Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kings, Farmers and Towns

Question:

Ashokan Inscriptions were found on which of the following?

Options:

Rocks

Pillars

Wood

Both 1 and 2

Correct Answer:

Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Asoka was the first ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces – natural rocks as well as polished pillars. He used the inscriptions to proclaim what he understood to be dhamma. This included respect towards elders, generosity towards Brahmanas and those who renounced worldly life, treating slaves and servants kindly, and respect for religions and traditions other than one’s own.

Asokan inscriptions predominantly utilized the Prakrit language, while in the northwestern region of the subcontinent, Aramaic and Greek were commonly employed. The majority of Prakrit inscriptions were composed in the Brahmi script, but certain inscriptions in the northwest used the Kharosthi script instead. As for Afghanistan, inscriptions were scripted in both Aramaic and Greek.