Option a is the correct answer. The ruler stated as the protector of the 'Varna system' is Pushyamitra Sunga. Pushyamitra Sunga was the founder of the Sunga dynasty and ruled from around 185 BCE to 149 BCE. He was a staunch supporter of the orthodox brahmanical faith and revived many ancient Vedic rituals, including the horse sacrifice. He is also credited with restoring the position of the Brahmins in society and strengthening the Varna system. Important Tips Pushyamitra Sunga (c. 185 - c. 149 BCE) Pushyamitra Sunga served as the Brahmin army chief under King Brihadratha, the final ruler of the Mauryan dynasty. In a military parade, he assassinated Brihadratha and took control of the throne in 185 or 186 BC. Some historians view this as an internal uprising against the last Mauryan monarch, while others see it as a response to the Mauryan support of Buddhism. Pataliputra served as the capital during Pushyamitra Sunga's reign. He effectively countered invasions from Greek rulers Menander and Demetrius. Pushyamitra Sunga also repelled an attack by Kalinga's king, Kharavela. The region of Vidarbha was brought under his control. Following Brahminical practices, he is sometimes depicted as persecuting Buddhists and destroying stupas, though evidence for this is inconclusive. He oversaw the renovation of Stupas at Sanchi and Barhut, and constructed a sculpted stone gateway at Sanchi. Vedic rituals like Ashvamedha, Rajasuya, and Vajapeya were performed during his rule. He supported the Sanskrit grammarian Patanjali. According to Puranic accounts, his rule extended for 36 years, and he passed away in 151 BC .