Asoka’s Dhamma MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Asoka’s Dhamma - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - (4) A, C, D and E Only

Key Points

• Asoka’s inscriptions mention dhamma.
  • Asoka's edicts and inscriptions are one of the primary sources of information about his dhamma policy.
  • The inscriptions explain his ideas about dhamma, which include moral and ethical guidelines for personal and social behavior.
• Good conduct and social responsibilities were part of dhamma.
  • Asoka emphasized the importance of good conduct, including respect for elders, generosity towards the needy, and kindness to all living beings.
  • He encouraged social responsibilities like helping the poor and sick, and maintaining harmony and peace in society.
• An important aspect of Asoka’s dhamma was the generation of mutual respect and concord.
  • Asoka promoted mutual respect among different communities and sects, advocating for tolerance and understanding.
  • He believed that by fostering concord, social harmony could be maintained and conflicts avoided.
• Asoka proclaimed himself as teacher of "dhamma".
  • Asoka saw himself as a moral guide and teacher, spreading the principles of dhamma to his subjects.
  • He took active steps to teach and propagate these principles through his edicts and by sending emissaries.

Additional Information

• The theme of ahimsa is an important aspect of Asoka’s dhamma.
  • Ahimsa, or non-violence, was a central concept in Asoka's dhamma. He promoted non-violence towards all living beings.
  • This included abstention from animal sacrifice, hunting, and violent behavior.
• Dhamma as a moral code
  • Dhamma was more a moral code than a religious doctrine. It was aimed at promoting ethical conduct and social welfare.
  • Asoka’s dhamma was meant to transcend religious boundaries and apply universally to all his subjects.

The correct answer is - Gurjara

Key Points

• Gurjara
  • The Gurjara inscription is notable for being one of the few inscriptions that explicitly mentions the personal name of Ashoka as "Ashoka".
  • This inscription is a significant historical artifact that provides insight into the reign and personal identity of Emperor Ashoka.
  • Emperor Ashoka, one of India's greatest rulers, is known for his propagation of Buddhism and his efforts towards spreading peace and non-violence after the Kalinga War.
  • The Gurjara inscription helps historians and scholars verify the personal details of Ashoka, adding to the authenticity of historical records.

Additional Information

• Pangudaria
  • Pangudaria is another site with inscriptions related to Ashoka, but it does not mention his personal name explicitly as "Ashoka".
• Sanchi
  • Sanchi is famous for its stupas and inscriptions, but it is more known for its association with Buddhist monuments and teachings rather than explicitly mentioning the personal name of Ashoka.
• Rupnath
  • Rupnath contains inscriptions that reflect Ashoka's edicts and his dedication to Buddhism, but it does not specifically mention his personal name "Ashoka".

The correct answer is: 'A, C, and D are true.'

Key Points

• Ashokan main pillar edicts have been found in Northern India.
  • This is true.
  • Ashokan pillars, primarily located in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, contain inscriptions about governance, morality, and Ashoka’s Dhamma.
  • Examples include pillars at Sarnath, Vaishali, and Allahabad, showcasing the geographical spread of the Mauryan Empire.
• There are six pillar edicts which have been found on seven pillars.
  • This is false.
  • The number of Ashokan pillars containing edicts varies, but the inscriptions are not consistently found on seven pillars.
  • The information about inscriptions is subject to scholarly interpretation.
• The shaft and the capital of the pillars are made of two separate stones.
  • This is true.
  • The shaft was carved from a single block of polished sandstone, while the capitals were carved separately and mounted on top of the shaft.
  • This two-piece construction demonstrates advanced engineering and artistic skill.
• All the capital figures are of animals.
  • This is true.
  • Animals such as lions, elephants, and bulls are prominent on Ashokan capitals and hold symbolic significance, reflecting qualities like strength, wisdom, and authority.
  • For example, the lion capital of Sarnath is a celebrated symbol of India’s heritage.

