NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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The advice given by the Buddha to a wealthy householder named Sigala regarding the treatment of servants, parents, and teachers is found in the:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AVinaya Pitaka
BAbhidhamma Pitaka
CSutta Pitaka
DDipavamsa

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Solution

The correct option is Sutta Pitaka.

Explanation

The Buddhist scriptures are collectively known as the Tripitaka (Three Baskets). These are the Vinaya Pitaka (rules of discipline), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses/sermons), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis). The specific discourse mentioned in the question is the Sigalovada Sutta.

Detailed Analysis

Sutta Pitaka (Correct): The Sigalovada Sutta is the 31st discourse found in the Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses), which is the first of the five divisions of the Sutta Pitaka. In this sutta, the Buddha advises a householder named Sigala on domestic and social ethics, including the reciprocal duties between parents and children, teachers and students, husbands and wives, friends, employers and servants, and laypeople and religious guides. It is often referred to as the "Vinaya of the Householder" (Code of Discipline for Laymen).
Vinaya Pitaka (Incorrect): This basket deals primarily with the monastic rules and regulations for the Sangha (monks and nuns). It focuses on the conduct of the ordained rather than the lay householders.
Abhidhamma Pitaka (Incorrect): This basket contains the higher teachings, focusing on the metaphysical, psychological, and philosophical analysis of the Buddha's doctrine.
Dipavamsa (Incorrect): This is the oldest historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, written in Pali. It is not one of the three main Pitakas containing the Buddha's direct sermons.

Key Takeaway

The Sigalovada Sutta, which outlines the code of conduct and ethical duties for laypeople (householders), is contained within the Digha Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

With reference to the Jaina monastic vows, consider the following statements: 1. Jaina monks and nuns took five vows, including observing celibacy. 2. The vow to abstain from possessing property was optional for nuns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the development of Mahayana Buddhism, consider the following statements: 1. It strictly prohibited the worship of images of the Buddha. 2. It introduced the idea of a saviour who could ensure salvation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In Jaina philosophy, the cycle of birth and rebirth is believed to be determined by:

easy

James Fergusson, an early modern art historian, interpreted the site of Sanchi primarily as a centre associated with which of the following forms of worship?

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With reference to the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. The French and English showed no interest in the Sanchi Stupa. 2. Shahjehan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum provided funds for the preservation of the site and the building of a museum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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The correct option is Sutta Pitaka.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis

Sutta Pitaka (Correct): The Sigalovada Sutta is the 31st discourse found in the Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses), which is the first of the five divisions of the Sutta Pitaka. In this sutta, the Buddha advises a householder named Sigala on domestic and social ethics, including the reciprocal duties between parents and children, teachers and students, husbands and wives, friends, employers and servants, and laypeople and religious guides. It is often referred to as the "Vinaya of the Householder" (Code of Discipline for Laymen).
Vinaya Pitaka (Incorrect): This basket deals primarily with the monastic rules and regulations for the Sangha (monks and nuns). It focuses on the conduct of the ordained rather than the lay householders.
Abhidhamma Pitaka (Incorrect): This basket contains the higher teachings, focusing on the metaphysical, psychological, and philosophical analysis of the Buddha's doctrine.
Dipavamsa (Incorrect): This is the oldest historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, written in Pali. It is not one of the three main Pitakas containing the Buddha's direct sermons.

Key Takeaway

The Sigalovada Sutta, which outlines the code of conduct and ethical duties for laypeople (householders), is contained within the Digha Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka.