Question

Gautam Buddha as a prince was known as ____.
A. Gautam
B. Siddhartha
C. Rahul
D. Suddhodana

Answer 1

Hint: Gautama buddha is the creator of Buddhism around the world. He was born in the land of Lumbini, near Kapilavastu, in the Kosala kingdom situated in modern day Nepal. His father, Suddhodana, was the King of Sakya, and his mother, Maya, also came from a family of princes. By surrounding him with wealth and prosperity, his father tried his best to protect him from all possible spiritual contacts and influences, so that he would become a great ruler when he grew up. Hence, they decided to give him a suitable name.

Complete answer:
Gautama Buddha was born as Siddhartha in a royal family in Kosala Kingdom. He was married to a princess named Yashodhara when he reached the age of sixteen. She was the daughter of a Chieftain of Sakya named Suprabuddha. Via her, he had a son called Rahula. He went through four odd encounters during this period that the Buddhists refer to as the' Four Noble Signs.' They totally changed his perspective and brought a profound shift in his attitude towards the life that he had lived until then.
Siddhartha was inspired by these encounters to revisit the life he had lived until then and change it if he could. He was overcome by a sense of sorrow and sympathy for mankind's troubles. He vowed not to rest until he found the right answers to the questions that had plagued him for a while. Shortly afterwards, one day, in the middle of the night, when everyone was asleep, he left the palace, his family, friends and the kingdom. After crossing a stream called Anana, he removed all his jewelry and rich clothes and gave them to Channa. He ordered him to return to the city with the chariot and all his belongings, much against the protestations and pleadings of the latter. Through this newfound wisdom, Siddhartha became Buddha, the awakened one.

- Gautam/ Gauthama was the name he chose after his clan during his monk years.
- The name Rahul comes from Rahul Buddha who was the son of Gautama buddha.
- Suddhodana was the name of Bhuddha’s father who was also a shakya clan leader.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Buddha travelled on foot across northern India after his enlightenment. For forty-five years, he was actively teaching. People of all castes and occupations were attracted to him, from kings to courtesans. He replied to their questions, always pointing at what was ultimately true. Through their own practise, Buddha encouraged his students to challenge his teachings and validate them. Buddhism is still characterised today by this non-dogmatic approach.