Question

The Kalinga War conquered by Ashoka is described in?
A.Rock Edict I
B.Pillar Edict VII
C.Rock Edict V
D.Rock Edict XIII

Answer 1

Hint:
Ashoka inscriptions can be grouped into three as-

- Pillar edicts,Major rock edicts and Minor rock edicts.
- The Kalinga War that was conquered by Ashoka is clearly described in the major rock edict.
- All the kings that are mentioned in Ashoka's this major Rock Edict are popular Hellenistic rulers, contemporary of Ashoka.

Complete solution:
The great known Emperor Ashoka, who was also the third monarch of the Maurya dynasty had converted to Buddhism after witnessing the frightful effects of war happening in Kalinga. He became a champion and patron of Buddhism and strove hard to spread Dhamma within his empire and beyond. He also erected a large number of pillars and edicts all over the subcontinent as well as in modern-day Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan in order to spread the word of Buddha.

Inscriptions of Ashoka on different edicts are a significant aspect of the history of Ancient India. In total there are 14 major rock edicts. The Rock edict XIII throws light on the Kalinga War conquered by Ashoka. Major Rock edict 13 mentions the powerful victory over Kalinga. It states Ashoka’s Dhamma win over Greek Kings Antiochus of Syria (Amtiyoko), Ptolemy of Egypt (Turamaye), Magas of Cyrene (Maka), Antigonus of Macedon (Amtikini), Alexander of Epirus (Alikasudaro). Also highlights Pandyas, Cholas, etc.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Additional Information-
Rock edict is located in the dhauli hills, that are 10 kms close from Bhubaneswar. The edicts are engraved on a big peace of rock, written in the Pali. The rock edict is located close to the historical sight of the Kalinga war which is said to transform Samrat Ashok.

Note:
Languages that were used in Ashoka Inscription :-

A)Towards the eastern part of the empire, the Magadhi language in Brahmi script is used. (Magadhi is the dialect of Prakrit that's found in Magadha).
B)The Western parts of the Maurya Empire used Ashokan, while few were written in Greek and Aramaic.
C)Major Rock Edict XIII has an extract in Greek and Aramaic as well.