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WBCS Preliminary Examination 2024 — General Studies · Question 42 of 200

Q42
History of IndiaMahajanapadas, Buddhism & Jainism
Who among the following presided over the first Buddhist Council?
  1. a.Upali
  2. b.Ananda
  3. c.Mahakasyapa
  4. d.Moggaliputta Tissa

Answer: (C) Mahakasyapa

The First Buddhist Council met at the Saptaparni cave, Rajagriha, soon after the Buddha's death (c. 483 BCE) under the patronage of Ajatashatru, with Mahakasyapa presiding; Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka and Upali the Vinaya Pitaka, which is why both appear as distractors. The remaining councils: Second at Vaishali (c. 383 BCE, king Kalashoka, president Sabakami), where the Sthaviravadin-Mahasanghika split began; Third at Pataliputra (c. 250 BCE, Ashoka, president Moggaliputta Tissa), which compiled the Abhidhamma Pitaka; Fourth in Kashmir (Kundalvana) under Kanishka, with Vasumitra presiding and Ashvaghosha as deputy, after which Buddhism divided into Hinayana and Mahayana.

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