[Solved] Scripts of Ashokan Inscriptions in Afghanistan | History

Ashokan inscriptions in Afghanistan are written in which one of the following scripts?

[CAPF 2022]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Emperor Ashoka used local scripts and languages to ensure his message of Dhamma reached all subjects of his diverse, multi-ethnic empire.

Authentic Source Evidence

While Brahmi was used in central India and Kharoshthi in the North-West, edicts found in modern-day Afghanistan (like the Kandahar Edict) were written in Greek and Aramaic. This reflects the Hellenistic influence remaining from Alexander’s conquests.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option D is correct as Greek and Aramaic were the lingua francas of the region that includes modern Afghanistan and Iran.

Logic 2: Brahmi and Kharoshthi were primarily used for Prakrit-speaking populations further east and south.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Ashoka use Greek for his inscriptions in Kandahar?"

To communicate directly with the local Greek-speaking population that had settled in the region after Alexander the Great.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The use of Greek and Aramaic illustrates the sophisticated administrative adaptation of the Mauryan state to its far-flung western frontiers."

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