Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Statement I: King Ashoka abolished capital punishment and disbanded his army. Statement II: After Kalinga War, Ashoka was remorseful and became a Buddhist. Select the correct answer:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Distinguishing between Ashoka's moral transformation and the pragmatic realities of imperial governance.Explanation
Ashoka's edicts (Separate Kalinga Edict) show that while he preached Ahimsa, he warned the 'forest tribes' of his power, proving he kept his army. He also retained capital punishment but granted a three-day respite for prisoners to appeal or prepare for death.Logical Breakup
Statement I: False. Ashoka did not disband his army or completely abolish the death penalty; he only humanized the process.
Statement II: True. Rock Edict XIII explicitly describes his remorse and his turning towards 'Dhamma' (Buddhism) after the Kalinga slaughter.