The correct answer is option 1: Kanishka. Kanishka was a prominent emperor of the Kushan Empire which ruled over a vast territory in Central and South Asia during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Kanishka played a significant role in opening the great silk-route to the Indians. The silk-route was a network of ancient trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the trade of goods, ideas, and culture between different regions. Kanishka promoted trade and cultural exchange along the silk-route, enhancing the economic and cultural development of his empire and bringing prosperity to the Indian subcontinent. His efforts helped to establish strong trade connections between India and other regions, contributing to the growth of the silk-route and its significance in connecting civilizations.