Mahayana Buddhism emerged in which century?

Correct Answer: 1st century AD

Subject: history

3rd century BC
1st century AD
4th century AD
6th century BC

Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism developed around the 1st century CE, with its formal consolidation during the reign of the Kushan emperor Kanishka (1st–2nd century CE). The 4th Buddhist Council under Kanishka in Kashmir gave formal recognition to Mahayana. Key Mahayana thinkers: Nagarjuna (Madhyamaka school — concept of Shunyata), Asanga and Vasubandhu (Yogachara/Vijnanavada school). Mahayana spread to China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The Prajnaparamita sutras, Lotus Sutra, and Heart Sutra are key Mahayana texts.