Question

The phrase Light of Asia is applied to _______.
a.Alexander
b.Chandragupta Maurya
c.Mahavira
d.Buddha

Answer 1

Hint: The Light of Asia is a phrase given to the historical and spiritual figure who was known as the Enlightened One, as the true light of Knowledge had dawned on him after several days of meditation.

Complete answer:
Alexander and Chandragupta Maurya were contemporaries and similarly, Mahavira and Buddha were contemporaries. However, Buddha and Mahavira lived many years before Alexander and Chandragupta Maurya. So, let’s take a look at the options one by one to reach the best answer.
a. Alexander: Alexander the third of Macedon also popularly known as Alexander the Great was a ruler of the Macedonian empire. He is credited with the creation of one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece in the west to Beas river in the Indian subcontinent in the east. So, it is an incorrect option.
b. Chandragupta Maurya: Chandragupta Maurya is known as the founder of the Mauryan Empire which was the most powerful empire in the world during that time. His supremacy was established after the defeat of the Seleucid ruler Seleucus Nicator. So, it is an incorrect option.
c. Mahavira: Mahavira was the 24th and the last Tirthankara of the Jain tradition and had an important role in organising the Jain traditions, although the religion existed before his birth. So, it is an incorrect option.
d. Buddha: Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism is known as the Light of Asia as he had attained enlightenment by meditation. So, it is the correct option.

Hence, The correct answer is Option D.

Note: Buddhism and Jainism originated in India around the 6th century BCE. Unlike Buddha, who was full of compassion, Mahavira is known as Sramana, that is being devoid of any feelings.