Which religious tradition did Yuan rulers especially support to legitimize authority?

• A. Confucianism
• B. Daoism
• C. Islam
• D. Tibetan Buddhism gained prominence and state support.

Answer: (D)

Promoting Tibetan Buddhism gave the Yuan rulers a religious foundation that could legitimize their authority across a vast, multicultural empire. The Mongol rulers aligned with Tibetan Buddhist leaders and lamas, drawing on a well-established hierarchy that could operate across diverse regions. Monasteries became centers of learning, landholders, and sources of political counselors who could navigate both Mongol and Chinese communities. By supporting Tibetan Buddhist institutions, the court infused its rule with spiritual legitimacy and practical governance help, using Buddhist rituals and symbols in court life to reinforce authority. This approach fit the imperial context better than relying solely on Confucian or Daoist traditions or other faiths that did not provide the same expansive administrative network.