Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: The Buddhist Scriptures were written either in Prakrit or Pali languages.
Reason R: Pali and Prakrit languages were the vernaculars of the people.

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is correct but R is not correct.
• D. A is not correct but R is correct.

Hint:

Think of the strategy: If you want to reach everyone, you speak their language. Buddhism/Jainism = Common People = Pali/Prakrit. Vedic Tradition = Elite/Scholars = Sanskrit.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Early Buddhism and Jainism were reform movements that sought to challenge the dominance of Brahmanical traditions, which used Sanskrit—a language largely restricted to the elite and priestly classes.

Step 1: Evaluating Assertion A.
Early Buddhist teachings (like the Tripitakas) and scriptures were primarily composed in Pali, while Prakrit was also widely used in various Buddhist and Jain traditions of that era. Thus, Assertion A is correct.

Step 2: Evaluating Reason R.
Pali and Prakrit were the "Jan Bhasha" or the vernaculars (common spoken languages) of the masses in ancient India, whereas Sanskrit was the "Dev Bhasha" (language of the gods/scholars). Thus, Reason R is correct.

Step 3: Analyzing the Connection.
Lord Buddha deliberately chose to preach and record scriptures in Pali and Prakrit *because* he wanted his message to be accessible to the common man, not just scholars. Therefore, the fact that they were vernaculars directly explains why the scriptures were written in them. R is the correct explanation of A.