Gautam Buddha was elevated to the position of God by the time ofa)Asho...
The correct answer is Kanishka.
- Kanishka
- Gautam Buddha was elevated to the position of God by the time of Kanishka.
- Kanishka was the rular of Kushan dynasty and adopted the title of Devputra.
- During his reign the 4th Buddhist council was held in Kundalavana, Kashmir.
- Kanishka was also known as 'Second Ashoka'.
- Ashoka
- He was the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty.
- Ashoka is called Chakrawarti Samrat which means emperor of the emperors.
- He fought the Kalinga war and conquered Kalinga, but he was deeply sadenned by the loss of lives and sufferings.
- Ashoka sent his son to Srilanka as a missionary for the spread of Buddhism in South.
- Chandragupta Vikramaditya
- He was the son of Samudragupta and grandson of Chandragupta I.
- Vikramaditya was the one of the most powerful emperors of Gupta Empire.
- The conquest of Sakas was one of the most significant event of his reign.
- In the moemory of his victory over Sakas, he issued the silver coins and became the first gupta ruler to issue the silver coins.
- Harsha
- He was the ruler of Pushyabhuti dynasty and ruled from 606 - 647 CE.
- Harsha was the son of Prabhakarvardhana.
- His famous biography Harshacharitra was written by famous Sanskrit poet Banabhatta.
- Dhruvabhata, Vallabhi king of Gujarat was also defeated by Harsha.
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Gautam Buddha was elevated to the position of God by the time ofa)Asho...
Introduction
The elevation of Gautam Buddha to the status of a divine figure occurred significantly during the reign of Kanishka, a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire. This transformation in perception played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism.
Kanishka's Reign
- Time Period: Kanishka reigned around the 1st to 2nd century CE.
- Cultural Influence: His reign marked a pivotal point in the expansion of Buddhism, not just in India but across Central Asia and into China.
Elevation to Divinity
- Buddha's Status: During Kanishka's time, the image of Buddha began to be associated with divine qualities. This was a shift from viewing him primarily as a historical figure and teacher.
- Buddhist Councils: Kanishka hosted the Fourth Buddhist Council, which contributed to formalizing Buddhist doctrines and practices, further solidifying Buddha’s status.
Art and Iconography
- Sculptural Representation: The introduction of Buddhist art during Kanishka's era depicted Buddha in divine forms, showcasing attributes of gods, which enhanced his divine status.
- Symbolism: The incorporation of symbols associated with divinity in Buddhist art, such as halos and elaborate clothing, reflected this newfound perception.
Conclusion
In summary, the elevation of Gautam Buddha to a god-like figure primarily occurred during the reign of Kanishka, who played an essential role in the proliferation and transformation of Buddhist beliefs. This shift was instrumental in the religion's evolution, promoting the veneration of Buddha as a divine entity.