Which of the following statements with regard to ancient Buddhist texts is/are correct? 1. Vishuddhimagga, composed by Buddhaghosa, is a non-canonical Theravada manual. 2. Mulamadhyamakakarika, written by Nagarjuna, serves as the foundational treatise of the Madhyamika school. 3. Nidanakatha is recognized as the earliest Sanskrit work authored by Ashvaghosha. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Notes:

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Vishuddhimagga (The Path of Purification) is a classic Theravada commentary written in Pali by Buddhaghosa in Sri Lanka during the 5th century CE. It outlines the path to Nirvana through virtue, meditation, and wisdom.
Statement 2 is correct: The Mulamadhyamakakarika (Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way) was authored by Nagarjuna. It forms the foundational text of the Madhyamika school, establishing the core concept of Shunyata (emptiness/dependent origination).
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Nidanakatha is a Pali text forming the introduction to the Jataka commentary. It is famous for being the first connected bio-chronological account of the life of the Buddha, not a Sanskrit text by Ashvaghosha describing the Third Buddhist Council.