Mauryan Social Policy
Rock Edict XII: Ashoka's Religious Tolerance
Major Rock Edict XII is the specific Ashokan inscription that advocates for religious tolerance and respect among different sects.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part I
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2008
Evidence Source
Link ↗Which of the following Ashokan inscriptions is devoted to the principle of religious tolerance completely?
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Ashoka's concept of Dhamma was not a sectarian religion but a code of social ethics that emphasized mutual respect among different faiths.
Authentic Source Evidence
Major Rock Edict XII explicitly promotes the 'growth of the essentials of all sects'. It discourages the glorification of one's own sect at the expense of others and suggests that 'concourse is best' (samavaya eva sadhuh).
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What is the phrase 'samavaya eva sadhuh' in Edict XII mean?"
It means 'Concourse (coming together) is best', signifying that different sects should listen to each other's doctrines.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Edict XII proves that Ashoka’s Dhamma was a proactive administrative tool for managing a multi-religious empire."
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