The correct answer is D. Ashoka.
Ashoka the Great was the third emperor of the Mauryan Empire, reigning from 272 to 232 BCE. He is known for his military conquests, which extended the Mauryan Empire to include most of the Indian subcontinent, as well as for his Buddhist reforms.
Ashoka was born in Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire. His father, Bindusara, was the second Mauryan emperor, and his mother was the queen consort, Kaurwaki. Ashoka was educated in the traditional arts and sciences, and he was also trained in warfare.
Ashoka ascended to the throne in 272 BCE, after the assassination of his father. He quickly proved to be a capable ruler, and he expanded the Mauryan Empire to include most of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka’s conquests were marked by violence and bloodshed, and he is said to have killed 100,000 people in the Kalinga War.
After the Kalinga War, Ashoka underwent a spiritual transformation. He renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. He promoted Buddhist values such as non-violence, compassion, and tolerance. He also built many Buddhist stupas and monasteries.
Ashoka’s Buddhist reforms had a profound impact on Indian society. He made Buddhism the state religion of the Mauryan Empire, and he encouraged his subjects to follow the Buddhist path. Ashoka’s reforms helped to spread Buddhism throughout India and beyond.
Ashoka died in 232 BCE at the age of 72. He was succeeded by his son, Dasaratha. Ashoka is remembered as one of the greatest emperors in Indian history. He is also known as the “Great” because of his military conquests, his Buddhist reforms, and his promotion of non-violence and tolerance.