UPSC Express

With reference to Buddhist literature, consider the following statements:
1. Milindapanho is a non-canonical Buddhist literature.
2. Jataka tales are canonical Buddhist literature.
3. Therigatha literature is earliest surviving Indian poetry by buddhist women.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.
1 only
B.
1 and 2
C.
2 and 3
D.
1, 2 and 3
Explanation :
The Milindapanho, Buddhist text which dates from approximately 100 BC is record of dialogue between Indo-Greek king Milinda’s questions on Buddhism to the sage Nagasena therefore it is non-canonical.
Canonical literature are the one which lay down the basic tenets of religion or sect. The stories of Buddha in Jataka tales contains the teachings and principles of Buddhism therefore it is canonical. It is the part of Suttapitaka. Suttapitaka contains teachings by Buddha himself in a dialogue form.
The Therigatha is a collection of gatha (verses) by and about theris or elder Buddhist nuns. It is part of the Pali canon, and, dating from around the 3rd century BCE, it is the earliest surviving Indian poetry by women. The poems contain a wealth of historical detail of the lives of women from a period. The Therigatha is the earliest extant text depicting women’s spiritual experiences.