Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified- Statement 1 is incorrect: The Andhra Ikshvaku rulers (3rd–4th centuries CE in the Krishna-Guntur region) performed Vedic sacrifices, but royal women and merchants actively patronized Buddhism, making Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati flourishing international Buddhist monastic centers.
- Statement 2 is correct: The Pala dynasty (8th–12th centuries CE) of Bengal and Bihar were devout patrons of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, founding and supporting major Mahaviharas including Nalanda, Vikramashila, Odantapuri, and Somapura.
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