Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 266

Ashoka himself went from place to place to preach 'dhamma'.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the methods Ashoka used to spread his message.

Correct Answer: B) False

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, Bank PO

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Ashoka, the third emperor of the Mauryan Empire, is renowned for his efforts to spread the principles of Dhamma, a form of moral and ethical living that he promoted throughout his reign. Dhamma was not a religion but a set of ethical and moral principles that Ashoka believed would lead to a more harmonious and peaceful society.

One of the most significant aspects of Ashoka's rule was his method of spreading Dhamma. Contrary to the belief that he personally traveled to every place to preach, Ashoka used a more strategic and efficient approach. He employed inscriptions on pillars, rocks, and caves to disseminate his message. These inscriptions, known as Ashoka's edicts, were placed in strategic locations throughout his empire, ensuring that the principles of Dhamma reached a wide audience.

The edicts were written in various languages, including Prakrit, Brahmi, and Kharosthi, to cater to the diverse linguistic and cultural groups within the empire. This method of communication was highly effective, as it allowed Ashoka to reach people across vast distances without the need for personal travel. The edicts covered a wide range of topics, including moral and ethical principles, social welfare, and the importance of non-violence and tolerance.

It is important to understand that Ashoka's approach to spreading Dhamma was innovative and practical. By using inscriptions, he was able to ensure that his message was preserved and could be read by future generations. This method also allowed him to maintain a consistent message across his vast empire, which would have been difficult to achieve through personal travel alone.

Therefore, the statement that Ashoka himself went from place to place to preach Dhamma is false. Instead, he relied on the strategic placement of inscriptions and edicts to spread his message of Dhamma throughout the Mauryan Empire.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because Ashoka did not personally travel to every place to preach Dhamma. Instead, he used inscriptions on pillars, rocks, and caves to spread his message across his vast empire.
  • Option B: This option is correct because Ashoka primarily used inscriptions and edicts to spread Dhamma, rather than traveling personally to every location. His edicts were strategically placed to reach a wide audience.

Mnemonic: Remember: "Ashoka's pillars, not feet, spread Dhamma."

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