Read the statements carefully regarding Buddhist literature.
(A) Buddha gave teachings through writings only.
(B) None of Buddha's speeches were written during his life-time.
(C) Buddha's teachings were compiled by his disciples after his death.
(D) Some of the oldest Buddhist texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit.
(E) 'Mahavamsa' is known as the 'Great Chronicle'.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (B), (C), (D), (E) Only
(A) Buddha gave teachings through writings only. Incorrect. The Buddha taught orally, through discussions and debates; none of his speeches was written down in his lifetime.
(B) None of Buddha’s speeches were written during his life-time. Correct. None of the Buddha’s speeches were written down during his lifetime.
(C) Buddha’s teachings were compiled by his disciples after his death. Correct. After his death his teachings were compiled by his disciples at a council of “elders” or senior monks at Vesali.
(D) Some of the oldest Buddhist texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit. Correct. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit.
(E) ‘Mahavamsa’ is known as the ‘Great Chronicle’. Correct. As Buddhism travelled to Sri Lanka, texts such as the Dipavamsa and the Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism.
NCERT: Themes in Indian History Part I — Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (2026-27)
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