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U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2012

Mauryan Foreign Relations

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Turamaya, a contemporary of Ashoka was the ruler of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Ashoka's 13th Major Rock Edict mentions five Hellenistic kings to whom he sent missionaries to spread the message of Dhamma.

Explanation Turamaya has been identified as Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the king of Egypt (reigned 285–246 BCE).

Logical Breakup
Egypt (A): The Ptolemaic kingdom ruled by Turamaya.
Syria: Ruled by Antiochus II Theos (Amtiyoga).
Macedonia: Ruled by Antigonus Gonatas (Antekina).

Active Recall

Question

How did Ashoka spread Dhamma to Egypt?

Answer

He sent diplomatic and religious envoys (Duta) to the court of Turamaya (Ptolemy II) in Alexandria.

Core Insight

The mention of Turamaya provides a fixed chronological point that helps historians date Ashoka's reign and prove the international reach of Mauryan diplomacy.

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