Question

Which of the following is the single most important source of the history of Ashoka?
a. Sri Lankan chronicles Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa
b. Buddhist works Divyavadana and Ashokavadana
c. Inscriptions of Ashoka
d. Archaeological Sources and the Puranas

Answer 1

Hint: Ashoka was the third ruler of the Mauryan Empire, he ruled from 268 to 232BCE. His kingdom covered almost the entire Indian subcontinent. He propagated Buddhism throughout his empire and gave the message of peace and brotherhood.

Complete answer: The inscriptions of Ashoka are the most important source of his history. Ashoka’s inscriptions are mainly his iron pillars and rock edicts.
-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 C.

Note: On Ashoka’s inscriptions we mostly find messages of the Buddha, like nonviolence, brotherhood, religious tolerance. Ashoka had also started his own concept of Dhamma. The messages of dhamma have also been found on his inscriptions. Although a total of 15 rock edicts have been found, only four of them have Ashoka’s name, these are in Maski, Brahmagiri, Gujjara and Nettur.