Question

The fourth and the last Buddhist Council was convened by________.
A. Ashoka
B. Menander
C. Kanishka
D. Kalashoka

Answer 1

Hint:
- He is an emperor and most powerful of the Kushan dynasty.
- He played a significant role in the development of the Silk Road.
- He was virtually converted into a Buddhist by Asvaghosha.

Complete answer:
Ashoka was an emperor of the Mauryan dynasty. He promoted Buddhism by sending monks to surrounding countries to share the teachings of the Buddha. The most significant effect that Ashoka left from his contributions was the implication of social welfare as he showed his people how crucial social welfare in Buddhism and respect for others is. This option is incorrect.

Menander was not the one to convene the last Buddhist council. This option is incorrect.

King Kanishka's massive contribution to Buddhist architecture was the Kanishka stupa at Peshawar, Pakistan. He convened the fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD. Vasumitra was the president of this council. This is the correct option.

The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali, under the patronage of King Kalashoka while it was supervised by Sabakami. This Council was held about a century after the first one around 383 BCE. This option is incorrect.

Therefore , the correct answer is C

Note:
The First Buddhist council was assembled at the Sattapanni caves in Rajgriha in 400 B.C. It was held under the patronage of King Ajatashatru and presided by Monk Mahakasyapa. The agenda of the fourth Buddhist council was the reconciliation of several disputes between different schools of thought. Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism split up after this council. Buddhism is an important religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama in 6th century B.C.E.