In early Buddhist literature, the collection known as the Tripitaka was originally written in which language?

Introduction / Context:
The Tripitaka, meaning three baskets, is the traditional name for the earliest collection of Buddhist scriptures. This question tests knowledge of the language used for the earliest compilation of Buddhist teachings in the Theravada tradition. Understanding which language preserved these texts helps students connect religious history with the history of languages and scripts in ancient India and Sri Lanka.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The term Tripitaka refers to a body of Buddhist scriptures divided into three baskets or sections. • The options provide names of scripts and languages used in ancient India. • The task is to identify the original language in which the Tripitaka was written down in an organised manner.

Concept / Approach:
In the earliest period, the teachings of the Buddha were passed on orally for several centuries. Later, in the Theravada tradition, they were systematically written down in the island of Sri Lanka. The language chosen for this work was Pali, a Middle Indo Aryan language close to the speech used in the Gangetic region in the time of the Buddha. It is important to distinguish between language and script. Brahmi and Kharosthi are scripts, not languages, and Sanskrit is a classical learned language used later for some Buddhist texts but not for the original Tripitaka of the Theravada tradition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Tripitaka refers to three main sections: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka. 2. Remember that these were first compiled and written down in Sri Lanka by monks of the Theravada school. 3. The Theravada school used Pali as the main language for preserving the teachings of the Buddha. 4. Identify that Brahmi and Kharosthi are names of ancient scripts used to write different languages, not languages themselves. 5. Sanskrit was used widely by Mahayana Buddhists later, especially for philosophical texts, but the classic Theravada Tripitaka is in Pali. 6. From this reasoning, the correct choice is the option that mentions Pali.

Verification / Alternative check:
As a quick mental check, students can connect Pali with Theravada Buddhism and Sri Lanka, while Sanskrit is linked more with Mahayana texts and Hindu Shastra literature. When revising, many textbooks clearly state that the Pali Canon or Pali Tripitaka is the earliest complete Buddhist scripture collection. This matches the information required, which confirms that Pali is the correct answer for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Brahmi: This is an ancient script used to write several different languages. It is not itself a language for the Tripitaka. Kharosthi: Another ancient script, used mainly in north western India and Central Asia, again not the main language of the Tripitaka. Sanskrit: Used for many later Buddhist works and by Mahayana schools, but the standard Theravada Tripitaka is specifically in Pali.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse script and language. Students sometimes think that since Ashokan inscriptions were in Brahmi and Buddhism was supported by Ashoka, the Tripitaka must also be in Brahmi. Another error is to assume that all religious literature of ancient India must have been in Sanskrit because of its prestige. Understanding the difference between script and spoken language and remembering the special role of Pali in Theravada Buddhism helps avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
The Tripitaka in the Theravada Buddhist tradition was originally written in the language Pali.