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Who was the contemporary of Meghavarna, the king of Ceylon?
A
Ashoka
B
Kanishka
C
Samudragupta
D
Harshvardhana
Correct Answer:
C
Samudragupta
- Samudragupta (c. 335–375 CE) was the contemporary of King Meghavarna (Meghavannabhaya) of Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
- He was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire and is often called the "Napoleon of India" due to his extensive military conquests.
- His achievements are recorded in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, composed by his court poet Harisena.
- During his reign, diplomatic relations developed between India and Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamsa mentions that Meghavarna sent an embassy to Samudragupta.
- The purpose was to seek permission to build a Buddhist monastery at Bodh Gaya.
- Samudragupta granted the request, reflecting religious tolerance and strong cultural ties in the 4th century CE.