Option d is the correct answer. According to Buddhist texts, Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Shunga Empire in East India and the first ruler of the Shunga dynasty, persecuted Buddhists. He was a follower of Hinduism and was originally a senapati (general) in the Maurya Empire. Important Tips Shunga became an emperor in 185 BCE by killing the final Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha Maurya, during a military event. To establish his authority, Shunga carried out many Ashvamedha campaigns.