Consider the following statements: I. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism. II. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Bhuddism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Statement I is incorrect. Archaeological and inscriptional evidence from the Nagarjunakonda valley shows that during Ikshvaku rule there was active royal and elite patronage of Buddhism, with numerous stupas, chaityas, viharas and monastic complexes proliferating under Ikshvaku rulers. Statement II is correct. The Pāla dynasty is well attested as great patrons of Mahāyāna (and later Vajrayāna) Buddhism: Dharmapāla supported Buddhist scholars like Haribhadra, and rulers such as Devapāla endowed monasteries (including at Nālandā) and promoted major vihāras like Vikramaśīla and Nālandā [2]. Therefore only statement II is correct.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Religion > p. 112
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Pala Rulers > p. 111