Who described themselves as the followers of 'older' traditions of Buddhism?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Theravadins
The followers of the older tradition described themselves as theravadins, that is, those who followed the path of old, respected teachers, the theras.
NCERT (2026-27): “10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism … This new way of thinking was called Mahayana – literally, the ‘great vehicle’. Those who adopted these beliefs described the older tradition as Hinayana or the ‘lesser vehicle’. …Supporters of Mahayana regarded other Buddhists as followers of Hinayana. However, followers of the older tradition described themselves as theravadins, that is, those who followed the path of old, respected teachers, the theras.…” |