Consider the following statements regarding Edicts concerning the appointment of Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas:
1. Ashoka's inscriptions record that the Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas were tasked with ensuring that women were not subjected to undue harassment or injustice within the judicial system.
2. The duties of the Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas included the supervision of women's households and the propagation of Dhamma among the female population of the empire.
3. Major Rock Edict V refers to the Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas as officials responsible for the recruitment of women into the imperial bodyguard and the palace intelligence network.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Major Rock Edict V mentions the appointment of Dhamma-mahamattas, including Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas, who were tasked with the welfare and moral upliftment of women, as well as the propagation of Dhamma among them. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no historical evidence in the edicts suggesting these officials were responsible for recruiting women into the imperial bodyguard or intelligence networks; their role was strictly focused on social welfare, justice, and the promotion of Dhamma.
Consider the following statements regarding Kalinga Edicts and the policy of conciliation:
1. In the first Separate Kalinga Edict, Ashoka expresses his desire that the unconquered border tribes, known as 'atavikas', should trust him and not fear his intentions.
2. The policy of Dhamma-mahamattas was introduced by Ashoka in the thirteenth year of his reign to oversee the welfare of the people and ensure the implementation of his moral code.
3. Ashoka issued the Kalinga Edicts in the eighth year of his reign, coinciding with the completion of the stupa at Sanchi and the formal annexation of the forest territories in central India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the First Separate Kalinga Edict addresses the 'atavikas' (forest tribes), assuring them of Ashoka's paternal care and desire for their peace. Statement 2 is correct because Ashoka established the office of Dhamma-mahamattas in his 13th regnal year to propagate Dhamma and ensure social welfare. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kalinga Edicts were issued after the Kalinga War (8th regnal year), but they do not coincide with the completion of the Sanchi stupa, which was a later development, nor did they mark the formal annexation of central Indian forest territories in that specific context.
Consider the following statements regarding Kalinga Edicts and the policy of conciliation:
1. The Dhauli site of the Kalinga Edicts is located near the ancient city of Tosali, which served as the administrative headquarters of the Kalinga province during the Mauryan period.
2. The Jaugada inscription of the Kalinga Edicts is engraved on a granite rock face situated in the Ganjam district of present-day Odisha.
3. Ashoka mentions in the Kalinga Edicts that he would undertake a quinquennial tour, known as 'anusamyana', to inspect the administration and promote the principles of Dhamma.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Dhauli, located near the Daya River, served as the administrative center of the Tosali province. Statement 2 is correct because the Jaugada inscription is indeed carved on a granite rock face in the Ganjam district, marking the southern administrative headquarters of Kalinga. Statement 3 is correct as the Kalinga Edicts explicitly mention Ashoka's order for officials to undertake 'anusamyana' (quinquennial tours) every five years to ensure justice and propagate the principles of Dhamma among his subjects.
Consider the following statements regarding Tax exemptions mentioned in the Rummindei Pillar Edict:
1. The inscription is composed in the Brahmi script and the Magadhi Prakrit dialect typical of Ashokan epigraphy.
2. The edict mentions the exemption of the village from the payment of 'bhaga' (land revenue).
3. The pillar at Rummindei is topped by a horse capital, distinguishing it from the lion capitals found at other sites.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Rummindei edict is written in Brahmi script and Magadhi Prakrit, standard for Ashoka's inscriptions. Statement 2 is correct because the edict records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace, where he reduced the 'bali' (religious tax) and fixed the 'bhaga' (land revenue) at one-eighth of the produce. Statement 3 is correct because the Rummindei pillar is unique for being topped by a horse capital, unlike the more common lion capitals found at sites like Sarnath or Vaishali.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts regarding the promotion of religious tolerance:
1. Major Rock Edict VII expresses the Emperor's desire for members of all sects to reside everywhere in his empire, as they all desire self-control and purity of mind.
2. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription records Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of the Buddha and provides for the reduction of the land tax to one-eighth for the local village to facilitate the expansion of Buddhist monasteries.
3. Minor Rock Edict I, found at sites like Maski and Brahmagiri, mentions the Emperor's personal association with the Sangha and serves as the legal basis for the prohibition of non-Buddhist religious festivals.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Major Rock Edict VII emphasizes Ashoka's policy of 'Dhamma' and religious harmony, advocating that all sects reside together for self-control and purity. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Rummindei Pillar Inscription confirms Ashoka's visit to Lumbini and the reduction of the 'bali' (tribute) to one-eighth, it was done to honor Buddha's birthplace, not specifically to expand monasteries. Statement 3 is incorrect because Minor Rock Edict I details Ashoka's personal association with the Sangha and his progress in Dhamma, but it contains no legal prohibition against non-Buddhist religious festivals; in fact, Ashoka's edicts consistently promote tolerance toward all sects.
Consider the following statements regarding Chronological classification of edicts based on content:
1. The Major Rock Edict XIII provides a detailed account of the Kalinga War and mentions the names of five contemporary Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II Theos of Syria.
2. The Minor Rock Edict I, found at sites like Brahmagiri and Maski, contains the earliest known instance of Ashoka referring to himself as 'Devanampiya Piyadasi'.
3. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription commemorates Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of the Buddha and records the reduction of the land tax (bhaga) to one-fourth of the total produce.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly details the Kalinga War and lists five Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II. Statement 2 is correct because Minor Rock Edict I is among the earliest inscriptions where Ashoka adopts the title 'Devanampiya Piyadasi'. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Rummindei Pillar Inscription commemorates Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, it records the reduction of the land tax (bhaga) to one-eighth (atthabhagiya), not one-fourth.
Consider the following statements regarding Minor Rock Edicts and the personal name of Ashoka:
1. The Gujarra Minor Rock Edict, located in the Datia district of Madhya Pradesh, explicitly identifies the monarch as 'Devanampriya Ashoka Raja'.
2. The Maski Minor Rock Edict, discovered in 1915 in the Raichur district of Karnataka, is one of the few inscriptions where the name 'Ashoka' is mentioned alongside his royal title 'Devanampriya'.
3. The Brahmagiri Minor Rock Edict mentions the name 'Ashoka' in its introductory paragraph and serves as the primary source for the king's conversion to Buddhism following the Kalinga War.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the Gujarra and Maski edicts are among the rare inscriptions that explicitly mention the name 'Ashoka' alongside the title 'Devanampriya', confirming his identity beyond his usual royal epithets. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Brahmagiri edict is a significant Minor Rock Edict, it does not mention the name 'Ashoka' nor does it serve as the primary source for his conversion to Buddhism; that information is derived from the 13th Major Rock Edict.
Consider the following statements regarding Chronological classification of edicts based on content:
1. The Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription records the enlargement of the stupa of Kanakamuni Buddha to double its original size during the fourteenth year of Ashoka's reign.
2. The Barabar Cave inscriptions, located in the Gaya district, document the donation of three caves to the Ajivika sect during the twelfth year of Ashoka's coronation.
3. The Major Rock Edict VI introduces the institution of the Dhamma-mahamattas, who were tasked with monitoring the activities of the regional governors in the Pataliputra province.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Nigali Sagar inscription records the enlargement of the stupa of Kanakamuni Buddha in the fourteenth year of Ashoka's reign, but it was to double its size, not triple it, and the date is actually the fourteenth year; however, the statement is often flagged for technical inaccuracies regarding the specific regnal year or content details. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Barabar Cave inscriptions date to the twelfth and nineteenth years of Ashoka's reign, but they record the donation of caves to the Ajivikas, not the twelfth year exclusively for all three. Statement 3 is incorrect because the institution of Dhamma-mahamattas was introduced in Major Rock Edict V, not Major Rock Edict VI, which primarily focuses on the king's desire for constant reporting on public affairs.
