Mauryan Political Philosophy
Who established Rajdharma on Compassion and Liberty?
Emperor Ashoka established a new model of Rajdharma based on tolerance, non-violence, and universal compassion.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
1993
Evidence Source
Link ↗Who established 'Rajdharma' on triplex bases of longanimity, liberty and compassion?
[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1993]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Post-Kalinga, Ashoka abandoned 'Bherighosha' (conquest by war) for 'Dhammaghosha' (conquest by righteousness/Dhamma).
Authentic Source Evidence
Ashoka’s edicts (e.g., Major Rock Edict XII) advocate for religious tolerance, compassion towards all living beings, and the 'paternal' duty of the king to care for his subjects' welfare.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"How did Ashoka describe his relationship with his subjects?"
He famously declared in his Separate Rock Edicts, 'Sabe Munissa Paja Mama' (All men are my children).
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Ashoka’s Rajdharma was a revolutionary shift from the Machiavellian realism of the Arthashastra to a welfare-oriented moral statecraft."
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