Q. Which of the following statements regarding royal patronage of Buddhism in ancient and medieval India are correct?
1.Ashoka provided state patronage to Buddhism, convening the Third Buddhist Council and deploying Dhammamahamattas to propagate its principles.
2.The Satavahanas were exclusive followers of Buddhism, prohibiting Brahmanical rituals and land grants to non-Buddhist institutions.
3.King Kanishka I supported Mahayana Buddhism, convening the Fourth Council in Kashmir and patronizing Gandhara art.
4.The Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar served as major patrons of late Mahayana and Vajrayana centers such as Nalanda and Vikramashila.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Emperor Ashoka transformed Buddhism into a pan-Asian tradition, convening the Third Council at Pataliputra and issuing rock/pillar edicts.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The Satavahanas were devout followers of Brahmanism (performing Vedic sacrifices like Aswamedha and Rajasuya), though they liberally patronized Buddhist cave excavations (Karla, Kanheri, Amaravati). They were not exclusive supporters of Buddhism nor did they prohibit Brahmanical rites.
- Statement 3 is correct: Kushana ruler Kanishka I patronized Mahayana Buddhism, supported the Fourth Buddhist Council, and funded the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art.
- Statement 4 is correct: The Pala rulers (Dharmapala, Devapala, etc.) were devout Buddhists who established Vikramashila, Odantapuri, and Somapura universities while expanding Nalanda.
