Question map
Which one among the following statements about Ashokan Edicts is correct?
Explanation
The Ashokan edicts were issued in various languages and scripts to communicate with diverse populations. In the north-western parts of the empire, such as Kandahar, edicts were inscribed in Greek and Aramaic [c1, t1]. These versions were essentially translations or adaptations of the Prakrit texts used in other parts of the empire to ensure the message of Dhamma reached non-Indo-Aryan speaking subjects [t1, t6]. Option 1 is incorrect because Pillar Edicts are primarily concentrated in the Gangetic plains and specific sites, unlike Rock Edicts which are more widely distributed [c1, t5]. Option 2 is false as edicts provide significant details on state administration, foreign relations, and the Kalinga war [c4, t1]. Option 3 is incorrect because both Rock and Pillar Edicts share central themes of Dhamma, moral precepts, and social welfare, though their specific focus may vary slightly [t1, t2].
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 52
- [2] https://gacbe.ac.in/pdf/ematerial/18MHI11C-U4.pdf
- [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 53