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Question

Which of the following Buddhist sages had initiated the Indo-Greek king Menander into Buddhism?

This question was previously asked in
PYST : General Awareness - SSC Stenographer 2024 (Tier-I) (10-Dec-2024) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is
Nagasena

The correct answer is Nagasena.

Nagasena was a renowned Buddhist sage who played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism during the reign of the Indo-Greek king Menander I (Milinda). Historical accounts, particularly the *Milindapañha* (Questions of Milinda), detail a philosophical discourse between Nagasena and King Menander. This text showcases Nagasena's profound understanding of Buddhist principles and his ability to engage in intellectual debate with a learned king. The *Milindapañha* doesn't merely present a historical record but also serves as a valuable source for understanding Abhidhamma, a significant school of Buddhist thought. Through this dialogue, Nagasena effectively conveyed the essence of Buddhism, leading to Menander's conversion. Other significant Buddhist figures mentioned might have contributed to the spread of Buddhism during that period but it's specifically Nagasena's interaction with Menander that is well documented and forms the basis of the answer. The depth of the philosophical discussions recorded emphasizes Nagasena's impact on Menander's understanding and subsequent adoption of Buddhism. The historical significance of this event remains crucial in understanding the intersection of Buddhism and Greco-Buddhist culture in ancient India.

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Similar Questions

  1. Indo-Greek kings ruled which of the following part of ancient India?

  2. Who among the following was the founder of the Sunga dynasty, who established his kingdom by killing the last Mauryan emperor?

  3. Who had Sialkot as his capital?


Important Questions from Post Mauryan Age

  1. Which one of the following epic of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of the Sunga dynasty?

  2. Which of the following statement is correct?

    I. Most of the Ashoka’'s inscriptions were in Prakrit language.

    Il. Kalinga is the ancient name of coastal Orissa.

  3. Which of these statements are correct

    (A) Shaka administration continued largely along the lines of the Achaemenid and Seleucid system in Iran 

    (B) The kingdom during Shaka was divided into provinces, each under a military governor called Mahakshatrapa

    (C) Another official title was Meridrach, an officer in charge of designated area in Shaka administration

    (D) The minting of some coins during shakas in joint names of two rulers meant that the king associated himself with a ruler of lesser status

    (E) Shaka kings took lesser titles as Samant

    Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

  4. Which of these statements are correct

    (A) The post-Mauryan centuries saw a great spurt in the minting of coins

    (B) The kings of the north-west imitated Greek. Roman and Iranian coin-types

    (C) The increasing use of money did not drive out the barter systems, particularly in rural areas in post-Maurya period

    (D) During post-Mauryas diverse use of coins indicates the variant trading economies

    (E) Gold coins during post-Mauryas were Nishka & Suvarna and silver coins Shatamana were in use

    Choose the most appopriate answer from the options given below:

  5. Which of the following is not mentioned in the Satavahana inscriptions, while specifying the exemptions granted to the donees of land-gifts ?

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