only text in Sanskrit 
• Nettipakarana (The book of guidance) - which gives a connected account of the Buddha's teachings. 

Buddhist Councils

First Council

• The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgriha in 483 B.C. under the patronage of Ajatshatru. It took place just after the death of Lord Buddha. The compilation of Sutta Pitak and Vinay Pitak took place during this council.
  [Question: 702226]

Second Council

• It took place after 100 years of the death of Lord Buddha i.e. 383 in B.C. It took place in Vaishali under the patronage of King Kalashoka, it was presided by Sabakami. The spilt took place in this council on the issue of rules and discipline. As a result, two groups, Mahasanghika and Therivadi (Sthavirvadin) were formed.

Third Council

• It took place in Patliputra under the patronage of Ashoka. It was presided by Mogliputta Tisa. It is also known as the Council of Therivadins. “Katthavattu” was added to the Abhidhamma Patika during this council.
• However, none of the Ashokan inscriptions gives us information about the council.

Fourth Council

• It was held in Kundalgrama in Kashmir. The president of the council was Vasumitra and the vice president was Ashvagosha. Mahavibhasha, the doctrine of Sravastivadin was written in Sanskrit on a copper plate and enclosed in the stone boxes.
• During this council, the two sects of Buddhism i.e. Hinayana and Mahayana were formed officially.

Hinayana 

• Its followers believed in the original teaching of Buddha.
• They sought individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation.
• Followers of this do not believe in idol worship and the historicity of Buddha.
• This sect treats Lord Buddha as a teacher and not as God
• The literature of this sect is mainly in Pali.
• It is known as the ‘Southern Buddhist Religion’ because it prevailed in the South of India, e.g. Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Syam (Thailand), Java, etc.
• There were two sub-sects of Hinayana i.e. Vaibhasika and Sautantrika.

Mahayana 

• Its followers believed in the historicity of Buddha.
• They sought the salvation of all through the grace and help of Buddha & Bodhisattva
• This sect believes in idol worship.
• This sect treats Buddha as God
• The literature of this sect is compiled in the Sanskrit language.
• It is known as ‘Northern Buddhist Religion’, because it prevailed in the North of India, e.g. China, Korea, Japan, etc.
• There were two sub-sects of Mahayana
• Madhyamika or Shunyavada: Founded by Nagarjuna
• Yogacharya or Vijananavada: Founded by Maitreyanath and his disciple Asanga.

Vajrayana          

• Its followers believed that salvation could be best attained by acquiring the magical power i.e. Vajra.
• The sect developed in Tibet
• The sect believes in the worship of female deities
• The chief divinities of this new sect were the Taras.
• It became popular in Eastern India, particularly Bengal and Bihar.

[Question: 1092832]

Theravada

• It is the most ancient branch of extant Buddhism today.
• It remains closest to the original teachings of the Buddha.
• Theravada Buddhism developed in Sri Lanka and subsequently spread to the rest of Southeast Asia.
• It is the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Vajrayana

• Vajrayana means “The Vehicle of the Thunderbolt”, also known as tantric Buddhism.
• This Buddhist school developed in India around 900 CE.
• It is grounded on esoteric elements and very complex set of rituals compared with the rest of the Buddhist schools.

Zen

• It is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty as the Chan school of Chinese Buddhism in and later developed into various schools.
• It spread to Japan in 7^th century C.E.
• Meditation is the most distinctive feature of this Buddhist tradition.

Spread of Buddhism

• Buddha had two kinds of disciples – monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas).
• The monks were organized into the Sangha to spread his teachings.
• The Sangha was governed on democratic lines and was empowered to enforce discipline among its members.
• Owing to the organised efforts made by the Sangha, Buddhism made rapid progress in North India even during Buddha’s lifetime.
• After the death of Buddha, his followers traversed his path of meditation and roamed throughout the countryside.
• For 200 years Buddhism remained overshadowed by their Hindu counterparts until the advent of Great Mauryan King – Ashoka.
• After the bloodbath in his Kalinga conquest, emperor Ashoka decided to give up the policy of worldly conquest and adopted the Dhamma conquest.
• Ashoka during the third Buddhist council dispatched various Buddhist missions to different areas such as Gandhara, Kashmir, Greece, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Egypt, and Thailand.
• Through his missionary effort, Ashoka spread Buddhism into West Asia and Ceylon. Thus a local religious sect was transformed into a world religion.

