Gautam Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual leader who lived in ancient India around the 5th to 4th century BCE. He is the founder of Buddhism, a major world religion that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. His teachings focus on understanding the nature of suffering and the importance of compassion. Born into a royal family, Gautam renounced his privileged life in search of spiritual truth. After years of meditation and self-discovery, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. His insights led to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which guide followers in their quest for spiritual awakening.