The correct answer is: A. Ashoka
Ashoka the Great was a third-century BCE Indian emperor of the Mauryan Empire. He is best known for his role in the spread of Buddhism and his promotion of non-violence. Ashoka is also credited with the construction of many stupas and pillars, some of which bear inscriptions of his edicts.
The first image of the Buddha was carved out during the reign of Ashoka. This image, known as the Bharhut Buddha, is a sandstone relief that depicts the Buddha seated in a meditative pose. The Bharhut Buddha is one of the earliest surviving representations of the Buddha and is considered to be an important artifact in the history of Buddhism.
The other options are incorrect because they do not correspond to the reign of Ashoka. Pusyamitra Shunga was a king of the Shunga dynasty who ruled from 185 to 151 BCE. Kanishka I was a Kushan emperor who ruled from 127 to 150 CE. Menander was a Greek king who ruled in the Indian subcontinent from 165 to 130 BCE.
Ashoka was a great emperor who made many contributions to the development of Buddhism. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Buddhism. The first image of the Buddha was carved out during his reign, and this image is an important artifact in the history of Buddhism.