Buddhist Councils
Leader of the Fourth Buddhist Council | Kanishka
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the patronage of the Kushan Emperor Kanishka.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2014
Evidence Source
Link ↗The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the leadership of-
[UPSC CDS 2014 (I)]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Royal patronage was essential for convening general councils to codify the Dhamma and resolve sectarian disputes.Authentic Source Evidence
The Fourth Council took place at Kundalvana (Kashmir) in the 1st century CE under the Kushan King Kanishka. It was presided over by Vasumitra with Ashvaghosha as vice-president.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What was the main outcome of the 4th Council?"
The compilation of the 'Mahavibhasha' (encyclopedia of Buddhist philosophy) and the formal rise of Mahayana Buddhism.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Kanishka's patronage of the 4th Council facilitated the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road into Central Asia and China."
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