[Solved] With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets? Nayaputta Shakyamuni Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha

Q44. 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. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha

Answer: 2

Nayaputta is not an epithet for Gautama Buddha; it refers to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. Hence, option 1 is incorrect.

· Shakyamuni” means “the sage of the Shakyas” and is one of the most widely recognized epithets of Gautama Buddha. It emphasizes his princely lineage from the Shakya clan and his role as a wise teacher who renounced worldly life. Hence, option 2 is correct.

· After attaining enlightenment (nirvana), the Buddha referred to himself as Tathāgata. The term Tathāgata (nyorai) signifies “one who has emerged from the realm of truth,” “the Worshipful,” and “one who is worthy of offerings in both the human and celestial realms.” Hence, option 3 is correct.