Legendarily, when a ruler of this dynasty attempted to destroy the Bodhi tree, a deity of it emerged and instead killed him. For 10 points each:
[10h] Name this dynasty that successfully led a resistance against an invasion by the Yavana Menander I. Historian Étienne Lamotte (“ate-YEN la-MUTT”) disputed the veracity of claims of Buddhist persecution by this dynasty’s leader Pushyamitra (“PUSH-yuh-MITH-ruh”).
ANSWER: Shunga Empire [or Śuṅga Empire; or Shunga Dynasty; or Śuṅga Dynasty]
[10e] The Vedic practice of yajña (“YUG-n’yuh”), or sacrificing an animal in front of a fire, was revived by the Shunga Empire after being prohibited during the reign of this ruler. This Mauryan Emperor converted to Buddhism.
ANSWER: Ashoka Maurya [or Asoka Maurya]
[10m] Among the many wars fought by the Shunga was one with this Eastern Indian kingdom centered along the Ganges. Ashoka’s conversion was motivated by witnessing the brutality of his invasion of this kingdom.
ANSWER: Kalinga
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