The phrase “Light of Asia” is commonly applied as an honorific title to which great spiritual teacher?

Introduction / Context:
Many historical and religious figures acquire poetic titles that express the impact they have had on culture and spirituality. One such famous phrase is “Light of Asia,” which has been used widely in English language writings. It appears in the title of a nineteenth century poem and has become closely associated with a particular spiritual teacher from ancient India. This question examines whether you can correctly recall which figure is commonly referred to by this epithet.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The phrase in focus is “Light of Asia”. - Options include Alexander, Chandragupta Maurya, Mahavira and the Buddha. - We assume general knowledge of world famous spiritual figures. - The task is to match the honorific with the correct person.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase “Light of Asia” is most famously connected with Gautama Buddha. The English poet Sir Edwin Arnold wrote a long narrative poem titled The Light of Asia in the nineteenth century, which presented the life and teachings of the Buddha to a Western audience. Since then, the phrase has become a well known poetic epithet for the Buddha, emphasising his role as a guiding light for Asia. Alexander and Chandragupta Maurya are political and military figures, not spiritual teachers in this context, and Mahavira, though a great spiritual leader of Jainism, is not usually designated by this particular title in English literature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify “Light of Asia” as a phrase used prominently in a literary work about a spiritual figure. Step 2: Recall that Sir Edwin Arnold's poem The Light of Asia is a retelling of the life of Gautama Buddha. Step 3: Understand that this work popularised the phrase as a poetic title for the Buddha, highlighting his compassionate teachings. Step 4: Note that Alexander and Chandragupta Maurya are known as great conquerors and rulers, not primarily as spiritual lights for Asia. Step 5: Recognise that Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism but that the specific English phrase “Light of Asia” has historically been linked with the Buddha, not with Mahavira. Step 6: Conclude that the title “Light of Asia” is applied to the Buddha.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any brief introduction to Arnold's The Light of Asia explains that the poem aims to present the story of the Buddha's renunciation, enlightenment and teaching to readers who may not be familiar with Buddhism. Biographical notes about the Buddha and cultural references often repeat the phrase “Light of Asia” as a poetic honorific. In quiz books and exam guides, questions on this phrase almost always appear with the Buddha as the answer, which confirms the association for competitive exam purposes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Alexander is wrong because, although an influential conqueror, he is not celebrated in religious literature as the Light of Asia.

Chandragupta Maurya is wrong because he is remembered as a founder of the Mauryan Empire and a political figure, not as a spiritual teacher associated with this phrase.

Mahavira is wrong because, while he is a central figure in Jainism, the English literary title “Light of Asia” has not historically been applied primarily to him.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may think of any ancient Indian religious teacher and choose Mahavira simply because his name appears in the options. Others might be distracted by the fame of Alexander and Chandragupta and forget that the question is about a spiritual epithet. To avoid errors, remember a direct one to one mapping: The Light of Asia refers to the Buddha, just as the Light of the World is often used in a different religious context. This simple mental link will help you answer similar questions quickly.

Final Answer:
The phrase “Light of Asia” is commonly applied to the Buddha.