Consider the following statements regarding Pillar Edicts and the concept of Dhamma-mahamattas:
1. The Delhi-Topra pillar is unique among the seven Pillar Edicts because it contains the complete set of all seven edicts inscribed in the Brahmi script.
2. Ashoka's Major Pillar Edict VI reflects his desire to standardize the administrative language of the empire, establishing the use of Kharosthi as the primary script for all official communications across the Mauryan provinces.
3. The Rampurva Bull capital, discovered in Bihar, features an inscription detailing the appointment of Dhamma-mahamattas to oversee the conversion of the forest tribes of the Vindhyas to Buddhist practices.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Delhi-Topra pillar is the only one containing all seven major pillar edicts, originally moved to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Statement 2 is false because Ashoka used Brahmi for his edicts across most of his empire, while Kharosthi was primarily used in the northwestern regions (modern-day Pakistan/Afghanistan). Statement 3 is false because while Dhamma-mahamattas were indeed appointed to promote Dhamma, their mandate was not restricted to the forced conversion of forest tribes, and the Rampurva Bull capital does not contain such specific instructions.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts regarding the promotion of religious tolerance:
1. The Bhabru Edict, discovered at Bairat, lists specific Buddhist scriptures recommended for monks and nuns, and it establishes the state-sponsored conversion of all Brahmanical priests to Buddhism.
2. Pillar Edict IV outlines the duties of the Rajukas in judicial administration and provides for the immediate cessation of all animal sacrifices within the capital city of Pataliputra.
3. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, written in Greek and Aramaic, refers to the appointment of Greek governors who were tasked with the enforcement of Buddhist dietary laws among the Hellenistic populations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Bhabru Edict lists Buddhist texts, it does not mandate the conversion of Brahmanical priests; rather, it reflects Ashoka's personal devotion to the Triratna. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pillar Edict IV grants Rajukas judicial autonomy and mentions the release of prisoners, but it does not order a total cessation of animal sacrifices in Pataliputra, which were restricted primarily through Major Rock Edict I. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription promotes 'Dhamma' (piety) and moral conduct, not the enforcement of Buddhist dietary laws among Hellenistic populations.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts regarding the promotion of religious tolerance:
1. Major Rock Edict XII explicitly calls for the honoring of other religious sects, suggesting that by honoring others, one exalts one's own sect.
2. The Barabar Cave inscriptions, specifically the Sudama and Lomas Rishi caves, record Ashoka's donation of dwellings to the Ajivika sect, demonstrating patronage beyond the Buddhist faith.
3. Major Rock Edict XIII details the Kalinga War and serves as the primary text where Ashoka declares the dissolution of the office of Dhamma-Mahamattas to promote secular governance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Major Rock Edict XII promotes 'samavaya' (concord) by emphasizing that honoring other sects strengthens one's own, while the Barabar Cave inscriptions confirm Ashoka's secular patronage by dedicating caves to the Ajivika sect. Statement 3 is incorrect because Major Rock Edict XIII focuses on the Kalinga War and the policy of 'Dhammavijaya' (conquest by Dhamma), whereas the office of Dhamma-Mahamattas was actually established, not dissolved, by Ashoka to propagate his ethical code.
Consider the following statements regarding Major Rock Edicts and their geographical distribution:
1. Major Rock Edict XII advocates for the honoring of all religious sects, and it suggests that the emperor personally presided over the public debates held between the Ajivikas and the Jains at Sarnath.
2. The Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra edicts are inscribed in the Kharosthi script, reflecting the linguistic influence of the northwestern frontiers of the Mauryan Empire.
3. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription is written in Greek and Aramaic, and it serves as a translation of the Major Rock Edicts I through XIV intended for the Greek-speaking populations of the southern Deccan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra, located in modern-day Pakistan, were inscribed in the Kharosthi script to cater to the local northwestern population. Statement 1 is incorrect because while Major Rock Edict XII promotes religious harmony, it does not mention the emperor presiding over debates between Ajivikas and Jains at Sarnath. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kandahar Bilingual Inscription is located in Afghanistan, not the Deccan, and it contains portions of Major Rock Edicts XII and XIII, not the entire series.
Consider the following statements regarding Tax exemptions mentioned in the Rummindei Pillar Edict:
1. The Rummindei Pillar Edict records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini in the 20th year of his coronation.
2. The inscription confirms that Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha, referred to as Shakyamuni.
3. Ashoka reduced the 'bali' (tribute) of the village of Lumbini to one-eighth of its original share.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Rummindei Pillar Edict commemorates Ashoka's pilgrimage to Lumbini in his 20th regnal year, where he explicitly identified the site as the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. Regarding taxation, Ashoka granted the village tax-exempt status (athabhagiya) and reduced the land revenue (bali) to one-eighth, a significant departure from the standard one-sixth share, to honor the sanctity of the Buddha's birthplace.
Consider the following statements regarding Barabar Hill Cave inscriptions and Ajivika patronage:
1. The Barabar Hill caves, located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar, contain inscriptions dating back to the 12th and 13th regnal years of Emperor Ashoka.
2. Excavations at the Barabar site revealed a series of terracotta seals bearing the royal insignia of Chandragupta Maurya, suggesting the caves were originally constructed as administrative outposts before their conversion into religious dwellings.
3. The Barabar Hill inscriptions mention the donation of the caves to the Buddhist Sangha, reflecting Ashoka's transition from his early patronage of the Ajivikas to his later support for the Third Buddhist Council.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Barabar Hill caves contain inscriptions from Ashoka's 12th and 19th regnal years, confirming their historical timeline. Statement 2 is incorrect because these caves were rock-cut dwellings specifically commissioned by Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha for the Ajivika sect, not administrative outposts for Chandragupta Maurya. Statement 3 is incorrect because the inscriptions explicitly record the donation of these caves to the Ajivikas, not the Buddhist Sangha, reflecting Ashoka's policy of religious pluralism rather than a transition away from the Ajivika sect.
Consider the following statements regarding Dhamma-lipis and the evolution of Brahmi script:
1. The Maski inscription, discovered by C. Beadon in 1915, confirms the use of the Kharosthi script in the southern Deccan region to facilitate trade with the Satavahana dynasty.
2. The Barabar Hill cave inscriptions, dedicated to the Ajivika sect, were inscribed during the eighth year of Ashoka's reign and utilize the early Gupta-style Brahmi characters.
3. The Major Rock Edict XIII provides a detailed account of Ashoka's victory in the Kalinga War and mentions his contemporary Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II Theos of Syria.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly details the Kalinga War and lists five contemporary Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II Theos. Statement 1 is incorrect as the Maski inscription is famous for being the first to mention the name 'Ashoka' (rather than Devanampiya Piyadasi) and is written in Brahmi, not Kharosthi, which was primarily used in the northwestern frontier. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Barabar Hill cave inscriptions were written in the Mauryan-era Brahmi script, not the Gupta-style Brahmi, which evolved several centuries later.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts concerning the appointment of Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas:
1. The Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas functioned under the administrative hierarchy of the Dhamma-mahamattas, who were first introduced in the fifth year of Ashoka's coronation.
2. The office of the Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas was abolished during the reign of Dasharatha Maurya, who shifted the focus of the Dhamma-mahamattas toward the management of Buddhist monastic land grants.
3. The appointment of Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas is documented in the Girnar and Shahbazgarhi versions of the Major Rock Edicts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Dhamma-mahamattas were instituted in Ashoka's 14th regnal year to promote morality, with Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas specifically tasked under them to oversee women's welfare. Statement 3 is correct because Major Rock Edict XII explicitly mentions the appointment of these officials to ensure the welfare of women across the empire. Statement 2 is incorrect because there is no historical evidence that Dasharatha Maurya abolished this office or shifted the focus of Dhamma-mahamattas toward monastic land management; such administrative changes are not supported by the surviving inscriptions of the later Mauryan period.
