Question map
Consider the following 1. Pitaka 2. Angas 3. Jataka Which of the above is/ are branches of Buddhist literature ?
Explanation
Buddhist literature is primarily categorized into canonical and non-canonical works. The 'Pitakas' (Tripitakas) constitute the core canonical literature, consisting of the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (Buddha's discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis) [3]. The 'Jatakas' are a significant part of Buddhist literature, specifically found within the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka; they narrate stories of the Buddha's previous births as a Bodhisattva [4]. In contrast, 'Angas' refer to the twelve canonical scriptures of Jainism, not Buddhism [4][t8]. Therefore, only Pitaka and Jataka are branches of Buddhist literature. The earliest of these works were composed in Pali, while later developments included Sanskrit compositions and regional chronicles like the Mahavamsa [3].
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Buddhist Literature > p. 42
- [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > How Buddhist texts were prepared and preserved > p. 86
- [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > The Starving Tigress: A Jataka Tale > p. 43
- [4] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Sources > p. 33