[Solved] Which ruler did NOT expand Buddhism? | Pushyamitra Shunga

Which one of the following rulers did not contribute towards the expansion of Buddhism?

[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. Prelims 2018]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

While many great ancient Indian emperors were patrons of Buddhism, the Shunga period is traditionally associated with a Brahmanical revival.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did Pushyamitra Shunga come to power?"

He was the Commander-in-Chief (Senapati) of the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha, whom he assassinated during a military parade in 185 BCE.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Shunga dynasty represents a reactive shift in state policy, moving away from Buddhist heterodoxy back towards traditional Vedic ritualism."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Ashvamedha 4Shunga Dynasty 4