Gautama Buddha, born as Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, was a prince of the Shakya clan. His father, King Suddhodana, sheltered him from the outside world's suffering, providing a life of luxury. Despite this, Siddhartha was deeply curious about life.Gautama Buddha, born as Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, was a prince of the Shakya clan. His father, King Suddhodana, sheltered him from the outside world's suffering, providing a life of luxury. Despite this, Siddhartha was deeply curious about life.