Who patronized the third Buddhist council held at Pataliputra?

Q. Who patronized the third Buddhist council held at Pataliputra?

(a) Kanishka

(b) Ashoka

(c) Kalasoka

(d) Ajatashatru

Ans: (b) Ashoka

Explanation: The third Buddhist council held at Pataliputra was patronized by option (b) Ashoka. Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an emperor of the Maurya Empire and a devout follower of Buddhism. He played a significant role in promoting and spreading Buddhism throughout his empire. The third Buddhist council, convened during his reign, aimed to preserve and clarify Buddhist teachings and doctrines. The other options mentioned, Kanishka, Kalasoka, and Ajatashatru, were rulers and figures associated with Buddhism but not specifically connected to the third Buddhist council.