2023 · Q97
Who among the following were referred to as the 'Theris' in ancient India?
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- ARespected women
- BElder nuns in Buddhism
- CWomen denied the Bhikkhuni status
- DWomen expelled from the Buddhist Sangha
Explanation
In ancient Buddhist literature, 'Theris' (feminine of Thera) refers to the elder nuns of the Buddhist Sangha — the authors of the Therigatha, verses of enlightened bhikkhunis. They were respected senior nuns, not women denied bhikkhuni status or expelled from the Sangha.