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Who among the following Gupta kings granted permission to Meghaverman, the ruler of Sri Lanka to build a Buddhist temple at Gaya?
Explanation
Samudragupta, the second great ruler of the Gupta dynasty, granted permission to Meghavarman, the ruler of Sri Lanka, to build a Buddhist temple and monastery at Gaya [1][t1]. According to Chinese sources and historical records, Meghavarman sent a missionary with rich presents to the Gupta court to request this favor for the benefit of Sinhalese pilgrims visiting the holy site of Bodh Gaya [t4][t5]. Samudragupta, often referred to as the 'Napoleon of India' due to his extensive military conquests recorded in the Allahabad Pillar inscription, maintained diplomatic relations with several foreign powers [t4][t6]. The resulting monastic establishment at Gaya became a significant center for Buddhist learning and pilgrimage, reflecting the religious tolerance and international prestige of the Gupta Empire during Samudragupta's reign [t5].
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > 7.2 Samudragupta > p. 92