James Prinsep found that most of the earlier inscriptions and coins found in India mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi.
What is the meaning of the term Piyadassi?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option 2 - Pleasant to behold
The historical inscription (Source 10) does not directly mention the name of the ruler, Asoka. Instead, it refers to him using titles such as "devanampiya," meaning "beloved of the gods," and "piyadassi," translated as "pleasant to behold." The name Asoka is found in some other inscriptions along with these titles. Epigraphists, after analyzing all these inscriptions and noting their similarities in content, style, language, and palaeography, have concluded that they were issued by the same ruler.