Additional Information

• Design and Significance of Ashokan Pillars:
  • The pillars symbolize Ashoka’s authority and his commitment to spreading Dhamma.
  • The highly polished sandstone construction and artistic capitals reflect the cultural and architectural achievements of the Mauryan Empire.
  • They served as a medium to communicate Ashoka’s policies to his subjects.
• Animal Symbolism on Capitals:
  • Lions represent courage and sovereignty.
  • Elephants symbolize wisdom and strength.
  • These capitals often rested on a lotus base, a symbol of purity and enlightenment.

The correct answer is - A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

Key Points

• Majjhantika
  • He was sent to Kashmir and Gandhara.
  • His mission was significant in spreading Buddhism in these regions.
• Maharakkhita
  • He was sent to the Yona country (regions of present-day Greece and Bactria).
  • Played a crucial role in disseminating Buddhist teachings to the Hellenistic world.
• Sona and Uttara
  • These two monks were sent to Suvarnabhumi, which is identified with the regions of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand.
  • They were instrumental in spreading Buddhism in these areas.
• Mahinda
  • He was sent to Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka).
  • His mission was one of the most successful, leading to the establishment of Buddhism as the dominant religion in Sri Lanka.

Additional Information

• Suvarnabhumi
  • This term refers to the "Land of Gold," and is often associated with regions in Southeast Asia.
  • It played a significant role in the early spread of Buddhism due to the missions of Sona and Uttara.
• Kashmir and Gandhara
  • These regions were culturally rich and important centers of Buddhist learning and art.
  • The missionary activities here helped in the proliferation of Buddhist culture and philosophy.
• Yona
  • The term "Yona" refers to the Greek territories influenced by Alexander the Great's conquests.
  • Buddhism was introduced to these regions, showcasing the religion's broad appeal and adaptability.
• Lanka
  • Present-day Sri Lanka, which became a significant center of Theravada Buddhism.
  • Mahinda's mission was particularly successful, leading to the long-lasting establishment of Buddhism on the island.

The correct answer is 1837 - James Prinsep.

Key Points

•  James Prinsep was the first to decipher Ashoka's edicts inscription in 1837.
• Only three languages were used in the Ashoka edicts - Prakrit, Aramaic and Greek.
• Most of the Ashoka inscriptions were in the Prakrit language.
• The Ashoka edicts in the Northwest of the subcontinent were in Greek and Aramaic.
• Most of the Prakrit inscriptions were in Brahmi script and some of those in the northwest were in Kharosthi script.
• There are fourteen Major Rock Edicts.
• The two Kalinga Edicts are found in the newly conquered territory.
• The major pillar Edicts were erected in important cities. There are minor Rock Edicts and minor pillar Edicts.
• These Edicts of Asoka deal with Asoka’s Dhamma and also instructions were given to his officials.
• The XIII Rock Edict gives details about his war with Kalinga.
• The Pillar Edict VII gives a summary of his efforts to promote the Dhamma within his kingdom.
• Thus the Asokan inscriptions remain valuable sources for the study of Asoka and the Mauryan Empire.

The correct answer is Rupnath.

Key Points

• Rupnath inscription is near Kaimur hills, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
• Maski inscription is in the Raichur district, Karnataka.
• Gavimath is in Koppal district, Karnataka.
• Brahmagiri inscription is in Chitradurga district, Karnataka.
• Minor Rock Edicts of Ashoka:
  • These rock inscriptions are from the earliest part of the Edicts of Ashoka.
  • They predate Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts.
  • These are the first edicts in the Indian language of Emperor Ashoka, written in the Brahmi script.
  •  The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, in Greek and in Aramaic, is the first known inscription of Ashoka.​

Important Points

• The Rock Edicts were the first tangible evidence of, how Buddhism spread. 
• These edicts were deciphered by the British archaeologist and historian James Prinsep.
• They were kept in public places and along trade routes so that the maximum number of people would read them.
• There are 33 inscriptions classified into the following categories:
  • Major rock edicts
  • Minor rock edicts
  • Separate rock edicts
  • Major pillar edicts 
  • Minor pillar edicts

Additional Information

• Ashoka
  • Son of Bindusara and a Mauryan ruler.
  • ​He was one of the greatest rulers known in the history of India.
  • He has his inscriptions were carved on pillars, as well as on rock surfaces to connect with people.
  • The Kalinga War in 261 B.C changed his heart and he started following Buddhism.
  • Dhamma is a set of edicts that formed a policy of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.

