Kanishka was a famous ruler of which empire?

Correct answer: Kushan Empire

The direct answer is B: the Kushan Empire. Kanishka was one of the best-known rulers of the Kushan dynasty, which controlled important areas of northern India and parts of Central Asia. His period is remembered for long-distance trade, cultural exchange and support for Buddhism. The Kushan realm stood along routes connected with the Silk Roads, so ideas, goods and artistic styles moved between India and Central Asia. Kanishka is also associated in traditional historical accounts with the patronage of Buddhist learning, especially Mahayana Buddhism. Option A is wrong because the Maurya Empire belonged to an earlier period and is associated with rulers such as Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. Option B is correct because Kanishka was a major Kushan ruler. Option C is wrong because the Chola Empire was a South Indian power associated with rulers such as Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola, not Kanishka. Option D is wrong because the Maratha Empire arose many centuries later in the early modern period. The question asks for the empire, so identify the dynasty first: Kanishka means Kushan. Memory cue: “Kanishka and Kushan begin with the same K sound.”