Question

Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana during the reign of___
A.Ashoka
B.Kanishka
C.Manander
D.Harsha

Answer 1

Hint: The terms Mahayana meaning greater vehicle or vast vehicle and Hinayana meaning lesser vehicle or modest vehicle originated in the Prajnaparamita Sutras.

Complete answer: Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana during the reign of Kanishka. Buddhism is the world’s 4th largest religion with over 520 million followers making it over 7% of the global population who are known as Buddhists.
This encompasses a variety of traditions, spiritual practices and beliefs which are largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies. Buddhism originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE which spread through much of Asia.
The two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized as Thervada and Mahayana. The goal of this religion is to overcome suffering and the cycle of death and rebirth, either by attainment of Nirvana or through the path of Buddhahood. The Buddhist schools vary in their interpretation of the path to liberation.
Some of the widely observed practices include taking refuge in the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma, Buddhist monasticism, meditation etc.
It is an Indian religion founded on the teachings of a mendicant and spiritual teacher known as ‘the Buddha’ in the 5th to 4th century BCE. The details of Buddha’s life are mentioned in various Early Buddhist Texts but they are inconsistent in nature. His life details and social background are difficult to prove as the precise dates are uncertain.

Thus, Option B is correct.

Note: The Nirvana state in the Buddhist texts has been described partly in a manner similar to other Indian religions, as the state of complete enlightenment, bliss, liberation, freedom, permanence etc.