Which one of the following scholars was associated with King Kanishka?

Correct answer: (d) Ashvaghosha

Explanation

Ashvaghosha, a Buddhist poet, dramatist and philosopher, lived at the court of the Kushana king Kanishka (2nd century CE). He wrote the *Buddhacharita*, a life of the Buddha in Sanskrit verse, and the *Saundarananda*, and is one of the earliest Sanskrit dramatists. He is linked with the Fourth Buddhist Council, held in Kashmir under Kanishka with Vasumitra as its president.

The other scholars lived later:

• Vasubandhu (4th–5th century CE), a teacher of the Yogachara school;
• Dignaga (5th–6th century CE), a founder of Buddhist logic;
• Buddhaghosha (5th century CE), the Theravada commentator of Sri Lanka, author of the *Visuddhimagga*.