Q. With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets?
1. Nayaputta
2. Shakyamuni
3. Tathagata
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha
Correct answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
Gautama Buddha
1. Nayaputta: This is not a commonly recognized epithet for Gautama Buddha. It seems to be a misspelling or confusion with “Nataputta,” which actually refers to Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, not Buddha.
2. Shakyamuni: This is indeed a well-known epithet for Gautama Buddha. It means “Sage of the Shakyas,” referring to the Shakya clan to which Buddha belonged. This epithet emphasizes his origin and his role as a sage or wise person.
3. Tathagata: This is another common epithet for Buddha. It can be translated as “one who has thus gone” or “one who has thus come.” It’s a term Buddha often used to refer to himself in the third person in Buddhist texts.
Therefore, the correct answer (b) 2 and 3 only is accurate. Shakyamuni and Tathagata are both well-established epithets for Gautama Buddha, while Nayaputta is not.