Consider the following statements regarding the religious assemblies and councils convened during the ancient period of Indian history: 1. The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened under the patronage of King Kanishka at Kundalavana in Kashmir and was presided over by Vasumitra. 2. The Jain council at Vallabhi was convened under the leadership of Devardhi Kshamasramana to compile and finalize the sacred Jain canonical texts known as the Angas and Upangas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements are accurate representations of ancient religious councils. The Fourth Buddhist Council formalized the split between Mahayana and Hinayana traditions and was held in Kashmir under Kanishka with Vasumitra as president and Asvaghosha as vice-president. The Jain council at Vallabhi in Gujarat successfully compiled the scattered oral traditions of the Svetambara canon into written form. The Third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka and was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.