Who among the following scholars were contemporary of Kanishka ? 1. Ashvaghosa 2. Nagarjuna 3. Vasumitra 4. Chanakya Select the correct answer using the codes given below—

The Kushan emperor Kanishka (c. 78–144 CE) was a significant patron of Buddhist scholars and art [1]. His court was graced by several eminent intellectuals, including the poet and dramatist Ashvaghosa, who authored the 'Buddhacharita' and served as a spiritual counselor [3]. Other prominent contemporaries included the philosopher Nagarjuna, known for his contributions to Mahayana Buddhism, and Vasumitra, who presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council held under Kanishka's patronage. Additionally, the physician Charaka and the scholar Parsva were associated with his reign [1]. In contrast, Chanakya (also known as Kautilya) was the prime minister and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, living in the 4th century BCE. Since Chanakya predates Kanishka by several centuries, only Ashvaghosa, Nagarjuna, and Vasumitra are contemporaries.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Polity and Society in Post-Mauryan Period > Kanishka > p. 80
2. [3] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ashvaghosha