Option c is the correct answer. Statement 1 is correct: The Mahavamsa, a historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, mentions that Ashoka converted to Buddhism after being preached by his nephew, the Buddhist monk Nigrodha. Statement 2 is correct: The Divyavadana, a Buddhist text, mentions that Ashoka was influenced by a merchant-turnedmonk named Ashokavandana Samudra, who played a role in Ashoka's acceptance of Buddhism. Statement 3 is incorrect: Not Dipavamsa but Ashokavandana, mentions Samudra as a key figure in Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism. Important Tips Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism: According to the Divyavadana, there is a story that attributes Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism to a Buddhist monk named Samudra. Samudra was originally a merchant from Shravasti. The story goes that Samudra was imprisoned in Ashoka's "Hell" but managed to save himself using his miraculous powers. When Ashoka heard about this incredible feat, he decided to visit the monk. During the meeting, Ashoka was further impressed by a series of miracles performed by Samudra. These extraordinary events had a profound impact on Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism. The Ashokavadana also mentions Samudra as a merchant's son and describes him as a 12 -year-old boy when he first encountered Ashoka. This particular account seems to have been influenced by the Nigrodha story.