The following item consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below: [CDS 2016 (II)] **Statement I:** King Ashoka abolished capital punishment and disbanded his army. **Statement II:** After Kalinga War, Ashoka was remorseful and became a Buddhist. **Codes:**
A. Both the statements are individually true, and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I
B. Both the statements are individually true, but statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I
C. Statement I is true, but statement II is false
D. Statement I is false, but statement II is true.
Answer: Statement I is false, but statement II is true.
Option d is the correct answer.
Statement I is incorrect- While Ashoka did embrace Buddhism and promote non-violence, there is no historical evidence to suggest that he abolished capital punishment or disbanded his army. Ashoka maintained a well-organized army throughout his reign.
Statement II is correct- The Kalinga War, fought around 261 BCE, was a significant event in Ashoka's life. The war resulted in a tremendous loss of life and deeply affected Ashoka. He was remorseful about the devastation caused by the war and the suffering it inflicted on the people. It was after this war that Ashoka embraced Buddhism and dedicated himself to principles of non-violence, compassion, and moral governance.