MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaEasy

Who among the following scholars or officers headed the assembly convened during the reign of Kanishka for the compilation of Buddhist commentaries?

A. Upagupta
B. Vasumitra✓ Correct Answer
C. Ashvaghosha
D. Nagarjuna

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana in Kashmir under the patronage of the Kushan emperor Kanishka, where Vasumitra served as the president of the assembly and Ashvaghosha served as his deputy. This council was responsible for compiling extensive commentaries on the Buddhist canon known as the Vibhasa shastras. Nagarjuna was a later philosopher belonging to the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism, while Upagupta was the spiritual preceptor of Emperor Ashoka. The proceedings of this council marked the formal compilation and recording of scriptures on copper plates.

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