Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ?
A. Ashoka : Nigrodha
B .Menander : Nagasena
C. Kanishka : Mahakassapa
D. Harsha : Huentsang

Question

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ?
A. Ashoka : Nigrodha                
B .Menander : Nagasena                
C. Kanishka : Mahakassapa                
D. Harsha : Huentsang

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
Pairs A, B, and D are correctly matched, identifying significant historical connections between rulers and religious or literary figures.

**A. Ashoka : Nigrodha** is correct. According to the Buddhist chronicle, the *Mahavamsa*, Emperor Ashoka's early conversion to Buddhism was significantly influenced by the young monk Nigrodha, who was his nephew (son of his elder brother Sushima). Nigrodha's preaching introduced Ashoka to the profound doctrines of Buddhism, marking a major turning point in the Emperor's life and reign.

**B. Menander : Nagasena** is correct. Menander I (Milinda), an Indo-Greek King of Bactria (c. 150-130 BCE), is famed for his philosophical dialogue with the Buddhist sage Nagasena. This conversation, recorded in the important Buddhist text *Milinda Panha* (Questions of Milinda), covers various aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice, cementing this pair's historical and literary connection.

**D. Harsha : Huentsang** is correct. Harsha (Harshavardhana, 7th century CE) was one of the most powerful rulers of ancient India, and his reign is thoroughly documented by the famous Chinese Buddhist pilgrim and scholar Hiuen Tsang (also known as Xuanzang). Hiuen Tsang spent many years in India, including a significant period at Harsha's court, and his travelogue, *Si-Yu-Ki*, provides invaluable details about Harsha’s administration, society, and the state of Buddhism.

The incorrect option is 1, 3, and 4:
The selection of pairs A, B, and C (Option 1), Only A, B (Option 3), and A, B, C, and D (Option 4) are incorrect because they either exclude a correct match or include an incorrect one. Specifically, pair C is factually incorrect.

**C. Kanishka : Mahakassapa** is incorrect. While Emperor Kanishka (1st or 2nd century CE) was a great patron of Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana school, and convened the Fourth Buddhist Council, his connection is not with Mahakassapa. Mahakassapa was one of the principal disciples of the Buddha and presided over the First Buddhist Council immediately after the Buddha's death, centuries before Kanishka's era. Kanishka is typically associated with Buddhist scholars like Vasumitra (who presided over the Fourth Council) and Ashvaghosha. Since pair C is false, any option including C (Options 1 and 4) or excluding D (Option 3) cannot be the correct answer.