The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajgir during the reign of which ruler?

The correct answer is B, Ajatashatru. The First Buddhist Council met at the Sattapanni cave in Rajagriha soon after the death of the Buddha, under the patronage of Ajatashatru of the Haryanka dynasty. Mahakassapa presided, Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka and Upali the Vinaya Pitaka, so the council is remembered as the first compilation of the Buddha's teaching.

Option A, Bimbisara, was a patron of the Buddha in his lifetime but died before him and so could not have hosted the council. Option C, Kalashoka of the Shishunaga dynasty, patronised the Second Council, which met at Vaishali about a century later over points of monastic discipline. Option D, Ashoka, patronised the Third Council at Pataliputra, presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa. Candidates should memorise the venue, the patron and the president of all four councils as a set.