U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008

Mauryan Social Policy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following Ashokan inscriptions is devoted to the principle of religious tolerance completely?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ashoka's concept of Dhamma was not a sectarian religion but a code of social ethics that emphasized mutual respect among different faiths.

Explanation Major Rock Edict XII explicitly promotes the 'growth of the essentials of all sects'. It discourages the glorification of one's own sect at the expense of others and suggests that 'concourse is best' (samavaya eva sadhuh).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Edict XIII is about the Kalinga war and remorse. Edict XII is about the internal social harmony of his subjects.
Logic 2: Edict XII provides the most comprehensive Mauryan definition of secularism or religious pluralism.

Active Recall

Question

What is the phrase 'samavaya eva sadhuh' in Edict XII mean?

Answer

It means 'Concourse (coming together) is best', signifying that different sects should listen to each other's doctrines.

Core Insight

Edict XII proves that Ashoka’s Dhamma was a proactive administrative tool for managing a multi-religious empire.