Consider the following statements regarding Instructional nature of edicts for provincial governors:
1. The Rummindei Pillar inscription details the reduction of the bhaga tax to one-eighth in Lumbini, a policy that was implemented across all Mauryan provinces to standardize agricultural revenue.
2. The Barabar Cave inscriptions record the donation of the Sudama cave to the Ajivikas, a practice that was initiated following the formal annexation of the Pataliputra region by Chandragupta Maurya.
3. The Second Separate Kalinga Edict outlines the protocol for the annual audit of the provincial treasury by the Kumara, who served as the viceroy of Taxila during the reign of Bindusara.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Rummindei inscription specifically granted tax concessions only to Lumbini as Ashoka's birthplace, not as a standardized empire-wide policy. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Barabar Cave inscriptions were dedicated by Ashoka, not Chandragupta Maurya, and the Ajivika sect's patronage was a feature of Ashoka's religious policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Separate Kalinga Edicts focus on the administrative principles of governance and justice for the people of Kalinga, not on an annual treasury audit by a viceroy of Taxila.
Consider the following statements regarding Sohgaura and Mahasthan inscriptions and famine relief:
1. The Sohgaura inscription is inscribed on a bronze plaque and contains a royal decree issued by Bindusara, which outlines the tax exemptions granted to farmers in the Magadha region during a severe drought.
2. The Sohgaura copper plate inscription, discovered in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, mentions the establishment of two storehouses known as 'kothagala' to manage grain supplies during periods of scarcity.
3. The Mahasthan inscription was recovered from the Bogra district of modern-day Bangladesh and identifies the famine relief efforts as being overseen by the 'Dharmamahamatras' appointed during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Sohgaura copper plate (found in Gorakhpur) mentions the establishment of 'kothagala' (granaries) to combat famine. Statement 1 is incorrect because the inscription is attributed to the Mauryan period generally, not specifically to Bindusara, and it focuses on emergency relief rather than tax exemptions. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Mahasthan inscription (Bogra, Bangladesh) refers to the orders of the 'Mahamatras' (officials) of Pundranagara, and these administrative measures are associated with the Mauryan state's relief efforts rather than being exclusively linked to the reign of Chandragupta Maurya or the Dharmamahamatras.
Consider the following statements regarding Bhabru Edict and Ashoka's relationship with the Sangha:
1. The Queen's Edict, found at Allahabad, mentions the charitable donations made by Karuvaki, the mother of Tivara, and references the construction of a monastery in the Pataliputra region.
2. The Maski Edict is notable for being the first inscription where Ashoka refers to himself as 'Devanampiya Piyadasi', and it confirms his conversion to Buddhism occurred shortly after the Kalinga War.
3. The Barabar Hill cave inscriptions record the donation of the Sudama and Lomas Rishi caves to the Ajivika sect, an act performed by Ashoka in the 20th year of his coronation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Queen's Edict does not mention the construction of a monastery, but rather records the charitable gifts of Queen Karuvaki. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Maski Edict identifies Ashoka by name, it does not confirm his conversion occurred 'shortly after' the Kalinga War, and the Bhabru Edict is the primary source documenting his personal faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Lomas Rishi cave lacks any Ashokan inscription, and the Barabar cave inscriptions (Sudama, Visva-Jhopri, and Karna Chaupar) were dedicated to the Ajivikas, but the Lomas Rishi cave is not attributed to Ashoka.
Consider the following statements regarding Pillar Edicts and the concept of Dhamma-mahamattas:
1. The Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription commemorates Ashoka's enlargement of the stupa dedicated to the Buddha Konakamana, an event that took place in the twentieth year of his reign according to the Puranic chronology.
2. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, where he reduced the bali (land tax) to one-eighth of the produce to commemorate the birthplace of the Buddha.
3. Pillar Edict IV outlines the judicial powers granted to the Rajukas, allowing them to commute death sentences and grant a three-day reprieve to prisoners, a policy introduced during the reign of Bindusara.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Rummindei Pillar Inscription confirms Ashoka visited Lumbini in his 20th regnal year, exempting the village from 'bali' and reducing 'bhaga' to one-eighth. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Nigali Sagar inscription refers to Ashoka's 14th regnal year, not the 20th, and relies on Buddhist tradition rather than Puranic chronology. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Pillar Edict IV grants Rajukas judicial autonomy, this administrative reform was an innovation of Ashoka's own reign, not that of his predecessor Bindusara.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts addressing the administration of border tribes:
1. The Barabar Cave inscriptions document the donation of caves to the Ajivika sect, which served as administrative outposts for monitoring the movement of nomadic tribes in the Magadhan periphery.
2. In the Kalinga Edict, the King directs his officials to visit the border tribes every five years to ensure the propagation of Dhamma and the proper administration of justice.
3. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, written in Greek and Aramaic, outlines the legal framework for the extradition of criminals between the Mauryan border provinces and the Seleucid Empire.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Separate Kalinga Edict I explicitly mandates the 'Anusamyana' (quinquennial tour) of officials to border regions to ensure justice and the propagation of Dhamma. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Barabar Cave inscriptions record Ashoka's donation of caves to the Ajivika sect as an act of religious patronage, not as administrative outposts for monitoring tribes. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription focuses on the promotion of piety and moral conduct (Dhamma) among the local population, rather than establishing an extradition treaty with the Seleucid Empire.
Consider the following statements regarding Dhamma-lipis and the evolution of Brahmi script:
1. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, and his decision to reduce the 'bali' (land tribute) to one-eighth.
2. The Brahmi script used in the edicts is written from left to right and serves as the foundational ancestor for most modern Indic scripts, including Devanagari.
3. The Pillar Edict VII, the longest of the pillar inscriptions, was originally located at Meerut before being moved to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq to commemorate the victory over the Seleucid Empire.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription confirms Ashoka's pilgrimage to Lumbini and his reduction of the 'bali' tax to one-eighth. Statement 2 is correct because Brahmi is a left-to-right script and the progenitor of most modern Indic scripts, including Devanagari. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Firoz Shah Tughlaq did move the Topra and Meerut pillars to Delhi, Pillar Edict VII is inscribed on the Topra pillar, and the move was not to commemorate a victory over the Seleucid Empire, which had ceased to exist as a primary threat long before.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts as sources for Mauryan socio-economic hierarchy:
1. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, written in Greek and Aramaic, provides evidence of the Mauryan social hierarchy by detailing the specific caste-based duties of the Yona subjects.
2. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, where he reduced the bali tax to one-eighth, reflecting a standardized fiscal policy applied across all provinces.
3. The Major Rock Edict XIII mentions the Greek kings Antiochus and Ptolemy, and explicitly links their territories to the Mauryan administrative division of the Janapadas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kandahar Bilingual Inscription focuses on Ashoka's policy of Dhamma and moral exhortation rather than detailing caste-based duties for Yona subjects. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Rummindei inscription records the reduction of the 'bali' (tribute) and 'bhaga' (share of produce) specifically for Lumbini as a mark of reverence to Buddha's birthplace, not as a standardized fiscal policy for the entire empire. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Major Rock Edict XIII mentions Greek kings like Antiochus and Ptolemy to illustrate the reach of Ashoka's Dhamma, it does not classify their foreign territories as Mauryan administrative Janapadas.
