Consider the following statements about Ashoka’s faith in Buddhism : 1. Rummindei Pillar Inscription and Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription provide clear evidence of Ashoka’s faith in Buddhism. 2. Minor Rock Edict-I gives evidence of a sudden change in Ashoka’s faith in Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Statement 1 is correct as the Rummindei (Lumbini) and Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscriptions provide explicit evidence of Ashoka’s Buddhist faith. The Rummindei inscription records his visit to the Buddha's birthplace, where he performed worship and granted tax exemptions. The Nigali Sagar inscription mentions his enlargement of the stupa of Buddha Kanakamuni. Statement 2 is incorrect because Minor Rock Edict-I does not describe a 'sudden' change. Instead, it clarifies that while Ashoka had been a lay follower (Upasaka) for over two and a half years, he did not make much progress initially. It was only after he 'approached the Sangha' (became more involved) for about a year that he became more zealous in his faith. This indicates a gradual intensification of his commitment rather than an instantaneous conversion.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/322e0c38-2f2f-4cd9-98f5-3bcd43793098/download