The first Buddhist council was held in Rajagriha, India, in the 5th century BCE. The council was convened by the Buddha’s disciple Mahakassapa to discuss and codify the Buddha’s teachings. The council was attended by over 500 monks, and it resulted in the creation of the Pali Canon, the oldest collection of Buddhist scriptures.
Option A: Vaishali is a city in the Indian state of Bihar. It was the capital of the Vajji confederacy, one of the most powerful kingdoms in India during the Buddha’s time. Vaishali is also the site of the second Buddhist council, which was held in the 3rd century BCE.
Option B: Kashmir is a region in the Indian subcontinent. It is home to a number of important Buddhist sites, including the Mahabodhi Temple, the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. However, there is no evidence that the first Buddhist council was held in Kashmir.
Option C: Rajagriha is a city in the Indian state of Bihar. It was the capital of the Magadha kingdom, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in India during the Buddha’s time. Rajagriha is also the site of the first Buddhist council.
Option D: Pataliputra is a city in the Indian state of Bihar. It was the capital of the Mauryan Empire, one of the largest empires in Indian history. Pataliputra is also the site of the third Buddhist council, which was held in the 2nd century BCE.
In conclusion, the correct answer to the question “Where was the first Buddhist Council held?” is Rajagriha.