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Answer: A: B) 563 B.C.
Gautam Buddha was born in the year 563 BC. Therefore, the correct choice for this answer is (B) 563 BC. Buddha or Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini (now Nepal) to Queen Maya and King Śuddhodana of the Shakya clan.
Complete Explanation
As per legend, starting from birth, he showed miraculous signs, like walking seven steps. Buddha spent his early years filled with luxury, but later renounced worldly life at 29. His lifespan is said to be 563–483 B.C, and Buddhism was founded about the 6th-5th century B.C. India. In this article, you will learn about the early life, birthday, and its significance today.
Historical Dating
Gautam Buddha was born around 563 B.C. The date provided is as per the early Buddhist chronicles. Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama in 563 B.C. He was a part of the Royal Shakya clan at Lumbini (now in Nepal). As per the World History Encyclopedia, his lifespan was between c. 563–483 B.C.
Birthplace and Early Life
Gautam Buddha was born in the year 563 B.C in Lumbini (near the present-day Nepal border). He was born to Queen Maya and King Śuddhodana of the Shakya clan. The Buddhists say that he would walk and talk immediately after his birth. This is a legend surrounding his destiny. This date is important to understand the Buddhist Education system.
Why Not Other Dates?
We say that Gautam Buddha was born in the year 563 B.C.. It is estimated that he was born on other dates due to the following reasons:
- As per certain religious traditions, Buddha was born between 581 B.C. and 576 B.C. However, this lacks a contextual and archaeological backing.
- The 534 B.C. date is as the chronologies proposed by later commentators. However, this date is not yet recognised in the history textbooks.
- UNESCO’s pillar inscription in Lumbini shows the date 623 B.C. However, this date is the formation of the pillar. As per Emperor Aśoka’s record, the date is of the building of the pillar and not the birth date of Gautam Buddha.
Significance of the Birthdate of Gautama Buddha
Understanding that Gautam Buddha was born in the year 563 B.C helps you to understand his life better. You can understand the events in he broader context of the 6th-5th century B.C. This is a period of several philosophical ferment alongside Jainism and Upanishadic thought. This date matches with the timeline of events such as his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree c. 528 B.C.), the first sermon at Sarnath (c. 528–527 B.C.), and his death, Parinirvana (c. 483 B.C.).
Common Doubts
