The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Siddhartha, also known as Gautama Buddha, was the founder of Buddhism. His early life and the events leading to his enlightenment are central to understanding the origins of the Buddhist faith.
- Statement 1 is Correct: Siddhartha was born in Lumbini (near Kapilavastu in present-day Nepal). He belonged to a small gana (an oligarchic republic or clan-based assembly) known as the Sakya gana. Unlike the large monarchies (Mahajanapadas) of the time, the Sakyas were organized as a republic.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Siddhartha was born into a Kshatriya family, not a Brahmin family. His father, Suddhodana, was the elected chief of the Sakya clan. He renounced his princely status and comfortable life to seek the truth about suffering, but his birth status was that of a warrior-noble (Kshatriya).
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While he did meditate under a peepal tree, he attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (in present-day Bihar). Sarnath is the location where he delivered his first sermon, an event known as Dharmachakrapravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Law).
Key Takeaway: Gautama Buddha was a Kshatriya of the Sakya clan who attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and delivered his first sermon at Sarnath.