Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following rulers did not contribute towards the expansion of Buddhism?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
While many great ancient Indian emperors were patrons of Buddhism, the Shunga period is traditionally associated with a Brahmanical revival.Explanation
Buddhist texts (like Divyavadana) portray Pushyamitra Shunga as a persecutor of Buddhists who destroyed monasteries. While archaeological evidence (Bharhut Stupa) suggests some patronage, he is the only one in the list who did not actively 'expand' the faith globally.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Ashoka (C) and Kanishka (B) were the two greatest international missionaries of Buddhism.
Logic 2: Harshavardhana (A) hosted the grand Kanauj assembly for Mahayana Buddhism.
Logic 3: Pushyamitra Shunga (D) was a Vedic orthodox king who performed two Ashvamedha sacrifices to celebrate the end of Mauryan rule.