UPSC CSE Pre 1998

Mauryan Foreign Relations

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Asokan major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Ashoka's edicts serve as a historical bridge, mentioning neighboring kingdoms outside the Mauryan administrative control.

Explanation Major Rock Edict II mentions medical treatment for humans and animals provided to neighbors like the Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputas, and Keralaputas. Major Rock Edict XIII mentions the victory of Dhamma reaching these same Southern kingdoms and even Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Edict II establishes diplomatic and welfare links with the Sangam south.
Logic 2: Edict XIII places the Sangam kingdoms within the cultural (though not political) influence of Ashoka's Dhamma.

Active Recall

Question

How did Ashoka describe his relationship with the Sangam kingdoms?

Answer

He described them as 'neighboring' independent territories where he sought to spread social welfare and Dhamma.

Core Insight

These edicts provide the earliest reliable chronological anchor for the existence of the three crowned kings (Chera, Chola, Pandya) of the Tamil south.