Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one territory of the following was not a part of Ashoka's empire?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
While Ashoka’s cultural and religious influence (Dhamma) was vast, his direct administrative borders had specific limits in the South.Explanation
Ashoka’s edicts (Major Rock Edict II and XIII) list Sri Lanka (Tamraparni) as a neighboring kingdom with which he had friendly relations, not as a part of his direct administration.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Afghanistan (A) was ceded by Seleucus to Chandragupta; Bihar (B) was the heartland; Kalinga (D) was conquered by Ashoka himself.
Logic 2: The extreme south of India and Sri Lanka remained sovereign 'Pratyantas' (neighboring states).