Which one of the following statements about the new service of the dha...
Introduction:
The dhamma-mahamattas were a new service introduced by Ashoka during his reign. They were responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the dhamma, which was a set of moral and ethical rules that Ashoka wanted his subjects to follow. While most of the statements about the dhamma-mahamattas are correct, one of them is not accurate.
Explanation:
Let's analyze each statement to identify the one that is not correct:
a) They alone were responsible for the working of dhamma:
This statement is incorrect. While the dhamma-mahamattas played a crucial role in the implementation of the dhamma, they were not solely responsible for it. Ashoka encouraged all his subjects to follow the dhamma and promoted its teachings through various means. The dhamma-mahamattas were appointed to assist in this process, but they were not the only ones responsible for the working of dhamma.
b) During the reign of Ashoka, they were given wide powers and responsibilities:
This statement is true. Ashoka bestowed the dhamma-mahamattas with significant powers and responsibilities. They were given authority over various aspects of governance, including the administration of justice, the welfare of prisoners, and the inspection of the judiciary. This was done to ensure the proper enforcement of the dhamma and to promote fairness and justice in society.
c) They looked into the complaints of law-abiding people and ensured fair treatment to them:
This statement is correct. One of the primary roles of the dhamma-mahamattas was to address the grievances and complaints of law-abiding citizens. They acted as intermediaries between the people and the administration, ensuring that their concerns were heard and appropriate actions were taken. This helped in maintaining a sense of justice and fairness in society.
d) They also attended the welfare of prisoners and the inspection of the judiciary:
This statement is true. The dhamma-mahamattas were responsible for the welfare of prisoners, ensuring that they were treated fairly and humanely. They also inspected the functioning of the judiciary to ensure that justice was being served. This was part of Ashoka's efforts to promote compassion and kindness towards all individuals, including those who had committed crimes.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis above, it can be concluded that the correct answer is option 'A' - They alone were responsible for the working of dhamma. This statement is not correct as the implementation of the dhamma was a collective effort involving the dhamma-mahamattas, Ashoka, and his subjects.
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