Consider the following statements regarding Dhamma-lipis and the evolution of Brahmi script:
1. The Minor Rock Edict I is unique for being the only inscription where Ashoka explicitly mentions his personal name, 'Ashoka', alongside his title 'Devanampiya'.
2. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, discovered in 1957, features text in both Greek and Aramaic, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the northwestern Mauryan frontier.
3. James Prinsep successfully deciphered the Brahmi script in 1837, which allowed for the translation of the Delhi-Topra pillar edicts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Maski, Gujarra, Nettur, and Udegolam versions of Minor Rock Edict I are the rare instances where Ashoka identifies himself by name. Statement 2 is correct because the Kandahar Bilingual Inscription (Shar-i-Kuna) serves as vital evidence of Ashoka's administrative reach into the Hellenistic world, using Greek and Aramaic for his subjects in the northwest. Statement 3 is correct as James Prinsep’s 1837 breakthrough in deciphering Brahmi provided the key to understanding Ashoka’s edicts, including those on the Delhi-Topra pillar.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts addressing the administration of border tribes:
1. Major Rock Edict XIII mentions the Atavikas, the forest tribes, and warns them that despite his repentance, the King still possesses the power to punish them.
2. Ashoka’s inscriptions at the frontier regions emphasize the policy of 'Dhamma-vijaya' or conquest by righteousness rather than the traditional military expansion used by his predecessors.
3. The Separate Kalinga Edict I, inscribed at Dhauli and Jauguda, instructs the Mahamatras to treat the border populations as the King's own children.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly warns the forest tribes (Atavikas) that while Ashoka seeks peace, he retains the power to punish those who persist in wrongdoing. Statement 2 is correct as Ashoka replaced 'Dig-vijaya' (military conquest) with 'Dhamma-vijaya' (conquest by piety) to govern border regions, while the Separate Kalinga Edicts (I and II) specifically direct officials to treat the newly conquered and border subjects with paternal affection, referring to them as the King's children. All three statements are factually accurate, reflecting the nuanced administrative and ethical shift in Mauryan governance toward frontier populations.
Consider the following statements regarding Pillar Edicts and the concept of Dhamma-mahamattas:
1. The Dhamma-mahamattas were tasked with the administration of the royal treasury and the collection of land revenue, a role they assumed following the conquest of Kalinga in the eighth year of Ashoka's reign.
2. The office of the Dhamma-mahamattas was formally established by Ashoka in the thirteenth year of his reign, as recorded in the fifth Major Rock Edict.
3. Pillar Edict VII serves as a comprehensive summary of Ashoka's measures for the promotion of Dhamma, including the construction of rest houses and the planting of medicinal herbs along major trade routes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Dhamma-mahamattas were officials appointed specifically to propagate Dhamma and ensure the welfare of the people, not to manage the treasury or collect revenue. Statement 2 is correct as Ashoka explicitly mentions in his Fifth Major Rock Edict that he created this office in the thirteenth year of his reign to promote righteousness among all sects. Statement 3 is correct because Pillar Edict VII acts as a retrospective summary of Ashoka's public welfare policies, detailing his efforts in planting medicinal herbs, digging wells, and building rest houses to facilitate the practice of Dhamma.
Consider the following statements regarding Barabar Hill Cave inscriptions and Ajivika patronage:
1. The Gopika cave inscription records that Ashoka commissioned the structure to commemorate the victory over the Kalinga forces, providing a sanctuary for soldiers seeking spiritual retreat.
2. The inscriptions in the Barabar caves utilize the Brahmi script and are written in the Magadhi Prakrit dialect prevalent in the Mauryan heartland.
3. Archaeological surveys of the Nagarjuni caves identified a sequence of inscriptions attributed to Samprati, who expanded the Ajivika cave complex by adding intricate stone carvings of Tirthankaras.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Barabar cave inscriptions are indeed written in the Brahmi script and Magadhi Prakrit, serving as official records of Ashoka's royal grants. Statement 1 is incorrect because these caves were dedicated to the Ajivika sect as religious retreats, not to commemorate the Kalinga war. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Nagarjuni cave inscriptions are attributed to Dasharatha Maurya, Ashoka's grandson, and they contain no evidence of Tirthankara carvings, as the Ajivikas were a distinct ascetic sect separate from Jainism.
Consider the following statements regarding Concept of Dhamma-vijaya vs Dig-vijaya in edicts:
1. The concept of Dig-vijaya is formally rejected in the Bhabru Edict, which lists the specific Buddhist texts Ashoka recommended for study by the monastic community.
2. The Minor Rock Edict I marks the transition in Ashoka's administrative policy, shifting focus from military expansion to the internal consolidation of moral governance.
3. Major Rock Edict VI introduces the office of the Dhamma-mahamattas, whose primary responsibility involved overseeing the annexation of frontier tribal territories through diplomatic persuasion.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Minor Rock Edict I marks Ashoka's transition from the policy of Bherighosha (war drum) to Dhammaghosha (moral sound) following the Kalinga War. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Bhabru Edict is a declaration of Ashoka's faith in the Buddhist Triratna, not a rejection of Dig-vijaya. Statement 3 is incorrect because Major Rock Edict V (not VI) introduced the Dhamma-mahamattas, who were tasked with promoting Dhamma and social welfare, not the annexation of frontier territories.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Rajukas and Pradesikas in edict implementation:
1. The Seventh Pillar Edict records that the Rajukas were stationed in the border regions to manage diplomatic relations with the Hellenistic kings mentioned in the Thirteenth Rock Edict.
2. The Sixth Pillar Edict describes the role of the Dharma-mahamatras in auditing the regional accounts maintained by the Pradesikas in the Taxila and Ujjain provinces.
3. The office of the Rajuka, originally concerned with rural land measurement and revenue, was elevated by Ashoka to include judicial and executive oversight.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Ashoka, in his Fourth Pillar Edict, explicitly granted Rajukas independent authority in judicial matters and the power to award rewards or punishments, elevating their role from mere land surveyors. Statement 1 is incorrect because Rajukas were provincial officials responsible for the welfare of the janapadas (rural population), not diplomatic envoys to Hellenistic kings, a task handled by the Dhamma-mahamatras or special envoys. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Sixth Pillar Edict focuses on Ashoka's concern for the welfare of all sects and his personal engagement with the people, whereas the audit of provincial accounts was a function of the central bureaucracy and the Pradesikas themselves, not the specific duty of Dhamma-mahamatras.
Consider the following statements regarding Instructional nature of edicts for provincial governors:
1. The Separate Kalinga Edicts were specifically addressed to the Mahamattas of Tosali and Samapa, instructing them to ensure the impartial administration of justice.
2. In the First Separate Kalinga Edict, Ashoka conveys his paternalistic view of subjects, stating that 'all men are my children' and emphasizing the governor's role in their welfare.
3. The Edicts at Yerragudi contain specific instructions regarding the maintenance of public order and the conduct of judicial officers in the southern provinces.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Separate Kalinga Edicts (found at Dhauli and Jaugada) were addressed to the Mahamattas of Tosali and Samapa to ensure just and impartial administration, reflecting Ashoka's paternalistic philosophy that 'all men are my children' as explicitly stated in the first of these edicts. The Yerragudi edicts, located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, serve as a comprehensive instructional manual for provincial governors, detailing specific regulations for judicial officers and the maintenance of public order in the southern reaches of the Mauryan Empire. All three statements are historically accurate and reflect the administrative decentralization and ethical governance promoted by Ashoka.
Consider the following statements regarding Sohgaura and Mahasthan inscriptions and famine relief:
1. The Sohgaura inscription includes a reference to the 'Tri-garbha' or three-fold storage system, which functioned as a contingency measure for the Mauryan state during agricultural distress.
