Read the passage and answer the question:

When the king Devanampiya Piyadassi had been ruling for eight years, the (country of the) Kalingas (presentday coastal Orissa) was conquered by (him). One hundred and fifty thousand men were deported, a hundred thousand were killed, and many more died. After that, now that (the country of) the Kalingas has been taken, Devanampiya (is devoted) to an intense study of Dhamma, to the love of Dhamma, and to instructing (the people) in Dhamma. This is the repentance of Devanampiya on account of his conquest of the (country of the) Kalingas.

For this is considered very painful and deplorable by Devanampiya that, while one is conquering an unconquered (country) slaughter, death and deportation of people (take place) there …

Which statements about Asoka and his Dhamma are incorrect?

A) Asoka was the last ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces.
B) Asoka used the inscriptions to proclaim what he understood to be dhamma.
C) Asoka tried to hold his empire together by propagating dhamma, the principles of which were simple and virtually universally applicable.
D) Asoka appointed special officers known as the dhamma mahamatta to enforce harsh punishments for those who did not follow dhamma.

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

A and D

The correct answer is Option 2 - A and D

The incorrect statements are:

A) Asoka was the FIRST RULER, not the last ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces.

D). The dhamma mahamatta were appointed to spread the message of dhamma and promote moral and ethical principles, not to enforce harsh punishments.

Asoka and his Dhamma:

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. Asoka also tried to hold his empire together by propagating dhamma, the principles of which were simple and virtually universally applicable. This, according to him, would ensure the well-being of people in this world and the next. Special officers, known as the dhamma mahamatta, were appointed to spread the message of dhamma.