Option a is the correct answer. Chronological Order of the invasions in ancient India: Greek Invasion: The Greek invasion of India took place in 326 BCE under Aexander the Great when he crossed the river Indus and advanced into the Punjab. He then challenged king Porus, ruler of the kingdom between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab. Sakas Invasion: The Indo-Greek rule lasted from about 180 BCE till about 55 BCE. The Sakas, alternatively known as Indo-Scythians, invaded northwest India in the first century BCE onwards. Around the 1st century CE, the Western Satraps, who were Saka rulers, established their rule in western and northwestern India. They were largely located in present-day Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra. Kushanas Invasion: The Kushanas, a Central Asian dynasty, invaded northern India in the 1st century CE. Led by Kujula Kadphises, they established a powerful empire that spanned from Central Asia to northern India, contributing to cultural exchange and trade along the Silk Road. Solution: (c) Exp) Option c is the correct answer. Milinda was an Indo-Greek king who lived in the 2nd century BCE. The other three, Bimbisara, Gautama Buddha, and Prasenjit, all lived in the 6th century BCE. Bimbisara was the king of Magadha, Gautama Buddha was a spiritual teacher, and Prasenjit was the king of Kosala. They were all contemporaries and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Milinda was a patron of Buddhism and is known for his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena. However, he was not a contemporary of the other three. Important Tips Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty ruled Magadha from 558 to 491 BC, modern Rajgir. He expanded his realm and secured Bengal, setting the stage for the Mauryan empire. He was benevolent, depicted alongside Buddha in Borobudur reliefs. His rule saw an organized administrative structure, permanent army, and prominence for Magadha. Bimbisara was allegedly imprisoned and starved by his son Ajatashatru. Menander I, an Indo-Greek King, ruled vast Northwestern territories from Sagala. Renowned for promoting Greco-Buddhism, he's regarded as a prominent Indo-Greek ruler. His rule encompassed Punjab to Arachosia, including ventures into Rajasthan and Ganges Valley. Menander's patronage of Buddhism is highlighted in the Buddhist text "Milinda Panha," detailing his dialogues with monk Nagasena. King Prasenjita was an Aiksväka dynasty ruler of Kosala. Sāvatthi was his capital. He was a prominent Upāsaka of Gautama Buddha, who built many Buddhist temples. He was friend of Gautam Buddha. Solution: (d) Exp) Option d is the correct answer. Statement 1 is incorrect: Fa-Hien did not attend the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka. According to his travelogue, he visited India in the early fifth century CE, long after the council took place in the late first or early second century CE. He did mention that he saw a stupa built by Kanishka in Purushapura (Peshawar) and recollected how Buddha had predicted the birth of a king named Kanishka, but he did not witness the council himself. Statement 2 is incorrect: Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and found him to be very supportive of Buddhism. According to his biography, he was honored by Harsha in his Kanauj religious assembly and invited to attend the Prayaga assembly. He also received lavish gifts and protection from Harsha, who was impressed by his devotion and knowledge of Buddhism. Hiuen-Tsang described Harsha as a generous, benevolent, and virtuous king who worked hard for the welfare of his people and promoted Buddhism in his empire.