Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following statements: 1. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism. 2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were Patrons of Buddhism. Which of the statement(s) given above is/ are correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
The survival and expansion of Buddhism in India were heavily dependent on the varying degrees of patronage provided by regional dynasties.Explanation
The Pala dynasty (Bengal/Bihar) was the last major royal patron of Buddhism in India, establishing great universities like Vikramashila. The Ikshvakus (Andhra region) were generally Vedic practitioners but not strictly 'antagonistic'.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Ikshvaku kings followed Brahmanism, their queens and female relatives were famously great patrons of Buddhism, funding several stupas at Nagarjunakonda.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct. The Palas (e.g., Dharmapala) were devout Buddhists who fostered the growth of Vajrayana Buddhism and maintained close links with Southeast Asian Buddhist kingdoms.