Question

read the following paragraph, and then answer the question that follows:

during the reign of the mauryas, ashoka played an important role in spreading buddhism across india. he sent buddhist missionaries to several countries, including the hellenistic countries in the middle east. he encouraged the construction of temples and schools to promote buddhism. soon buddhism spread to the different parts of the country. the guptas promoted hinduism. they strictly practiced the hindu rituals and traditions. eventually hinduism became the dominant religion in india and influenced every section of gupta society.

based on the passage, what are two similarities between buddhism and hinduism?

• both religions served as a unifying force for the empires.
• both religions were promoted by the ruling emperors.
• both religions were spread through missionary activities.
• both religions promoted justice for all parts of society.

Explanation:

1. For the first correct option: The passage states Buddhism spread across India under Ashoka (Mauryas) and Hinduism became dominant and influenced all of Gupta society, so both unified their respective empires.
2. For the second correct option: Ashoka (Maurya ruler) promoted Buddhism, and the Guptas (ruling emperors) promoted Hinduism, so both were backed by ruling emperors.
3. The third option is incorrect: Only Buddhism's spread via missionaries is mentioned, not Hinduism.
4. The fourth option is incorrect: No mention of justice for all society sections for either religion in the passage.

Answer:

A. Both religions served as a unifying force for the empires.
B. Both religions were promoted by the ruling emperors.