According to Buddhist tradition, during which historical period were the teachings compiled in the Tripitaka first written down in Pali language rather than preserved only orally?

Introduction / Context:
In early Buddhism, the teachings of the Buddha were transmitted orally for several centuries. Monks memorised discourses, rules and philosophical analyses, and recited them collectively to preserve accuracy. At a later stage, these teachings were written down as the Tripitaka, also called Tipitaka, literally meaning three baskets. Knowing when this shift from purely oral tradition to written scripture took place is an important fact in the study of Buddhist history and is frequently asked in competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the time when the Tripitaka was first committed to writing.
• The question is not about compilation only, but about written recording.
• The options mention different centuries and historical contexts, including Ashoka, the lifetime of the Buddha and later periods.
• We assume the standard Theravada tradition account, which most exam boards follow.

Concept / Approach:
According to Theravada Buddhist tradition, the teachings were passed down orally until fear of loss due to war and famine made the monks decide to write them down. This event is associated with the Fourth Buddhist Council held in Sri Lanka at Aluvihara during the reign of King Vattagamani, roughly in the 1st century BCE. At that time, the Pali Canon or Tripitaka was committed to palm leaf manuscripts. This is considered the earliest known instance of the Buddhist scriptures being written in a systematic way. Understanding the difference between compilation, councils and writing is essential to choosing the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that during the lifetime of the Buddha in the 6th century BCE, his teachings were delivered orally and memorised by disciples. Step 2: Remember that after the Buddha s death, several councils were held to recite and organise the teachings but they still remained primarily oral for many centuries. Step 3: The Third Buddhist Council during Ashoka s time in the 3rd century BCE focused on purification of the Sangha and standardisation of the doctrine, not yet on writing everything down in canonical form. Step 4: The Theravada account says that in the 1st century BCE, in Sri Lanka, monks wrote the Tripitaka on palm leaves at Aluvihara to protect it from being lost due to political unrest and famine. Step 5: Compare this information with the options and select the one that states around the 1st century BCE in Sri Lanka.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you consult standard references on Buddhist canons or the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, you will find that the Pali Canon was first written during the reign of King Vattagamani Abhaya in the 1st century BCE. It is consistently described as a major turning point when oral teachings were turned into written scripture. None of the later periods such as the Gupta age or the Gandhara region are associated with the first writing of the entire Tripitaka, which confirms that the 1st century BCE Sri Lankan context is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
During the lifetime of the Buddha in the 6th century BCE: At that time, writing existed but the Buddhist community relied on oral recitation, so the Tripitaka was not yet written. In the 3rd century BCE during the reign of Ashoka: Ashoka promoted Buddhism widely, but sources do not say that the entire Tripitaka was written in his reign. In the 1st century CE in the Gandhara region: Gandhara is important for later Buddhist art and texts, but not recognised as the first place where the entire Tripitaka was recorded in writing. In the 5th century CE under the Gupta rulers: This period was significant for many Sanskrit Buddhist texts but comes much later than the traditional account of the first written Pali Canon.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to assume that because Ashoka played a big role in spreading Buddhism, all key events including the writing down of scriptures must have happened in his time. Another mistake is to confuse compilation and systematisation at early councils with actual writing on manuscripts. Exam questions are often specific, so you must remember that the first writing of the Tripitaka in the Theravada tradition is linked with Sri Lanka and the 1st century BCE, not directly with Ashoka or later dynasties.

Final Answer:
According to traditional accounts, the Tripitaka was first written down around the 1st century BCE in Sri Lanka.