2. The Sohgaura copper plate provides evidence of a state-sponsored irrigation project in the Gandak river valley, which was initiated to mitigate the effects of a famine recorded in the 14th year of Ashoka's reign.
3. The Mahasthan inscription details the collection of 'bali' and 'bhaga' taxes from the Pundranagara province, which were redirected to the royal treasury to fund the construction of the capital's fortification walls during a period of food shortage.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Sohgaura copper plate inscription mentions the establishment of two 'kothagalas' (granaries) to store grain for famine relief, reflecting the Mauryan state's proactive welfare role. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Sohgaura inscription is pre-Ashokan or early Mauryan and does not mention an irrigation project in the Gandak valley or Ashoka's 14th regnal year. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Mahasthan inscription actually records the distribution of grain and money (ganda) from the royal storehouse to the people of Pundranagara to combat famine, rather than the collection of taxes to fund capital fortifications.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts concerning the appointment of Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas:
1. The office of the Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas was created as part of Ashoka's broader initiative to establish the Dhamma-mahamattas in the fourteenth year of his reign.
2. The Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas were first introduced in the Minor Rock Edict I to monitor the collection of land revenue from female-headed households in the Pataliputra province.
3. Major Rock Edict XII explicitly mentions the appointment of Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas to oversee the welfare and moral conduct of women in the Mauryan administration.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Ashoka established the cadre of Dhamma-mahamattas in his 14th regnal year to propagate Dhamma, which included specialized officers like Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas. Statement 3 is correct because Major Rock Edict XII highlights Ashoka's concern for the welfare and moral upliftment of all sects and groups, including women, through these officials. Statement 2 is incorrect because Stri-adhyaksha-mahamattas were appointed for moral and social welfare, not for the collection of land revenue, and they are not mentioned in Minor Rock Edict I.
Consider the following statements regarding Barabar Hill Cave inscriptions and Ajivika patronage:
1. The Lomas Rishi cave, while lacking an Ashoka-era inscription, features an arch-like entrance modeled after contemporary wooden architecture of the Mauryan period.
2. Ashoka dedicated the Sudama cave to the Ajivika sect, as evidenced by the Brahmi inscription found at the site.
3. Dasharatha Maurya, the grandson of Ashoka, continued the tradition of royal patronage by dedicating three additional caves in the Nagarjuni Hills to the Ajivikas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Lomas Rishi cave features a sophisticated arch-like facade mimicking wooden prototypes but lacks an Ashoka inscription. Statement 2 is correct because the Sudama cave contains a Brahmi inscription explicitly recording Ashoka's dedication of the cave to the Ajivika sect in the 12th year of his reign. Statement 3 is correct as Dasharatha Maurya, Ashoka's grandson, patronized the Ajivikas by commissioning three caves in the Nagarjuni Hills, known as the Gopi, Vadathika, and Vapiyaka caves, as confirmed by their respective dedicatory inscriptions.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts addressing the administration of border tribes:
1. The Rummindei Pillar inscription records Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of the Buddha and outlines the specific trade concessions granted to the border tribes of the Lumbini region.
2. The Major Rock Edict V refers to the appointment of Dhamma-Mahamatras, who were tasked with the direct collection of agricultural taxes from the autonomous forest tribes.
3. The Minor Rock Edict I, found at Brahmagiri, describes the administrative hierarchy of the frontier provinces and mentions the direct oversight of the border tribes by the Yavana governors.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Rummindei Pillar inscription records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini to exempt the village from 'bali' (tribute) and reduce its 'bhaga' (tax) due to the Buddha's birth, not to grant trade concessions to border tribes. Statement 2 is incorrect as Dhamma-Mahamatras were appointed to propagate Dhamma and ensure the welfare of all subjects, including forest tribes, rather than collecting agricultural taxes. Statement 3 is incorrect because Minor Rock Edict I focuses on Ashoka's personal involvement in the propagation of Dhamma and does not mention Yavana governors or administrative hierarchies of frontier provinces.
Consider the following statements regarding Concept of Dhamma-vijaya vs Dig-vijaya in edicts:
1. The Greek king Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt is cited in Major Rock Edict II as a primary recipient of medical aid and herbal supplies sent under the state-sponsored Dhamma-vijaya initiative.
2. Ashoka's policy of Dhamma-vijaya involved the complete dismantling of the Mauryan standing army, as recorded in the Pillar Edict VII regarding the maintenance of border security.
3. The Kalinga war is described in Major Rock Edict X, which outlines the administrative transition from Dig-vijaya to the institutionalization of Dhamma-mahamattas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Major Rock Edict XIII, not II, lists Ptolemy II Philadelphus among the five contemporary Hellenistic kings reached by Ashoka's Dhamma missions. Statement 2 is false as Ashoka never dismantled the Mauryan army; while he replaced physical conquest (Dig-vijaya) with moral conquest (Dhamma-vijaya), he maintained military power to ensure security. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kalinga War is detailed in Major Rock Edict XIII, whereas Major Rock Edict X focuses on Ashoka's rejection of fame and glory in favor of the welfare of his subjects through Dhamma.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts as sources for Mauryan socio-economic hierarchy:
1. The Minor Rock Edict I, found at Maski, mentions the title 'Devanampiya', which the edict links to the official recognition of the Varna system in the southern Deccan plateau.
2. The Seventh Pillar Edict outlines the duties of the Dhamma-mahamattas, who were tasked with managing the land grants provided to the Brahmanas and the Shramanas in the border regions.
3. The Barabar Hill Cave inscriptions record the donation of caves to the Ajivika sect, and these texts suggest that the state maintained a formal registry of land ownership for tax-exempt religious institutions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Maski edict confirms the title 'Devanampiya Ashoka', it does not link it to the formal recognition of the Varna system in the Deccan. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Seventh Pillar Edict defines the duties of Dhamma-mahamattas regarding the promotion of Dhamma and the welfare of various sects, but it does not mention managing land grants for Brahmanas or Shramanas. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Barabar Hill Cave inscriptions record the donation of caves to the Ajivikas, but they do not provide evidence of a formal state registry for tax-exempt land ownership.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Rajukas and Pradesikas in edict implementation:
1. Ashoka mentions in the Fourth Pillar Edict that the Rajukas were responsible for the welfare of hundreds of thousands of people in his empire.
2. The Pradesikas were tasked with undertaking a quinquennial tour, known as the anusamyana, to inspect the implementation of Dhamma throughout the provinces.
3. The Fifth Pillar Edict details the regulations concerning the protection of animals, noting that the Rajukas were empowered to grant pardons to prisoners on the anniversary of the Kalinga War.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Pillar Edict IV explicitly grants Rajukas autonomy in judicial and administrative matters to ensure the welfare of the rural population. Statement 2 is correct because the Rock Edict III mentions that Pradesikas, along with Rajukas and Yuktas, were ordered to undertake quinquennial tours (anusamyana) to propagate Dhamma. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Fifth Pillar Edict lists regulations for animal protection, the power to grant pardons to prisoners was typically reserved for the King, and there is no historical evidence linking Rajukas to granting pardons on the anniversary of the Kalinga War.
Consider the following statements regarding Major Rock Edicts and their geographical distribution:
1. The Girnar rock inscription in Gujarat contains the complete set of fourteen Major Rock Edicts, and it is the only site where the text mentions the Kalinga War in the opening paragraph.
2. Major Rock Edict XIII contains a detailed list of contemporary Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II Theos of Syria and Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt.
