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 :

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1, 2 and 3
4. D. None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha

Answer: B

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: ‘Nayaputta’ is an epithet primarily associated with Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, referring to his clan. Statements 2 and 3 are correct: ‘Shakyamuni’ means ‘Sage of the Shakyas,’ referring to Buddha’s clan, and ‘Tathagata’ is a term Buddha used to refer to himself or other Buddhas, meaning ‘one who has thus come’ or ‘one who has thus gone.’ These are well-known epithets for Gautama Buddha. This question tests factual knowledge of ancient Indian history and religious figures, a core topic in the UPSC syllabus.