Asokan Welfare State
Who built India's first hospitals? | Emperor Ashoka
The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka built India's first public hospitals and established state-maintained herbal gardens for medicinal plants.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2015
Evidence Source
Link ↗India's first hospital and herbal gardens were built by?
[U.P. Lower Sub. Mains 2015]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Ashoka’s transformation into a 'Dhamma' ruler included the provision of state-sponsored medical welfare for all living beings.
Authentic Source Evidence
In Major Rock Edict II, Ashoka records that he established medical treatment (Chikitsa) centers for both men and animals, and ordered the planting of medicinal herbs wherever they were missing.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What was unique about Ashoka's medical policy?"
It was 'universal', providing free medical facilities not only for human subjects but also for animals, reflecting his commitment to Ahimsa.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Ashoka's herbal gardens and hospitals were an early form of 'global health' initiatives, as he sent seeds and medical teams to neighboring kingdoms like Egypt and Greece."
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