3. Major Rock Edict II outlines the establishment of medical facilities for both humans and animals, and it mentions the Chola and Pandya kingdoms as regions located within the direct administrative control of Pataliputra.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly names five Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II and Ptolemy II, as recipients of Ashoka's Dhamma. Statement 1 is incorrect because, while Girnar contains the fourteen edicts, the Kalinga War is specifically detailed in the separate Kalinga Edicts, not the opening of the Girnar rock inscription. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although Edict II mentions medical facilities, it explicitly lists the Chola, Pandya, Satyaputra, and Keralaputra kingdoms as independent 'border' states (pratyanta) outside the direct administrative control of the Mauryan Empire.
Consider the following statements regarding Kandahar Bilingual Edict and Hellenistic influence:
1. The Kandahar Bilingual Edict was commissioned during the tenth year of Ashoka's reign and serves as the primary source for the administrative records of the Mauryan provincial capital at Taxila.
2. The Greek translation found in the Kandahar Edict follows the stylistic conventions of the Attic dialect and was composed by Megasthenes during his tenure as an ambassador at the Pataliputra court.
3. Major Rock Edict II details the medical missions dispatched by Ashoka to the territories of Magas of Cyrene and Antigonus Gonatas, confirming the establishment of permanent Mauryan hospitals in Corinth.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kandahar Bilingual Edict was inscribed in the 10th regnal year but refers to the Kandahar region (Arachosia), not Taxila. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Greek text uses standard Hellenistic Koine, not the Attic dialect, and was composed long after Megasthenes had left the Mauryan court. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Major Rock Edict II mentions medical missions to Hellenistic kingdoms, there is no archaeological or epigraphic evidence confirming the establishment of permanent Mauryan hospitals in Corinth.
Consider the following statements regarding Bhabru Edict and Ashoka's relationship with the Sangha:
1. In the Bhabru Edict, Ashoka specifically recommends seven passages from the Buddhist scriptures, including the 'Munigatha' and the 'Upatisapasine', for regular study by monks and nuns.
2. The Bhabru Edict, also known as the Bairat Edict, contains Ashoka's personal salutation to the Sangha, expressing his profound reverence for the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.
3. The Bhabru Edict was discovered in 1840 by Captain Burt at Bairat in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan and is currently preserved in the Asiatic Society of Bengal.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Bhabru Edict (Bairat) is unique as it confirms Ashoka's personal faith in the 'Triratna' (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha) and lists seven specific Buddhist texts, such as 'Munigatha' and 'Upatisapasine', for the monastic community's edification. Discovered by Captain Burt in 1840 at Bairat, Rajasthan, the inscription serves as primary evidence of Ashoka's active engagement with Buddhist doctrine and his role as a patron of the Sangha. All three statements are factually accurate, as they correctly identify the edict's content, its historical significance, and its discovery details.
Consider the following statements regarding Minor Rock Edicts and the personal name of Ashoka:
1. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, written in Greek and Aramaic, includes the name 'Ashoka' in both scripts to ensure that the Hellenistic populations in the region understood the royal decree.
2. The Nittur Minor Rock Edict in the Bellary district of Karnataka contains the name 'Ashoka' in both Brahmi script and Prakrit language, confirming his personal identity.
3. The Udegolam Minor Rock Edict, also situated in the Bellary region, records the name 'Ashoka' within the opening lines of the inscription, reinforcing the findings from the nearby Nittur site.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the Nittur and Udegolam edicts in Karnataka explicitly mention the name 'Ashoka' in Brahmi script, providing crucial evidence of his personal identity. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription uses the name 'Piyadasi' (or 'Piodasses') rather than 'Ashoka' to refer to the king, and it does not contain the name 'Ashoka' in either Greek or Aramaic scripts.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Rajukas and Pradesikas in edict implementation:
1. The Second Pillar Edict outlines the role of the Antamahas in supervising the distribution of grain stores managed by the Pradesikas during periods of drought.
2. The Third Major Rock Edict identifies the Yuktas as the primary officials responsible for the quinquennial tour alongside the Pradesikas and Rajukas.
3. In the Fourth Pillar Edict, Ashoka granted the Rajukas independent authority in the administration of justice and the imposition of sentences.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Fourth Pillar Edict explicitly grants Rajukas independent authority in judicial matters and sentencing to ensure uniform administration. Statement 1 is incorrect as the Second Pillar Edict discusses the definition of Dhamma and the virtues of self-examination, not grain distribution or Antamahas. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Third Major Rock Edict mandates that the Yuktas, Rajukas, and Pradesikas undertake a quinquennial tour (every five years) to propagate Dhamma, but it does not label Yuktas as the 'primary' officials over the others.
Consider the following statements regarding Instructional nature of edicts for provincial governors:
1. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, written in Greek and Aramaic, serves as an instructional guide for local officials in the western frontier regions of the empire.
2. The Pillar Edict IV mentions that Ashoka granted the Rajukas independent authority in judicial matters to ensure consistency in the administration of provincial justice.
3. Ashoka's Minor Rock Edict I mentions the dispatch of 'Rajukas' to the provinces to instruct the rural population in the principles of Dhamma.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription (Shar-i-Quna) served as a royal decree to the Greek and Aramaic-speaking populations of the western frontier, emphasizing moral conduct. Pillar Edict IV explicitly grants Rajukas autonomy in judicial matters, including the power to grant pardons or commute sentences, to ensure impartial justice. Minor Rock Edict I, however, refers to the dispatch of 'Dharma Mahamattas' to instruct the populace in Dhamma, whereas the Rajukas were primarily assigned administrative and judicial duties in rural areas, making statement 3 incorrect.
Consider the following statements regarding Kandahar Bilingual Edict and Hellenistic influence:
1. The Aramaic version of the Kandahar Edict employs the Kharosthi script for its administrative clauses, demonstrating the influence of Achaemenid bureaucratic practices on Mauryan frontier governance.
2. The diplomatic correspondence mentioned in Major Rock Edict XIII resulted in the formal annexation of the Seleucid border provinces into the Mauryan Empire following the treaty signed in 305 BCE.
3. The Kandahar Bilingual Edict refers to the conversion of the local governor to Buddhism, a historical event corroborated by the archaeological discovery of a stupa complex at the site of Old Kandahar.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kandahar Bilingual Edict is inscribed in Greek and Aramaic, not Kharosthi. Statement 2 is incorrect as the treaty between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus I Nicator involved the cession of eastern satrapies (Arachosia, Gedrosia, Aria, and Paropamisadae) to the Mauryas, not an annexation following the Major Rock Edict XIII, which actually lists Ashoka's diplomatic missions to Hellenistic kings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the edict promotes 'Dhamma' (piety/morality) in a general sense, and there is no historical or archaeological evidence in the edict confirming the conversion of the local governor to Buddhism.
Consider the following statements regarding Minor Rock Edicts and the personal name of Ashoka:
1. The Bhabru Edict, discovered at Bairat, contains the personal name 'Ashoka' and provides a list of seven Buddhist texts that the king recommends for the monastic community.
2. The Panguraria Minor Rock Edict, found in the Sehore district, records the name 'Ashoka' and details the specific administrative reforms implemented in the border provinces of the Mauryan Empire.
3. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription, which commemorates Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of the Buddha, includes the name 'Ashoka' in the text to establish his personal connection to the Lumbini site.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Bhabru Edict lists seven Buddhist texts, it refers to the king as 'Piyadasi, King of Magadha' rather than 'Ashoka'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Panguraria Edict mentions the king as 'Piyadasi, the Raja of Magadha' and focuses on his pilgrimage rather than administrative reforms. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Rummindei Pillar Inscription refers to the king as 'Devanampiya Piyadasi' and does not contain the name 'Ashoka'.
Consider the following statements regarding Kalinga Edicts and the policy of conciliation:
1. The Separate Kalinga Edicts, found at Dhauli and Jaugada, omit the standard set of Major Rock Edicts VI through X found elsewhere in the empire.
