Ashoka The Emperor Who Gave Up War

Step 1: Understanding the historical context.
Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BCE, is known to have issued coins depicting a variety of symbols and images. One of the coins issued during his reign showed him playing the veena, symbolizing his patronage of arts and culture.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Bimbisara: Bimbisara was a ruler of the Magadh Empire, but he did not issue coins depicting a veena.
(B) Ashoka: Correct. Ashoka is known to have issued coins depicting various symbols, including one where he is shown playing the veena.
(C) Kanishka: Kanishka was a Kushan emperor, but he did not issue coins with this specific imagery.
(D) Samudragupta: Samudragupta was an important Gupta emperor, but his coins did not depict him playing the veena.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) Ashoka, as he issued coins depicting him playing the veena.

Step 1: Understanding Ashoka's inscriptions.
Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor, is known for his inscriptions on pillars and rocks that conveyed his policies, religious beliefs, and his commitment to spreading Buddhism. These inscriptions were mainly written in Prakrit, the common language of the time, using the Brahmi script.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Sanskrit: This is incorrect. Although Sanskrit was a significant language in ancient India, Ashoka's inscriptions were primarily in Prakrit.
(B) Prakrit: Correct. Prakrit was the language used for Ashoka's inscriptions, making this the correct answer.
(C) Hindi: This is incorrect. Hindi did not exist as a formal language during Ashoka's time.
(D) Tamil: This is incorrect. While Tamil was spoken in southern India, Ashoka's inscriptions were mainly in Prakrit.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The inscriptions of Ashoka were written in Prakrit. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) Prakrit.

Step 1: Understanding the Kalinga War.
The Kalinga War was a significant conflict fought by Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, in 261 B.C. It was a bloody war in which Ashoka's forces defeated the state of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha). However, the immense loss of life and suffering during the war deeply affected Ashoka, leading him to adopt Buddhism and promote non-violence.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) 347 B.C.: This is incorrect. The Kalinga War took place much later than this.
(B) 261 B.C.: Correct. The Kalinga War occurred in 261 B.C., and it had a profound impact on Ashoka's rule.
(C) 205 B.C.: This is incorrect. The Kalinga War occurred earlier, in 261 B.C.
(D) 183 B.C.: This is incorrect. The Kalinga War occurred much earlier than this.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The Kalinga War took place in 261 B.C.. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) 261 B.C.

Step 1: Understanding the role of Dhamma Mahamatta.
During the reign of Ashoka (Mauryan Empire), special officers known as Dhamma Mahamattas were appointed. Their main responsibility was to propagate Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma (moral and ethical duties).
Step 2: Analyze each option.
- (A) Propagation of Dhamma: Correct. Their primary duty was spreading Ashoka’s Dhamma, promoting non-violence, tolerance, and welfare.
- (B) Revenue collection: This was the duty of other officers, not Dhamma Mahamattas.
- (C) Construction of temple: No such evidence is available.
- (D) None of these: Incorrect since option (A) is correct.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The function of Dhamma Mahamatta was specifically related to the propagation of Dhamma.