Question

Which state is called the ‘Cradle of Buddhism’?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Sikkim

Answer 1

Hint: It is an East Indian state bordering Nepal. The River Ganges, which floods its fertile plains, separates it. The Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya's Mahabodhi Temple, under which the Buddha supposedly meditated, includes significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. In the province, three principal cultural regions converge: Magadh, Mithila, and Bhojpur.

Complete Answer:
Option A. Uttar Pradesh: One of the states that aesthetically describes India and its rich past as ancient as the period known is Uttar Pradesh. This is the land from which great sages have arisen, religions have evolved, and two great Indian epics were influenced by Ramayana and Mahabharata. With each century advancing, by giving home to different religions: Hindu, Jainism, Islamic, Buddhist and more the state has vouched for India's secularity. Uttar Pradesh has a rich past as ancient as the period. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B. Bihar: Buddhism is an ancient Indian religion that originated in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha (now in Bihar, India) and is based on the teachings of the Gautama Buddha, who was considered a "Buddha" Buddhism spread beyond Magadha, beginning in the life of the Buddha.
- It was said that the place was so holy that the glory of Bodh Gaya was not enough for it. It's situated in the east of Bihar.
- In this location under the Bodhi tree, which is the Banyan tree, Lord Buddha has attained enlightenment.
- It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bihar state is called ‘craddle of buddhism’.Hence, this option is correct.

Option C. Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh is fondly regarded as the 'heart of India.'
Geographically situated in the heart of India, the state has many unique attractions of tourist interest that tourists have come to Madhya Pradesh to get a glimpse of these locations.
- Madhya Pradesh is named the Heart of India because of its position in the middle of India.
- It is home to a rich cultural heritage with countless ruins, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces all over it.
- Madhya Pradesh state is called the ‘heart of India’. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D. Sikkim: Drenjong, which means 'rice valley,' is the Tibetan name for Sikkim, while the Bhutias call it Beyul Demazong, which means " the secret rice valley.' The Leppa people, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, called it Nye-mae-el, meaning "paradise"
- Sikkim state is famous for ‘rich valley’ and it has a name called Drenjong. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Bihar is considered the Birthplace of Buddhism. Hence Option B. Bihar is the correct answer.

Note: Buddha was born to the head of the Shakya republic, Kapilvastu, named Suddhodana. In a particular way, he used sramana techniques, denouncing excessive asceticism and concentration-meditation alone, which were Sramanic practices. Instead, between the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification, he propagated a Middle Path, in which self-restraint and compassion became key elements. According to tradition, Siddhartha Gautama, seated under a pipal tree, now known as the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, achieved awakening, as documented in the Pali Canon and the Agamas.