Step 1: Concept
This question tests the historical spread of Buddhism across different regions and periods.
Step 2: Meaning
The statements provided relate to various aspects of Buddhist history, including missionary activities, locations of significant temples, and statues. The task is to identify which of these statements are accurate based on historical records.
Step 3: Analysis
Let's examine each statement:
A) According to Chinese source Meghavarman, the ruler of Srilanka sent a missionary to Samudragupta for permission to build a Buddhist temple at Gaya.
This statement is correct. Historical sources do indicate that there were interactions between rulers and missionaries during this period.
B) Buddhist Missionaries were sent to Srilanka in the reign of Ashoka in the 6th century BC.
This statement is incorrect. Ashoka was known for his missionary activities, but he lived much later than the 6th century BC (around 3rd century BC).
C) The largest Buddhist temple in the world is found in Borobodur in Java, Indonesia.
This statement is correct. Borobudur is indeed recognized as one of the largest Buddhist temples globally.
D) The tallest Buddha statue was sculpted out of rock at Bamiyan.
This statement is correct. The Bamiyan Buddhas were among the tallest statues ever created and were carved into a cliff in Afghanistan.
E) The Burmese developed Buddhism and erected many temples and stupas in the honor of Buddha.
This statement is incorrect. While the Burmese have contributed significantly to Buddhist architecture, they did not develop Buddhism; it was already an established religion before their involvement.
Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, statements A, C, and D are correct.
Final Answer: (D)