The Fourth Buddhist Council, which resulted in the division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects, was held under the patronage of which ruler?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened at Kundalavana in Kashmir under the patronage of the Kushan king Kanishka, resulting in the formal schism into Mahayana and Hinayana branches. Earlier councils under rulers like Ashoka focused on compiling canonical texts and resolving doctrinal disputes. This council also marked the widespread adoption of Sanskrit in Buddhist treatises.