Q. Ashvaghosha, who has written the marvelous work “Buddhacharita” was a court poet of which among the following kings?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Ajatshatru
Ans: (b) Kanishka
Explanation: Ashvaghosha, the renowned poet, and playwright, was a court poet of King Kanishka. Kanishka was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire, which existed in the 2nd century CE in parts of present-day India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Ashvaghosha’s work “Buddhacharita” is an epic poem that narrates the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist texts and played a significant role in popularizing Buddhism during that time.