With reference to the development of Buddhist councils and scriptures, consider the following statements: 1. The First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha was convened to preserve the Buddha’s teachings in written form and was led by Mahakassapa. 2. The schism between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism became formalized during the Second Buddhist Council at Vesali. 3. The Fourth Buddhist Council in Sri Lanka led to the formal compilation of the Pali Canon on palm leaves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Notes:

Explanation:

The First Council was held at Rajagriha, convened by Mahakassapa, and aimed to preserve the Buddha’s teachings for the Sangha.
The Second Council at Vesali witnessed serious differences between conservative elders and reformist monks (Vajjian monks), which eventually led to the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Fourth Council was held in Sri Lanka in the 1st century BCE, during which the Pali Canon was formally written down on palm leaves.

Source: NCERT and Ancient India – NCERT (R.S.Sharma)