Kanishka
Explanation
The Kushana dynasty, particularly under Emperor Kanishka, played a pivotal role in the patronage and spread of Buddhism. Kanishka is often compared to Ashoka for his contribution to the Buddhist faith, marking a transition in Buddhist history with the formalization of the Mahayana sect.
Detailed Analysis:
- Ashoka: The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is credited with convening the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra around 250 BCE. It was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
- Kanishka: Kanishka convened the Fourth Buddhist Council around 72 AD in Kundalavana, Kashmir. The council was presided over by Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosha acting as his deputy. The primary outcome of this council was the compilation of commentaries on the Tripitaka (known as the Mahavibhasha) and the formal division of Buddhism into two sects: Hinayana and Mahayana.
- Menander: Menander (Milinda) was an Indo-Greek ruler known for his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena, recorded in the text Milinda Panha. While a patron of Buddhism, he is not associated with convening a Buddhist council.
- Gautamiputra Satakarni Gautamiputra Satakarni: He was a prominent ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. While the Satavahanas were patrons of Brahmanism, they also supported Buddhism by donating to stupas and chaityas (e.g., Amaravati). However, he did not convene a Buddhist council.
Key Takeaway:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of the Kushana ruler Kanishka in Kashmir. It resulted in the division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana and the adoption of Sanskrit as the language for Buddhist texts.