The correct answer is Bhabru.

• The Babu- Bairut rock edict contains about the conversion of Ashoka to Buddhism.
• It is located in the state of Rajasthan.
• There are 14 major rock edicts of King Ashoka and Babu-Bairut's rock edict is not part of it.

Key Points

• The 14 major rock-edicts of Ashoka and its contents:

Additional Information

• Ashoka was one of the greatest rulers known to history and on his instructions, inscriptions were carved on pillars, as well as on rock surfaces.
• The Kalinga War was a war fought between the Mauryan Empire (Ashoka) and the state of Kalinga in 261 B.C.
• Dhamma is a set of edicts that formed a policy of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.

The correct answer is Ashoka.

Key Points

• Ashoka was one of the greatest rulers known to history and on his instructions, inscriptions were carved on pillars, as well as on rock surfaces.
• The Kalinga War was a war fought between the Mauryan Empire (Ashoka) and the state of Kalinga in 261 B.C.
• Dhamma is a set of edicts that formed a policy of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Dharmashoka.

Key Points

•  Ashokan Pillar of Sarnath
  • It was carved out of a single block of polished sandstone.
  • It bears one of the edicts of Ashoka, which reads, “No one shall cause division in the order of monks.”
  • The pillar also records the visit of Ashoka to Sarnath. The year of his visit is said to be around mid 3rd century BC.
  • It consists of a canopy representing an inverted bell-shaped lotus flower.
  • His name appears as Dharmashoka in the inscription.
  • Currently, the pillar remains where it was originally sunk into the ground, but the capital is now on display at the Sarnath Museum.
  • The top of the column - the capital - has three parts.
    • First, a base of a lotus flower, the most ubiquitous symbol of Buddhism.
    • Second, a drum on which chakra and four animals are carved representing the four cardinal directions: a horse (west), an ox (east), an elephant (south), and a lion (north). 
    • Third, four lions stand atop the drum, each facing in the four cardinal directions. 

Ashoka-

• Ashoka was a Mauryan emperor.
• Bindusara was Ashoka's father. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty.
• Turamaya was a descendant of the Turanian kings and was a governor under the Ionian King Antiochus.
• He was the ruler during the period of Ashoka and had accepted the supremacy of Ionians.  
• These have been mentioned in the edicts of Ashoka who had sent his emissaries to preach Dhamma to the people across the country and other parts of the world.  
• Turamaya was identified with the contemporary ruler of Egypt.  
• In his thirteenth inscription, Ashoka mentions five Greek contemporary kings. Turamaya has been identified with the contemporary ruler of Egypt up to 247 BC.

About the Maurya Empire-

• Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire. 
• Located on the hills of Kaimur, the city of Pavapuri, also known as Paava, is located near Rajgir and Bodh Gaya.
• This holy city for the followers of Jainism.
• Along with being the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, Vaishali is a city built out of Muzaffarpur Bihar. 
• Kushinagar, a city known as the Parinirvana Sthal of Mahatma Buddha, is located in the eastern frontier of Uttar Pradesh, whose former name is Kasia Bazaar.
• Bindusara was the second emperor of the Mauryan Empire. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya. He reigned from 297-273 BCE
• Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Maurya dynasty. He reigned from 187-180 BCE. He was killed by Pushyamitra Shunga who then established the Shunga dynasty.

Ashoka was the third ruler of the Maurya Dynasty and the son of Bindusara.

