Ashoka’s connection with Buddhism is evident from which one of the following edicts ?

Ashoka's connection with Buddhism is most explicitly evidenced in the Minor Rock Edicts and Minor Pillar Edicts. While the Major Rock Edicts focus on moral and political 'Dhamma' for the general public, the Minor Rock Edicts are distinctly religious in content [1]. Specifically, Minor Rock Edict 1 is considered a reliable source for Ashoka's personal conversion, as it mentions his progress as a lay follower (Upasaka) and his increasing devotion to the faith. These minor inscriptions extensively mention the Buddha, the Sangha, and Buddhist scriptures, unlike the Major Rock Edicts which often avoid explicit Buddhist terminology [1]. Major Rock Edict 13 mentions the Kalinga war and the subsequent remorse that led to his adoption of Dhamma, but Minor Rock Edict 1 provides the direct evidence of his formal association with the Buddhist order.

Sources

1. [1] https://gacbe.ac.in/pdf/ematerial/18MHI11C-U4.pdf