A. Except in the Minor Rock Edicts of Maski and Gujarra, Ashoka is throughout referred to as Devanampiya and Piyadasi.
B. In the Rock Edict XIII, Ashoka expresses genuine remorse for the sufferings caused by the Kalinga War.
C. Ashokan inscription in Aramaic was discovered at Taxila and Jalalabad.
D. Ashoka was converted to Buddhism by a monk named Purugupta.
E. A bilingual inscription of Ashoka written in Greek and Aramaic have been discovered at Gavimath and Palhkigunda in the Kopbal Taluk in Mysore.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
This question asks to identify the correct statements regarding Emperor Ashoka.
Statement A: Ashoka's Names in Edicts
This statement is correct. While Ashoka is widely referred to as 'Devanampiya' (Beloved of the Gods) and 'Piyadasi' (He who looks upon others with affection) in most of his inscriptions, the Minor Rock Edicts found at Maski and Gujarra specifically mention his name as 'Ashoka'. These are significant exceptions.
Statement B: Kalinga War Remorse
This statement is correct. Ashoka's Rock Edict XIII is famous for detailing his profound remorse and regret over the immense suffering caused by the Kalinga War. This event is considered a turning point in his reign, leading him towards Buddhism.
Statement C: Aramaic Inscriptions
This statement is correct. Inscriptions of Ashoka in the Aramaic script, reflecting the influence of the Achaemenid Empire, have indeed been discovered in the northwestern parts of his empire. Key locations include Taxila (in present-day Pakistan) and areas in Afghanistan, such as near Jalalabad.
Statement D: Buddhist Conversion Monk
This statement is incorrect. Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism is traditionally attributed to the influence of the Buddhist monk **Upagupta** (sometimes referred to as Moggaliputta Tissa in certain traditions), not Purugupta.
Statement E: Bilingual Inscriptions Location
This statement is incorrect. While Ashoka did have inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic (found primarily in the northwest), the sites of Gavimath and Palhkigunda in the Kopbal Taluk (Karnataka) contain inscriptions in Prakrit, not Greek and Aramaic. These sites are important for other reasons, such as early evidence of Buddhism in the region.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, statements A, B, and C are correct. Therefore, the correct option is the one that includes A, B, and C.
Important Questions from Asoka’s Dhamma - Teaching
- Which of the following statements regarding Asoka's 'dhamma' policy are correct?
A. Asoka's inscriptions mention 'dhamma'
B. The theme of 'ahimsa' is not an important of aspect of Asoka's 'dhamma'
C. Good conduct and social responsibilities were part of 'dhamma'
D. An important aspect of Asoka's dhamma was the generation of mutual respect and
concord among people
E. Asoka proclaimed himself as the teacher of 'dhamma'
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
