What effect did Emperor Ashoka have on Buddhism?

Question

A.
He led a reformation of the Buddhist religion.
B.
He spread Buddhism to areas outside of India.
C.
He outlawed every religion except Buddhism.
D.
He arrested and attacked Buddhists in his empire.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. He spread Buddhism to areas outside of India.

Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the 3rd century BCE, played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism beyond India. After his conversion to Buddhism, he actively promoted the religion through various means, including sending missionaries to different regions, building stupas, and issuing edicts that encouraged ethical behavior consistent with Buddhist teachings. This helped to establish Buddhism in other parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka and Central Asia.