Buddhism – Reasons for Decline

From the early 12th century, Buddhism began to disappear from the land of its birth. Various causes that led to the decline of Buddhism are:

1. Corruption in Buddhist Sangha– Over time, the Buddhist Sangha became corrupt. Receiving valuable gifts drew them towards luxury and enjoyment. The principles prescribed by Buddha were conveniently forgotten and thus started the degradation of the Buddhist monks and their preachings.
2. Division among Buddhists– Buddhism faced divisions from time to time. The division into various splinter groups like Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Tantrayana and Sahajayana led Buddhism to lose its originality. The simplicity of Buddhism was lost and it was becoming complex.
3. Use of Sanskrit language– Pali, the spoken language of most people of India, was the medium for the spread of the message of Buddhism. But Sanskrit replaced these at the Fourth Buddhist Council during the reign of Kanishka. Sanskrit was the language of a few intellectuals, hardly understood by the masses and therefore became one of the many reasons for the fall of Buddhism.
4. Buddha worship– Image worship was started in Buddhism by the Mahayana Buddhists. They started worshipping the image of the Buddha. This mode of worship was a violation of the Buddhist principles of opposing complex rites and rituals of Brahmanical worship. This paradox led people to believe that Buddhism was tending towards the fold of Hinduism.
5. Persecution of Buddhists– Over time there was the rise of the Brahmanical faith again. Some Brahmana rulers, such as Pushiyamitra Shunga, the Huna king, Mihirakula (worshiper of Shiva) and Shaivite Shashank of Gauda persecuted the Buddhists on a large scale. The liberal donations to the monasteries gradually declined. Also, some rich monasteries were specifically targeted by the Turkish and other invaders.
6. Muslim invasion– The Muslim invasion of India almost wiped out Buddhism. Their invasions of India became regular, and repeated such invasions forced the Buddhist monks to seek asylum and shelter in Nepal and Tibet. In the end, Buddhism died away in India, the land of its birth.

Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture

Buddhism has made a remarkable contribution to the development of Indian culture:

• The concept of ahimsa was its chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished values of our nation.
• Its contribution to the art and architecture of India was notable. The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya are wonderful pieces of architecture.
• It promoted education through residential universities like those at Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila.
• The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
• It also promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia.

Buddhism as a Way of Soft Diplomacy

• Buddhism in India as a Soft Power is different from the conventional sense of the term. India talks about shared cultural development instead of the export of culture.
• The values of peace, accommodation, inclusiveness, and compassion that are part of our societies can be attributed to the influence of the teachings of Lord Buddha and Buddhism.
• The ideals of Buddhism continue to intersect with the political and economic contexts of many Asian nations with 22% of the world’s population.
• Buddhism can act as an intensifying factor for Asian emotional bonding and connectivity as it is embedded into their “nationalistic” thinking and actions.
• Buddhism is not restricted to Asia and has been able to generate a spiritual awakening elsewhere in the world and influence a stream of philosophical traditions the world over.
• India has in its favour at the moment an abundance of resources by way of pilgrimage sites, the presence of the Dalai Lama, and international goodwill, as well as the right intentions.

Way Forward

• The effective revitalisation of the Nalanda University project and encouragement of Buddhist studies in well-established universities will bring the International community to a common platform.
• The promotion of Buddhist tourism reminiscent of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign is required to popularise India’s association with the faith internationally.
• The government faces the crucial challenge of effective execution. Buddhist diplomacy would go a long way in countering the rise of China, strengthening its relations with Asian countries, and helping it further down the path of its regional and global power ambitions.

