Question

The Mauryan emperor Ashoka’s reign was characterized by _________.
a. honest proclamations and positive behaviour
b. incessant warfare and brutality towards citizens
c. oppressive and ascetic totalitarian government
d. construction of expansive monuments and buildings
e. Drastic rejection of Buddhist principles

Answer 1

Hint: Ashoka was the last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty in India, and one of the greatest kings, his patronage to Buddhism made the religion very popular, he renounced violence after the bloody war of Kalinga.

Complete answer: - The Mauryan emperor Ashoka’s reign was characterized by honest proclamations and positive behaviour.
 - According to accounts, Ashoka captured Kalinga, present-day Orissa, this was a bloody and violent military campaign which left more than 100000 people dead. The sufferings of the people from the defeated side moved Ashoka so much that he renounced all kinds of military and became a non-violent ruler.
 - He came in touch with the ideas of Buddhism, it influenced him a lot and he decided to preach the teachings of Buddhism to his subjects, he even appointed officers who would travel in the empire and propagate these ideas.
 - He adopted a policy of respect towards all religions and non-violence, harmony and brotherhood.
 - He also built several stupas and monasteries as a service to Buddhism, he even built pillars (the Ashokan pillar) and engraved teachings of Buddha on them. He even sent his own son and daughter to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
Thus, the correct option is (a).

Note: After Ashoka’s death, the Mauryan dynasty disintegrated and his works were discontinued. However, he has played a very important role in the propagation of Buddhism in the subcontinent. The Ashokan pillars are located at Sarnath, Vaishali, Patna, Sanchi and Allahabad.