Buddhist Historical Kingdoms

Avanti (1) was a kingdom in central India (present-day Malwa region) where Buddha preached and which became an important center of Buddhism. Kosala (3) was the kingdom of Buddha's father, King Suddhodana, and where Buddha spent much of his early life and preaching career in its capital Sravasti. Magadha (4) was a powerful kingdom in eastern India under rulers like Ashoka and Ajatashatru who were patrons of Buddhism. Gandhara (2) was a kingdom in the northwest (present-day Pakistan/Afghanistan region) that became important for Buddhism later, especially during the Kushan period, but was not directly associated with the Buddha's lifetime ministry in the same way as the others. Therefore, Avanti, Kosala, and Magadha are the kingdoms most directly associated with Buddha's life. > Kosala (birthplace region) + Magadha (patronage) + Avanti (preaching) = Buddha's kingdoms. Gandhara = later Buddhist center. Answer: c.