Q. The Buddhist sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of
(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Ashoka
(c) Dharmapala
(d) Kanishka
Ans: (d) Kanishka
Explanation: The Buddhist sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of (d) Kanishka. Kanishka was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire, which flourished in the 2nd century CE. It was during his reign that Mahayana Buddhism gained significant prominence and established itself as a distinct sect within Buddhism. Kanishka was known for his patronage of Buddhism and played a crucial role in the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism throughout Central Asia and beyond.
