The Buddhist sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of

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.