Question

In which language Gautama Buddha propagated his doctrines and discourses?

• A. Sanskrit
• B. Hindi
• C. Pali
• D. Bengali

Hint:

Both early Buddhism and Jainism used Prakrit languages (like Pali and Ardhamagadhi, respectively) to spread their message, in direct contrast to the Vedic tradition which used the elite language of Sanskrit. This was a key part of their appeal to the masses.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks about the language used by Gautama Buddha to teach his philosophy to the general public.

Step 2: Recalling Historical Context


During the time of the Buddha (c. 5th century BCE), Sanskrit was the language of the scholarly and priestly elite (Brahmins) and was used for Vedic rituals and texts.

To make his teachings accessible to ordinary people from all walks of life, the Buddha deliberately chose to teach in the local vernaculars or dialects of the regions he travelled in, which are collectively known as Prakrits.

The language in which the earliest Buddhist scriptures (the Tripitaka) were compiled and which is most closely associated with the Buddha's teachings is Pali. Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language, or a Prakrit.


Step 3: Evaluating the Options


(A) Sanskrit: This was the language of the established Brahmanical religion, which the Buddha's teachings often challenged. He avoided it in favor of the common tongue.

(B) Hindi \& (D) Bengali: These are modern languages that evolved many centuries after the Buddha's time.

(C) Pali: This is the Prakrit language of the early Buddhist canon and is traditionally considered the language spoken by the Buddha.


Step 4: Final Answer
Gautama Buddha used Pali to propagate his doctrines. Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer.