Question

Kanishka was the follower of ________.
(A) Hinduism
(B) Jainism
(C) Hinayanism
(D) Mahayanism

Answer 1

Hint: The emperor Kanishka not only believed in Buddhism but also encouraged its teachings. Hence, his reputation in Buddhist tradition was regarded with the utmost importance.

Complete step by step answer:
Kanishka was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty reigning in the second century. He is very famous for his military, political and spiritual achievements. The Purusapura in Gandhara was the main capital of this empire and another major capital was at Kapisa. Emperor Kanishka was born in Peshawar and died in Peshawar. He followed Buddhism and his patronage, conquests played a major role in the Silk Road’s development. He also replaced Greek by Bactrian, around 127 CE, as the official language of the administration in the empire. The coins issued in the rule of Kanishka portrayed the images of Indian, Greek, Iranian and even Sumero – Elamite divinities. They even demonstrated religious syncretism in his beliefs. Mahayanism is Mahayana Buddhism. So, the emperor Kanishka believed in Mahayanism and was the follower of it. The fourth Buddhist council was also held during his reign in the Kundalvana of Kashmir in 78 AD and he was a patron of Buddhism. The greatest contribution of him to the Buddhist architecture was the one located in Pakistan, which is the Kanishka stupa at Peshawar.

Thus, option (D) is correct.

Note: Emperor Kanishka is also known as Kanishka – the great. Some scholars earlier believed that the throne of Kushan was ascended by Kanishka in 78 CE. So, this date was used as the beginning of the Saka calendar era. This date was no longer regarded by historians. The estimation of falk is that Kanishka came to the throne in 127 CE.