• The edicts were first deciphered by renowned archaeologist James Princep in 1837.
• Asoka's edicts are the main source of information about the reign of Asoka. 
• These edicts and inscriptions contained instructions on religious matters especially Buddhism.
• Rules for the conduct of Bhikshuks are also found on some rock inscriptions.

Important Points

Ashoka edicts located in the Jaugada (Ganjam, Odisha):

• Jaugada is located near the cities of Berhampur and Purushottampur in the Ganjam district of Odisha. 
• It is an important archaeological and historical site.
• The rock edicts found in Jaugada are a series of 14 edicts.
• On the vertical faces of three different granite rock tablets, these inscriptions are engraved in Prakrit language in Brahmi script.

Additional Information                                      

• Edicts are based on the types of material used and also the content of the inscriptions. They are four types-
  • Major Rock edicts
  • Minor Rock Edicts
  • Major Pillar Edicts
  • Minor Pillar Edicts
• There are some important Edicts:
  • Minor Rock Edicts - Shown Personal History of Ashoka
  • Kalinga Rock Edicts - shows a new system of administration after the Kalling war and located in Dhauli or Tosali (Puri, Odisha), Jaugada (Ganjam, Odisha).
  • Barbu Bairat Rock Edicts - Ashoka's convention to Buddhism
  • 7 Pillar Edicts - Appendix to rock edicts
  • 4 Minor Edicts - Signs of Ashoka's Fanaticism to Dhamma
  • Tarai Edicts - Ashoka's respect for Buddhism
  • Cave Edics - Ashoka's Toleration

The correct answer is Maski.

Key Points

• The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of more than thirty inscriptions on the pillars, as well as boulders and cave walls, attributed to Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire who reigned from 268 BCE to 232 BCE.
• He used the expression Dhaṃma Lipi (Prakrit in the Brahmi script, Inscriptions of the Dharma) to describe his own Edicts.
• His identification of Devanampiya with Ashoka was confirmed by an inscription discovere by C. Beadon in 1915, a British gold-mining engineer, at Maski, a village in Raichur district of Karnataka state.
• The Minor Rock Edicts (in which Ashoka is sometimes named in person, as in Maski and Gujarra) as well as the Minor Pillar Edicts are very religious in their content they mention extensively the Sangha, Buddhism and Buddhist scriptures (as in the Bairat Edict), and the Buddha (and even previous Buddhas as in the Nigali Sagar inscription).

The great Emperor Ashoka, the third monarch of the Maurya dynasty converted to Buddhism after witnessing the horrific effects of war in Kalinga.

• He became a champion and patron of Buddhism and strove to spread Dhamma throughout his empire and beyond.
• He erected pillars and edicts all over the subcontinent and even in modern-day Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to spread the Buddha’s word.

Important Points Ashoka's Inscriptions:​

• The inscriptions were composed in the Prakrit language (in Magadhi, the dialect of Prakrit in Magadha) and written in Brahmi script throughout the greater part of the empire.
• But in the north-western part, they appear in Kharosthi script, and in Kandahar in Afghanistan, they were written in Aramaic, Greek script, and Greek language.

Thus, both statements 1 and 2 are true regarding Ashoka's inscriptions.

Additional Information

• In the earlier half of his reign, the edicts were inscribed on conveniently located rock surfaces and were distributed in the areas of public settlement, where people could easily read them and are referred to as major and minor rock edicts.
• In the later part of his reign, the inscriptions were on well polished monolithic pillars (from the sites of Chunar, near Varanasi), each edict surmounted with a finely sculpted animal capital involving great technological expertise in cutting and engraving and were mainly confined to the Ganges plain.

