UPSC CSE Pre 1998

Mauryan Pacifism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which Ashokan Rock Edict describes the victory and injuries of Kalinga war?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Kalinga War (261 BCE) was the pivotal moment that transformed Ashoka from a conqueror to a pacifist, a change documented in his own words.

Explanation Major Rock Edict XIII is the longest and most famous of the edicts. It describes the massive casualties of the Kalinga war and expresses Ashoka's profound grief, leading him to renounce war for 'Dharmavijaya' (Victory through Righteousness).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Edict XIII is the specific record of the Kalinga campaign.
Logic 2: It also mentions the Greek kings and Southern kingdoms where Ashoka sought to spread his message of peace.

Active Recall

Question

Which Greek rulers are named in Rock Edict XIII?

Answer

Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, and Alexander.

Core Insight

Edict XIII is unique in world history as a powerful, public self-indictment by a victorious monarch regarding the horrors of war.