[Question: 936281]

Origin of Jainism

• Jainism is a very ancient religion. As per some traditions, it is as old as the Vedic religion.
• The Jain tradition has a succession of great teachers or Tirthankaras.
• There were 24 Tirthankaras the last of which was Vardhaman Mahavira.
• The first Tirthankara is believed to be Rishabhanath or Rishabhadev.
• The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who was born in Varanasi. He may have lived in the 8th or 7th century BC.
• All the Tirthankaras were Kshatriyas by birth.

Founder of Jainism – Vardhaman Mahavira (539- 467 B.C.)

• Considered the last Tirthankara.
• He was born at Kundagrama near Vaisali.
• His parents were Kshatriyas. Father – Siddhartha (Head of Jnatrika Clan); Mother – Trishala (Sister of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka). (Chetaka’s daughter married Haryanka King Bimbisara).
• He was married to Yasoda and had a daughter Anojja or Priyadarsana.
• At the age of 30, Vardhaman renounced his home and became a wandering ascetic.
• He also observed self-mortification.
• After 13 years of penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kevala Jnan. He attained this at Jimbhikagrama village under a sal tree aged 42. This is called Kaivalya. Thereafter, he was called Mahavira, Jina, Jitendriya (one who conquered his senses), Nigrantha (free from all bonds), and Kevalin.
• He preached his teachings for 30 years and died at Pava (near Rajagriha) aged 72.

Causes of the rise of Jainism

• Vedic religion had become highly ritualistic.
• Jainism was taught in Pali and Prakrit thus was more accessible to the common man as compared to Sanskrit.
• It was accessible to people of all castes.
• Varna system had rigidified and people of the lower castes led miserable lives. Jainism offered them an honourable place.
• About 200 years after the death of Mahavira, a great famine in the Ganga valley prompted Chandragupta Maurya and Bhadrabahu (last Acharya of the undivided Jain sangha) to migrate to Karnataka. Jainism spread to Southern India after that.

Teachings of Jainism

• Mahavira rejected Vedic principles.
• He did not believe in God’s existence. According to him, the universe is a product of the natural phenomenon of cause and effect.
• He believed in Karma and transmigration of the soul. The body dies but the soul does not.
• One will be punished or rewarded as per one’s karma.
• Advocated a life of austerity and non-violence.
• Stressed on equality but did not reject the caste system, unlike Buddhism. But he also said that man may be ‘good’ or ‘bad’ as per his actions and not birth.
• Asceticism was taken to a great length. Starvation, nudity, and self-mortification were expounded.
• Two elements of the world: Jiva (conscious) and Atma (unconscious):
  (1) Right faith
  (2) Right knowledge
  (3) Right conduct (observance of five vows)
  (i) Ahimsa (non-violence)Satya (truth)
  (ii) Asteya (no stealing)
  (iii) Parigraha (no acquiring property)
  (iv) Brahmacharya (abstinence)

Split in Jainism

• When Bhadrabahu left for South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers.
• Sthulabahu changed the code of conduct and said that white clothes could be worn. Thus, split Jainism into two sects:
  (1) Swetambaras: White-clad; Northerners
  (2) Digambaras: Sky-clad (naked); Southerners

[Question: 1092833]

Jainism – Jain Councils

• Held at Pataliputra in the 3rd century BC.
• Presided by Sthulabahu.

(ii) Second Council

• Held at Vallabhi in Gujarat in 512 CE.
• Presided by Devardhigani.
• 12 Angas was compiled here.

Royal patrons of Jainism

• Kadamba dynasty
• Ganga dynasty
• Amoghavarsha
• Kumarapala (Chalukya dynasty)

(ii) North India

• Bimbisara
• Ajatasatru
• Chandragupta Maurya
• Bindusara
• Harshavardhana
• Ama
• Bindusara
• Kharavela

To practice questions of Buddhism, you can attempt the tests given below:

• Test: Buddhism & Jainism
• Nitin Singhania Test: Buddhism And Jainism - 1
• Nitin Singhania Test: Buddhism And Jainism - 2
• Nitin Singhania Test: Buddhism And Jainism - 3