During which of the following empires did Buddhism get split into two schools - Hinayana and Mahayana in the fourth Buddhist council?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Kushan.
Buddhism was split into two schools, Hinayana and Mahayana, during the Kushan Empire in the Fourth Buddhist Council. This council was convened under the patronage of King Kanishka, a ruler of the Kushan dynasty, around 72 CE in Kashmir. The division occurred due to differing interpretations of Buddhist philosophy and practices. Hinayana emphasized adherence to the original teachings of Buddha, focusing on individual enlightenment, while Mahayana introduced new doctrines, including the Bodhisattva ideal, promoting collective salvation.