Ashoka's connection with Buddhism is evident from which one of the following edicts ?
- A.Major Rock Edict 13
- B.Rock Edict 6
- C.Minor Rock Edict 1
- D.Pillar Edict 4
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Minor Rock Edict 1. In it Ashoka says plainly that he has been a lay follower (upasaka) of the Buddha.
Minor Rock Edict 1 is found at places such as Maski, Brahmagiri, Rupnath, Sasaram and Gujarra. Ashoka states that for more than two and a half years he was an upasaka without much effort, and that after a year of closer contact with the Sangha he became truly zealous. The Maski and Gujarra copies are also the ones that name him as Ashoka, while most edicts call him Devanampiya Piyadasi. His link with Buddhism also appears in the Bhabru edict, which lists Buddhist texts for monks to study.
A is wrong: Major Rock Edict 13 describes the Kalinga war and his remorse and the conquest by dhamma, without declaring himself a Buddhist. B is wrong: Rock Edict 6 deals with his readiness to hear public business at any time. D is wrong: Pillar Edict 4 concerns the powers and duties of the rajukas, his officials.
Exam tip: Minor Rock Edict 1 shows Ashoka as an upasaka; Major Rock Edict 13 tells of Kalinga; the Maski edict names him Ashoka.
Practice Questions
View allWhich one of the following sources tells us about women protesting against the infidelity of their husbands or the neglect of the wife and children by the male head of the household?
- A.The Kitab-ul-Hind
- B.Documents belonging to the Village Panchayats of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra
- C.Sculptures from Mandor
- D.The Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazl
Show answer
These records preserve petitions that women sent to the panchayat seeking redress. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries village panchayats settled disputes and punished misconduct.
Read the full explanation →Who among the following was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army of independent India?
- A.S. M. Srinagesh
- B.K. M. Cariappa
- C.K. S. Thimayya
- D.K. S. Rajendrasinhji
Show answer
General K. M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 15 January 1949. He succeeded General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British chief, and the day he took charge is celebrated every year as Army Day on 15 January.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements with regard to the speech of Mahatma Gandhi at the opening of the Banaras Hindu University are correct? 1. He charged the Indian elite with a lack of concern for the labouring poor. 2. He asserted that our salvation can come only through the farmers. 3. He highlighted the plight of the untouchables. 4. He promised to take up the cause of the mill owners of Ahmedabad. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1, 2, 3 and 4
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.1, 2 and 3 only
- D.3 and 4 only
Show answer
At the opening of Banaras Hindu University in February 1916, Gandhi criticised the elite for ignoring the poor and said India's salvation lay with its farmers.
Read the full explanation →In the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda, which one of the following hymns reflects upon the marriage ceremonies?
- A.Surya Sukta
- B.Purusha Sukta
- C.Dana Stutis
- D.Urna Sutra
Show answer
The Surya Sukta (Rigveda X.85) describes the wedding of Surya, daughter of the Sun, and is the source of the Vedic marriage rites.
Read the full explanation →The Sanikatta Salt Works, known for Salt Satyagraha, is located in :
- A.Gujarat
- B.Tamil Nadu
- C.Kerala
- D.Karnataka
Show answer
Sanikatta lies near Gokarna in the Uttara Kannada district of coastal Karnataka. Sanikatta is one of the oldest traditional salt pans on the west coast, where sea water is let into the fields at the mouth of the Aghanashini river and dried by the sun.
Read the full explanation →