Question

Asoka invited Dhamma Mahamatras to __________-
A) enforce laws
B)conduct temple worship
C)spread dhamma
D)protect stupas

Answer 1

Hint: Asoka, considered to be one of the greatest rulers of India, adopted Buddhism after seeing the destruction caused by the Kalinga War. After this, he made multiple efforts to spread the influence of Buddhism. He commissioned the construction of several stupas as well as appointed officers for the propagation of Dhamma.

Complete Step by Step answer: Asoka, or Asoka the Great was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. He was one of the ablest rulers of the Maurya Dynasty and under his reign, the empire reached new heights covering almost all parts of the Indian subcontinent. However, after waging a destructive and bloody war against the Kalinga Kingdom, he is said to have given up violence and adopted Buddhism. This story is narrated in one of Asoka’s rock edicts and therefore its accuracy and reliability are highly debated among scholars. Regardless of the reason for his conversion, Asoka is credited with making large scale efforts for the propagation of Buddhism in India and abroad. He commissioned the construction of stupas across India containing relics of Buddha, he also commissioned the erection of several rock edicts and pillar edicts across the country to spread his message far and wide and he made active efforts to propagate dhamma. Dhamma according to Asoka was adopting non-violence, being generous to those in need, respecting people of other religions, being kind to servants and respectful to elders, being liberal to Brahmans etc. For the propagation of these ideals. Asoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatras.
OPTION A- Law enforcement was carried out by local provincial administration in the empire.
OPTION B - Temple worship was conducted by monks and priests living in the temples.
OPTION C - The task of spreading Dhamma was spearheaded by Dhamma Mahamatras
OPTION D - Stupas were sacred religious symbols and were not attacked by armies of any kingdoms.

Thus, The correct answer is Option C.

Note: Asoka was the third king of the Maurya Dynasty. He was the grandson of the founder of the Dynasty, Chandragupta Maurya. After the Kalinga War, he adopted Buddhism, and undertook upon himself the propagation of what he understood as Dhamma. The propagation of Dhamma was ensured by appointing the Dhamma Mahamatras, who travelled across India and to abroad to spread Buddhism and the concept of Dharma.