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The Ashokan inscriptions mark the beginning of Indian epigraphy and are undoubtedly the most significant source of the Mauryan Period. In the context of these inscriptions and edicts, consider the following statements:
1. The Ashokan inscriptions were mainly written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
2. The Maski edict revealed that Ashoka's inscriptions were carved under the name of Ashoka.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The Ashokan inscriptions mark thebeginning of Indian epigraphy and are...
  • The most significant source of the Mauryan period is undoubtedly the inscriptions of Ashoka. Ashoka’s inscriptions mark the beginning of Indian epigraphy. What sets Ashoka’s edicts apart is that they are issued in the first person, thereby revealing the voice and ideas of the king himself.
  • The edicts are written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script, and occasionally in the Kharoshti script (in the northwestern parts of the subcontinent). There are a few inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic as well. A bilingual Greek-Aramaic inscription was found at Shar-iKuna near Kandahar in southeast Afghanistan and one in Taxila. Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • Ashoka himself had designated these edicts as Dhammalipi (Edicts of Piety). The Maski edict in the Prakrit language, carved in Brahmi script and dated 256 BC, remains a dharma shasana, an edict exhorting people to follow the tenets of Buddhism. The Maski edict clearly told the world that it was Ashoka who had got the inscriptions carved under the name ‘Devanampriya’. The inscription has a mention of ‘Devanampriya Asoka.’ Apart from associating the title ‘Devanampriya’ with Ashoka, the inscription suggests the spread of Mauryan rule up to the Krishna valley of north-eastern Karnataka. Hence statement 2 is correct.
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The Ashokan inscriptions mark thebeginning of Indian epigraphy and are...
Overview of Ashokan Inscriptions
The Ashokan inscriptions are a crucial aspect of Indian history and epigraphy, providing insight into the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka.
Statement 1: Language and Script
- The Ashokan inscriptions were primarily written in the Prakrit language.
- They utilized the Brahmi script, which was widely used during that period.
- This combination reflects the linguistic practices of the time, making the statement correct.
Statement 2: Identification of Ashoka
- The Maski edict is significant as it explicitly mentions Emperor Ashoka by name.
- This inscription confirms that Ashoka was the one responsible for these inscriptions, establishing his identity and authority.
- Hence, this statement is also correct.
Conclusion
Both statements accurately reflect the characteristics and significance of the Ashokan inscriptions:
- Statement 1 correctly identifies the language and script as Prakrit and Brahmi.
- Statement 2 correctly indicates that Ashoka’s name appears in the Maski edict.
Since both statements are true, the correct answer is option C: Both 1 and 2.
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The Ashokan inscriptions mark thebeginning of Indian epigraphy and areundoubtedly the most significant source ofthe Mauryan Period. In the context of theseinscriptions and edicts, consider thefollowing statements:1. The Ashokan inscriptions were mainlywritten in the Prakrit language andBrahmi script.2. The Maski edict revealed that Ashokasinscriptions were carved under the nameof Ashoka.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Ashokan inscriptions mark thebeginning of Indian epigraphy and areundoubtedly the most significant source ofthe Mauryan Period. In the context of theseinscriptions and edicts, consider thefollowing statements:1. The Ashokan inscriptions were mainlywritten in the Prakrit language andBrahmi script.2. The Maski edict revealed that Ashokasinscriptions were carved under the nameof Ashoka.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Ashokan inscriptions mark thebeginning of Indian epigraphy and areundoubtedly the most significant source ofthe Mauryan Period. In the context of theseinscriptions and edicts, consider thefollowing statements:1. The Ashokan inscriptions were mainlywritten in the Prakrit language andBrahmi script.2. The Maski edict revealed that Ashokasinscriptions were carved under the nameof Ashoka.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Ashokan inscriptions mark thebeginning of Indian epigraphy and areundoubtedly the most significant source ofthe Mauryan Period. In the context of theseinscriptions and edicts, consider thefollowing statements:1. The Ashokan inscriptions were mainlywritten in the Prakrit language andBrahmi script.2. The Maski edict revealed that Ashokasinscriptions were carved under the nameof Ashoka.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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