Which Mauryan ruler sent Buddhist missionaries to foreign countries?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (B) Ashoka

Explanation:

• Ashoka, the third ruler of the Maurya Empire, is famously known for sending Buddhist missionaries to foreign countries. After the Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Buddha across India and beyond, including to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world.

Information Booster:

• Ashoka's efforts in promoting Buddhism were widespread. He sent missionaries to regions such as Sri Lanka (where Buddhism took root), Greece, Egypt, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
• He also inscribed his messages on rock edicts in various regions, emphasizing moral values and Buddhist principles.

Other Options:

C (Bindusara):

• Reign: 297–273 BCE (Mauryan Empire)
• Contribution to Buddhism: Bindusara, the father of Ashoka, did not play a significant role in the spread of Buddhism. While he maintained a policy of tolerance towards all religions, there is no record of him actively promoting Buddhism or sending missionaries to foreign lands.
• Religious Views: He is known for his tolerance of various faiths, including Jainism, which his father Chandragupta Maurya had embraced before becoming a ruler.

D (Chandragupta II):

• Reign: 380–415 CE (Gupta Empire)
• Contribution to Buddhism: Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, was a Gupta ruler. While the Gupta period saw significant cultural advancements, including in literature, science, and art, it was primarily a time of Hindu revivalism rather than the expansion of Buddhism.
• Role: Although Buddhism continued to flourish under Gupta rule, it was not due to any specific efforts from Chandragupta II to spread Buddhism. The Gupta Empire is more associated with the patronage of Hinduism and the development of Sanskrit literature.