Which one of the following statements is not true about Emperor Ashoka

Question

Question

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The epigraphs of Ashoka refers to southern peoples such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras and Keralaputras.
One of the Ashokan Inscriptions mention Antiochus theos of Syria, Ptolemy III Philadelphus of Egypt, Antigonus Gonatus of Macedonia, magas of Cyrene and Alexander of Epirus-all kings of the contemporary with whom exchanged missions.
The king meghavarna of Ceylon was contemporary of Ashoka.
Ashoka does not mention in his inscriptions the great event i.e, organization of third Buddhist council which was held at Pataliputra under the presidentship of Moggaliputtatissa.

Answer 1

The correct answer is The king Meghavarna of Ceylon was contemporary of Ashoka.

Key Points

The king Meghavarna of Ceylon was not a contemporary of Ashoka.
Meghavarna ruled Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the 4th century CE, several centuries after Emperor Ashoka.
Ashoka's period of rule was in the 3rd century BCE (268–232 BCE).
Ashoka’s efforts to spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka, where King Devanampiya Tissa, was his contemporary.

Important Points

Ashoka’s inscriptions and missions played a significant role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
The contemporary ruler of Sri Lanka during Ashoka’s reign was King Devanampiya Tissa, who embraced Buddhism under Ashoka’s influence.
Ashoka sent Mahinda, his son, and Sanghamitta, his daughter, to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.

Additional Information

The epigraphs of Ashoka: These inscriptions refer to southern peoples such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, and Keralaputras. They highlight Ashoka’s contact with southern kingdoms, even though they were outside his empire.
Ashokan Inscriptions and Hellenistic Kings: One of Ashoka’s inscriptions mentions his communication with Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus Theos of Syria, Ptolemy III Philadelphus of Egypt, Antigonus Gonatus of Macedonia, Magas of Cyrene, and Alexander of Epirus. This showcases Ashoka’s diplomatic outreach beyond India.
Third Buddhist Council: Ashoka does not explicitly mention the third Buddhist council in his inscriptions. This council was held at Pataliputra under the presidentship of Moggaliputtatissa, marking a significant event in Buddhist history.
King Devanampiya Tissa: He was the ruler of Sri Lanka during Ashoka’s reign and played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, unlike King Meghavarna, who came much later.