• Lines 19–20 of the Allahabad Pillar inscription reads -Whose magnanimity blended with valour was caused by (his) first capturing, and thereafter showing the favour of releasing, all the kings of Dakshiṇāpatha such as Mahēndra of Kōsala, Vyāghrarāja of Mahākāntāra, Maṇṭarāja of Kurāḷa, Mahēndragiri of Pishṭapura, Svāmidatta of Kōṭṭūra, Damana of Ēraṇḍapalla, Vishṇugōpa of Kāñchī, Nīlarāja of Avamukta, Hastivarman of Vēṅgī, Ugrasēna of Pālakka, Kubēra of Dēvarāshṭra, and Dhanañjaya of Kusthalapura.
• The account of Samudragupta’s Dakshinapatha campaign, where he defeated twelve rulers of different south Indian kingdoms.

1. Kosala: Modern Raipur and Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and western Odisha.
2. Mahakantara: Likely located south of Kosala, in western Odisha, especially in the Kalahandi district.
3. Kurala: Identified with the area immediately south of Mahakantara.
4. Pistapura: Identified with Pithapuram in the Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
5. Kottura: Likely located in south Odisha.
6. Erandapalli: Probably modern Erandapalla in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
7. Kanchi: Identified with Kanchipuram in the Chingleput district of Tamil Nadu. Vishnugopa, the ruler of Kanchi, was a Pallava king.
8. Avamukta: Nothing specific is known about this kingdom and its ruler Nilaraja.
9. Vengi: Identified with Vegi or Pedda-vegi, a village in the Ellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Hastivarman, the ruler of Vengi, was a Salankayana king.
10. Palaka: Likely located south of the river Krishna.
11. Devarashtra: Identified with the Yellamanchili region of the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
12. Kusthalapura: Identified with Kuttalur in north Arcot district of Tamil Nadu, though this identification is considered uncertain.
13. Modern Raipur and Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and western Odisha.
14. Mahakantara: Likely located south of Kosala, in western Odisha, especially in the Kalahandi district.
15. Kurala: Identified with the area immediately south of Mahakantara.
16. Pistapura: Identified with Pithapuram in the Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
17. Kottura: Likely located in south Odisha.
18. Erandapalli: Probably modern Erandapalla in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
19. Kanchi: Identified with Kanchipuram in the Chingleput district of Tamil Nadu. Vishnugopa, the ruler of Kanchi, was a Pallava king.
20. Avamukta: Nothing specific is known about this kingdom and its ruler Nilaraja.
21. Vengi: Identified with Vegi or Pedda-vegi, a village in the Ellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Hastivarman, the ruler of Vengi, was a Salankayana king.
22. Palaka: Likely located south of the river Krishna.
23. Devarashtra: Identified with the Yellamanchili region of the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
24. Kusthalapura: Identified with Kuttalur in north Arcot district of Tamil Nadu, though this identification is considered uncertain.

Kalinga War

• When Ashoka, the son of the Mauryan emperor Bindusara and the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, ascended the throne of Magadha in 273 B.C. treading in the footsteps of his forefathers he set out to expand his empire.
• In the 12th year of his reign, he sent a message to Kalinga (in the present-day state of Odisha) asking for its submission, but the Kalingaraj refused to submit to the Mauryan empire.
• The Kalinga war was fought on Dhauli hills on the banks of the Dhauli River.
• As a result, Ashoka leads a huge army against Kalinga. This took place in 261 B.C., the freedom-loving people of Kalinga offered stiff resistance to the Mauryan army.
• The whole of Kalinga turned into a battle arena. However, the limited forces of Kalinga were no match for the overwhelming Magadha army. Contrary to Ashoka's expectations, the people of Kalinga fought with such great valour that on a number of occasions they came very close to a victory. The soldiers of Kalinga perished in the battlefield fighting till their last breath for their independence. The victory ultimately rested with Ashoka.
• The war took a tremendous toll on life and property.
• The whole area of Kalinga was plundered and destroyed.
• Ashoka’s 13th Rock Edict describes the Kalinga war vividly.
• In about 263 BC Ashoka converted to Buddhism. Moggaliputta Tissa, a Buddhist monk, became his mentor.
• Under Ashoka reign, the Third Council of Buddhism organized in Pataliputra under the presidency of Moggaliputta Tissa.