The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the leadership of Kanishka. The council took place in the first century CE, during the reign of Kanishka, who was a great patron of Buddhism. The council was held to resolve certain doctrinal disputes that had arisen within the Buddhist community.

Significance of the Fourth Buddhist Council:

1. Compilation of Buddhist Texts: The Fourth Buddhist Council saw the compilation of various Buddhist texts, including the Abhidharma Pitaka, which contains the philosophical and psychological teachings of Buddhism.

2. Expansion of Buddhism: The council helped to spread Buddhism to new regions, including Central Asia and China. As a result, Buddhism evolved and adapted to the local cultures and practices of these regions.

3. Standardization of Buddhist Teachings: The council helped to standardize Buddhist teachings and practices, ensuring that they were consistent across different regions.

4. Recognition of Mahayana Buddhism: The Fourth Buddhist Council also recognized the Mahayana school of Buddhism, which emphasized the importance of bodhisattvas and the attainment of Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Overall, the Fourth Buddhist Council was a significant event in the history of Buddhism, as it helped to shape the development of the religion and its spread to new regions.