Understanding Ashokan Rock Edicts

The question asks us to evaluate the correctness of four statements related to specific Major Rock Edicts of Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka, a ruler of the Mauryan Empire, is famous for inscribing his principles of Dhamma and policies on rocks and pillars across his vast empire. These inscriptions are crucial primary sources for understanding his reign and his transformation after the Kalinga War.

Analyzing the Statements on Ashokan Edicts

Let's examine each statement based on historical understanding of Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts:

• Statement 1: Major Rock Edict XIll records Ashoka's remorse at the sufferings caused by his Kalinga campaign.

  Major Rock Edict XIII is arguably the most famous of the Major Rock Edicts. It vividly describes the horrors and suffering caused by the Kalinga War and expresses Ashoka's deep remorse and transformation towards Dhamma. Therefore, this statement is historically accurate.

• Statement 2: Major Rock Edict X records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini.

  Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is recorded in the Rummindei Pillar Edict, not Major Rock Edict X. Major Rock Edict X discusses the pursuit of glory and fame only through adhering to Dhamma and performing righteous deeds. Thus, this statement is incorrect.

• Statement 3: Major Rock Edict XII refers to Dhamma Mahamattas as a new category of officers instituted by Ashoka.

  The institution of Dhamma Mahamattas, officers appointed by Ashoka to spread and enforce Dhamma, is described in Major Rock Edict V. Major Rock Edict XII focuses on religious tolerance and respect for all sects. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

• Statement 4: Major Rock Edict XII speaks about showing tolerance towards all sects.

  Major Rock Edict XII is dedicated to the principle of religious tolerance (Pasanda). It emphasizes the importance of respecting other sects, praising one's own sect moderately, and restraint in speech. This statement is historically accurate.

Conclusion on Correct Statements

Based on the analysis, Statement 1 and Statement 4 are correct, while Statement 2 and Statement 3 are incorrect.

Identifying the Correct Option

The statements found to be correct are 1 and 4. We need to find the option that reflects this combination.

• Option 1: 1 and 4 only - This matches our findings.
• Option 2: 2 and 3 - Incorrect, as both 2 and 3 are incorrect.
• Option 3: 3 and 4 only - Incorrect, as 3 is incorrect.
• Option 4: 1, 3 and 4 - Incorrect, as 3 is incorrect.

Therefore, the correct option is the one stating that only statements 1 and 4 are correct.

Revision Table: Key Ashokan Major Rock Edicts

Additional Information on Ashoka's Edicts

Ashoka's edicts are classified into different categories:

• Major Rock Edicts: A set of 14 edicts found inscribed on large rocks or rock surfaces in various parts of Ashoka's empire. They cover a wide range of topics related to Dhamma, administration, and Ashoka's personal reflections.
• Minor Rock Edicts: Usually smaller inscriptions, sometimes personal in tone or related to specific events like Ashoka becoming a Buddhist.
• Pillar Edicts: Inscriptions on polished stone pillars erected by Ashoka, often dealing with further elaborations on Dhamma or administrative instructions. The Rummindei Pillar Edict, mentioning Ashoka's visit to Lumbini and reduction of taxes there, falls under this category.

The language used in the edicts is predominantly Prakrit, written in different scripts depending on the location, such as Brahmi in the central and eastern parts, Kharosthi in the northwest, and even Greek and Aramaic near the western frontiers.