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UPSC CSE Pre 2022

Mauryan Epigraphy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Consider the following pairs: **Site of Ashoka's major rock edicts** **Location in the State of** 1. Dhauli: Odisha 2. Erragudi: Andhra Pradesh 3. Jaugada: Madhya Pradesh 4. Kalsi: Karnataka How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ashoka's edicts were strategic inscriptions across his empire to propagate 'Dhamma' and administrative policies using local scripts and languages.

Explanation Dhauli and Jaugada are both located in Odisha. Erragudi is situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Kalsi is located in Uttarakhand, representing the northernmost set of major rock edicts.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pair 1 is correct (Dhauli, Odisha). Pair 2 is correct (Erragudi, Andhra Pradesh).
Logic 2: Pair 3 is incorrect as Jaugada is in Odisha, not Madhya Pradesh. Pair 4 is incorrect as Kalsi is in Uttarakhand, not Karnataka.
Logic 3: Therefore, exactly two pairs (1 and 2) are correctly matched.

Active Recall

Question

What was the primary purpose of placing edicts on major trade routes?

Answer

To ensure the message of Dhamma reached the maximum number of people, including travelers and traders.

Core Insight

The distribution of Ashokan edicts provides a clear map of the vast extent of the Mauryan administrative and cultural influence.

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