The correct answer is B. Chandragupta Maurya.
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in Indian history. He was a great conqueror and statesman, and he is also credited with spreading Jainism in Karnataka.
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that teaches that the goal of life is to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth. It is a non-violent religion, and its followers believe in living a simple life of self-discipline and compassion.
Chandragupta Maurya was a Jain, and he is said to have converted to the religion after meeting with a Jain monk named Bhadrabahu. Bhadrabahu was a wandering monk who had come to Magadha, the kingdom that Chandragupta ruled. He was a great teacher, and he is said to have converted many people to Jainism, including Chandragupta Maurya.
Chandragupta Maurya was a great patron of Jainism, and he is said to have built many Jain temples and monasteries. He is also said to have given away a lot of money to Jain monks and nuns.
The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. He is said to have sent Jain missionaries to Karnataka, and he is also said to have built many Jain temples and monasteries in the state.
Ajatashatru was the king of Magadha who succeeded his father, Bimbisara. He is not known to have been a Jain, and there is no evidence that he promoted the spread of Jainism in Karnataka.
Bimbisara was the king of Magadha who was succeeded by his son, Ajatashatru. He is not known to have been a Jain, and there is no evidence that he promoted the spread of Jainism in Karnataka.
Mahapadma Nanda was the founder of the Nanda dynasty, which ruled over Magadha from 345 to 321 BCE. He is not known to have been a Jain, and there is no evidence that he promoted the spread of Jainism in Karnataka.