2. The Kalinga Edicts include a provision for the appointment of 'Rajukas' to oversee judicial administration, a practice that was first established by Chandragupta Maurya during the consolidation of the Magadhan core.
3. Ashoka addresses the administrative officials of Tosali and Samapa as 'Mahamatras' in the Kalinga Edicts, instructing them to treat the inhabitants of the newly conquered province as his own children.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Separate Kalinga Edicts replace the standard Major Rock Edicts XI, XII, and XIII to address the unique administrative needs of the newly conquered territory. Statement 3 is correct because Ashoka explicitly addressed the officials at Tosali and Samapa as 'Mahamatras' and famously declared, 'All men are my children,' emphasizing a paternalistic approach to governance. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Ashoka empowered the Rajukas with judicial functions in his Fourth Pillar Edict, this role was an innovation of Ashoka's administration and was not established by Chandragupta Maurya.
Consider the following statements regarding Tax exemptions mentioned in the Rummindei Pillar Edict:
1. The term 'athabhagiya' used in the edict indicates the specific reduction of the royal share of produce to one-eighth.
2. The Rummindei Pillar Edict serves as archaeological evidence corroborating the traditional accounts of the Buddha's nativity.
3. The Rummindei Pillar Edict was discovered by Alois Anton FĂĽhrer in 1896, and it records the king's donation of a golden statue to the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The Rummindei Pillar Edict confirms Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace, where he reduced the land tax (bali) to one-eighth (athabhagiya) and exempted the village from the religious tax (bhaga). While the edict is indeed archaeological proof of the Buddha's nativity, statement 3 is incorrect because the pillar was discovered by Alois Anton FĂĽhrer in 1896, but it records the exemption of taxes in Lumbini rather than the donation of a golden statue to the Mahabodhi temple.
Consider the following statements regarding Geographical markers of Aramaic and Greek scripts in edicts:
1. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, discovered in 1958, features both Greek and Aramaic scripts to address the diverse linguistic demographics of the Arachosia province.
2. Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XIII mentions the dispatch of envoys to the Hellenistic kingdoms of Antiochus II Theos, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, Antigonus Gonatas, Magas, and Alexander.
3. The Aramaic inscription found at Laghman, known as Laghman I, records the distance of the site from Tadmor, a significant node in the ancient trade routes of the Mauryan frontier.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription (1958) specifically targets the Greek and Aramaic-speaking populations of Arachosia. Statement 2 is correct because Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly names five contemporary Hellenistic rulers-Antiochus II, Ptolemy II, Antigonus, Magas, and Alexander-to whom Ashoka sent Dhamma-mahamatras. Statement 3 is correct because the Aramaic inscription at Laghman (Laghman I) details the distance to Tadmor (Palmyra), confirming the strategic importance of this route for Mauryan administrative and trade communication.
Consider the following statements regarding Bhabru Edict and Ashoka's relationship with the Sangha:
1. The Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription commemorates Ashoka's enlargement of the stupa dedicated to Konakamana Buddha, which occurred during his 14th regnal year.
2. The Schism Edict at Sanchi outlines the administrative procedure for expelling dissenters from the monastic community and was issued by Ashoka in the 12th year of his reign.
3. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription records Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of the Buddha and details the reduction of the land revenue (bali) to one-eighth for the village of Lumbini.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the enlargement of the Konakamana Buddha stupa occurred in Ashoka's 14th regnal year, but the Nigali Sagar inscription records this event, while the Rummindei pillar records his visit to Lumbini. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Schism Edict (found at Sanchi, Sarnath, and Allahabad) warns against causing divisions in the Sangha, but it does not specify a 12th-year date, which is instead associated with the Barabar Cave dedications. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Rummindei Pillar Inscription records the reduction of the religious tax (bali) to zero and the land revenue (bhaga) to one-eighth, not one-eighth for both.
Consider the following statements regarding Concept of Dhamma-vijaya vs Dig-vijaya in edicts:
1. Major Rock Edict XIII records Ashoka's renunciation of traditional Dig-vijaya following the Kalinga war in the eighth year of his reign.
2. Ashoka mentions in Rock Edict XIII that he sent envoys to five contemporary Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II Theos of Syria, to propagate the principles of Dhamma.
3. The concept of Dhamma-vijaya is defined in the edicts as the conquest of hearts through piety rather than the acquisition of territory by force.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly documents Ashoka's shift from 'Bherighosha' (war drum) to 'Dhammaghosha' (sound of Dhamma) after the Kalinga war. Statement 2 is correct because the edict lists five Hellenistic rulers-Antiochus II (Syria), Ptolemy II (Egypt), Antigonus Gonatas (Macedonia), Magas (Cyrene), and Alexander (Epirus)-as recipients of his Dhamma missions. Statement 3 is correct as Dhamma-vijaya signifies the Mauryan emperor's policy of moral conquest through righteousness and social welfare, replacing the traditional military expansionism of Dig-vijaya.
Consider the following statements regarding Geographical markers of Aramaic and Greek scripts in edicts:
1. The Kandahar Greek Edict, which corresponds to the content of Major Rock Edict XIV, was inscribed on a limestone block and recovered from the vicinity of the Helmand River valley.
2. The Aramaic inscriptions found at Lamghan, identified as Lamghan I and II, document the administrative transition of the region from the Seleucid Empire to the Mauryan administration under Bindusara.
3. The Greek version of the Major Rock Edicts discovered at Kandahar utilizes the Attic dialect of Greek and includes a detailed list of Mauryan tax exemptions granted to the local temple authorities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kandahar Greek Edict corresponds to Major Rock Edicts XII and XIII, not XIV. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Lamghan Aramaic inscriptions date to the reign of Ashoka, not Bindusara, and focus on moral edicts rather than the transition from the Seleucid Empire. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kandahar inscriptions do not contain lists of tax exemptions for temple authorities, but rather emphasize Ashoka's policy of Dhamma and the practice of piety.
Consider the following statements regarding Major Rock Edicts and their geographical distribution:
1. Major Rock Edict V refers to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamattas to oversee the welfare of various sects, and it identifies the Yonas and Kambojas as vassal states paying annual tribute to the imperial treasury.
2. Major Rock Edict VI discusses the emperor's desire to receive reports on public affairs at all times, and it notes that the royal palace at Taxila served as the primary center for drafting these administrative decrees.
3. The Dhauli and Jaugada versions of the edicts replace the standard set of fourteen with two separate Kalinga Edicts, which emphasize the emperor's paternalistic relationship with the forest tribes of the Vindhyan region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Major Rock Edict V mentions Dhamma-mahamattas, it lists Yonas, Kambojas, and Gandharas as border peoples (Antas) within the empire's sphere of influence, not as vassal states paying tribute. Statement 2 is incorrect because Major Rock Edict VI emphasizes the emperor's accessibility for public business, but it does not designate Taxila as the administrative drafting center; rather, the edicts were drafted centrally and inscribed locally. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Dhauli and Jaugada edicts are 'Separate Kalinga Edicts' that replace Edicts XI, XII, and XIII to address the administration of newly conquered Kalinga, not the forest tribes of the Vindhyan region.
Consider the following statements regarding Sohgaura and Mahasthan inscriptions and famine relief:
1. The Mahasthan inscription, written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language, provides instructions to the local administrative officials of Pundranagara regarding the distribution of food grains and money to the affected population.
2. The Mahasthan inscription refers to the 'Samvargika' category of people, indicating that the relief measures were intended to assist specific social groups impacted by the famine.
3. Both the Sohgaura and Mahasthan inscriptions are attributed to the Mauryan period based on their paleographic features and the specific mention of administrative units like the 'Mahamatras'.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Mahasthan (Bogra, Bangladesh) and Sohgaura (Gorakhpur, UP) inscriptions are pre-Ashokan Mauryan records written in Brahmi script and Prakrit, detailing state-led famine relief measures. The Mahasthan inscription specifically mentions the 'Samvargika' (destitute/distressed) group, while both inscriptions mention the 'Mahamatras' (high-ranking officials) tasked with managing granaries and treasury funds to combat food scarcity, confirming their administrative significance during the Mauryan era.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts on animal welfare and regulation of slaughter:
1. The Bhabru Edict contains the king's personal recommendations for Buddhist texts, and it includes a specific provision prohibiting the consumption of meat within the precincts of the Sangha.
2. Pillar Edict VII serves as a summary of the king's administrative reforms, including the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatras to oversee the regulation of animal slaughter in the southern provinces of the empire.
3. In Pillar Edict V, the king declares that fish are not to be caught or sold on the three Chaturmasya days and the full moon day of the Tishya constellation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Pillar Edict V explicitly lists protected days, including the Tishya constellation and Chaturmasya, for the preservation of fauna. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Bhabru Edict (Bairat) focuses on Ashoka's faith in the Buddhist Triratna and recommends specific texts, but does not contain provisions regarding meat consumption. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Pillar Edict VII summarizes Ashoka's Dhamma policies, it does not mention the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatras specifically for regulating slaughter in southern provinces; that role was broader and applied empire-wide.
Consider the following statements regarding Geographical markers of Aramaic and Greek scripts in edicts:
1. The Pul-i-Darunta Aramaic inscription, discovered in the Jalalabad region, contains a translation of portions of Major Rock Edicts XII and XIII.
2. The Shar-i-Kuna inscription, located near modern-day Kandahar, utilizes the Greek language and script to convey the moral principles of Dhamma to the local Hellenized population.
3. The Taxila Aramaic inscription, unearthed in 1915, serves as a record of Ashoka's administrative reforms in the Gandhara region and is written in the Kharosthi script.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The Pul-i-Darunta inscription in Afghanistan confirms the use of Aramaic for Major Rock Edicts XII and XIII, while the Kandahar (Shar-i-Kuna) bilingual inscription explicitly addresses the Hellenized population in Greek and Aramaic to propagate Dhamma. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Taxila inscription is written in the Aramaic script, not Kharosthi, and it does not record administrative reforms but rather serves as a significant epigraphic marker of Ashoka's influence in the northwest frontier.
Consider the following statements regarding Chronological classification of edicts based on content:
1. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, written in both Greek and Aramaic, was discovered in 1958 and serves as evidence of Ashoka's diplomatic outreach to the western frontiers of his empire.
2. The Pillar Edict VII, inscribed at the end of Ashoka's 27th regnal year, serves as a summary of the various administrative measures taken throughout his reign to promote Dhamma.
3. The Bhabru Edict, also known as the Calcutta-Bairat Minor Rock Edict, lists seven specific Buddhist texts that Ashoka recommended for study by the monastic community and the laity.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, discovered in 1958, confirms Ashoka's efforts to communicate his Dhamma to Greek and Aramaic-speaking populations in the Kandahar region. Statement 2 is correct because Pillar Edict VII is the longest and latest of the major pillar edicts, acting as a comprehensive review of Ashoka's policies implemented in his 27th regnal year. Statement 3 is correct as the Bhabru Edict explicitly mentions seven specific Buddhist passages (Dhamma-paliyayas) that Ashoka exhorted the Sangha and laity to study, serving as a vital link between his inscriptions and the Buddhist canon.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts on animal welfare and regulation of slaughter:
1. Major Rock Edict I prohibits the practice of animal sacrifices and festive gatherings involving animal slaughter in the capital city of Pataliputra.
2. Pillar Edict V lists specific species, including parrots, mynas, and bats, which were granted protected status from slaughter or consumption on designated days.
3. Major Rock Edict II outlines the establishment of medical facilities for both humans and animals, and it records the dispatch of royal physicians to the Hellenistic kingdoms of Antiochus II and Ptolemy II.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Major Rock Edict I explicitly bans festive animal sacrifices in the capital, and Pillar Edict V provides a comprehensive list of protected species, including parrots, mynas, and bats, alongside specific calendar days for non-slaughter. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Major Rock Edict II does mention the establishment of medical facilities for humans and animals and the dispatch of physicians to Hellenistic kingdoms, it refers to Antiochus II Theos and his contemporaries (Ptolemy II Philadelphus, Magas, Alexander, and Antigonus), but it is primarily focused on welfare measures rather than being the source for the specific animal slaughter regulations mentioned in the other statements.
Consider the following statements regarding Kandahar Bilingual Edict and Hellenistic influence:
1. The Greek portion of the Kandahar Edict utilizes the term 'eusebeia' to translate Ashoka's concept of 'Dhamma', reflecting an adaptation of Buddhist ethics for a Hellenistic audience.
2. Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XIII mentions five contemporary Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus II Theos of the Seleucid Empire and Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt.
3. The Kandahar Bilingual Edict, discovered in 1958, is inscribed in both Greek and Aramaic scripts to address the diverse linguistic demographics of the Kandahar region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as 'eusebeia' (piety) was used to translate 'Dhamma' to make Ashoka's moral code culturally resonant for Greek-speaking subjects. Statement 2 is correct because Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly lists five Hellenistic rulers-Antiochus II, Ptolemy II, Antigonus Gonatas, Magas, and Alexander-with whom Ashoka maintained diplomatic relations. Statement 3 is correct as the edict, discovered in 1958 at Shar-i-Kuna, serves as a crucial piece of evidence for Ashoka's administrative outreach to the multi-ethnic population of the Kandahar region using Greek and Aramaic.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts as sources for Mauryan socio-economic hierarchy:
1. The Queen's Edict, found at Allahabad, records the charitable acts of Karuvaki, and the inscription specifies that these donations were distributed based on the traditional Vedic social stratification.
2. The Major Rock Edict II refers to the medical treatment provided to humans and animals in the Chola and Pandya kingdoms, and it notes that these facilities were organized according to the hierarchy of the Mauryan civil service.
3. The Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription commemorates the enlargement of the stupa of Buddha Konakamana, and the text indicates that this project was funded by a special tax levied on the merchant guilds of Pataliputra.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Queen's Edict records Karuvaki's donations without any reference to Vedic social stratification. Statement 2 is incorrect as Major Rock Edict II mentions medical facilities for humans and animals in border kingdoms, but it makes no mention of the Mauryan civil service hierarchy in this context. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Nigali Sagar inscription records Ashoka's visit and the enlargement of the Konakamana Buddha stupa, but it contains no information regarding the funding of the project through merchant guild taxes.
Consider the following statements regarding Edicts on animal welfare and regulation of slaughter:
1. Pillar Edict V specifies that the castration of bulls, he-goats, rams, and boars was prohibited on the Tishya and Punarvasu constellations and during the Chaturmasya period.
2. Major Rock Edict I mentions that the king intended to eventually discontinue the slaughter of animals for the royal kitchen entirely.
3. The inscriptions in Major Rock Edict I note that the royal kitchen formerly consumed hundreds of thousands of animals daily, a practice reduced to only two peacocks and one deer.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Pillar Edict V explicitly lists specific days, including Tishya and Punarvasu constellations and Chaturmasya, during which the castration and slaughter of various animals were prohibited. Major Rock Edict I records Ashoka's transition toward non-violence, noting that while the royal kitchen previously slaughtered hundreds of thousands of animals daily, he restricted this to only two peacocks and one deer, with the eventual goal of ending all such slaughter.