[Solved] Language of Ashoka's Edicts | Why Prakrit? | Concept & Explanation

Language used in the inscriptions of Ashoka is:

[44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]

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Correct Option: B

The language primarily used in the inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka is Prakrit. This was the vernacular language of the time, chosen for its accessibility to the public.

A. Sanskrit

B. Prakrit

C. Pali

D. Hindi

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

Effective imperial communication in ancient times relied on using the 'lingua franca' or the language of the common people to disseminate administrative and moral codes.

Authentic Source Evidence

The majority of Ashoka's inscriptions are in the Prakrit language. While scripts varied (Brahmi, Kharosthi, Greek, Aramaic), the underlying language for the Indian heartland edicts remained Prakrit.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Prakrit refers to a group of vernacular Middle Indo-Aryan languages.

Logic 2: Sanskrit (Option A) was a scholarly and liturgical language, not yet used for official stone inscriptions at this scale.

Logic 3: Pali (Option C) was primarily used for Buddhist scriptures; though related, Ashoka's official administrative language was Prakrit.

Historical Logic Quest

"Why did Ashoka avoid using Sanskrit for his public edicts?"

He wanted his messages of Dhamma to be accessible to the general population, and Prakrit was the language spoken by the common masses.

The Topper's Edge

"The use of Prakrit marks the democratic spirit of the Mauryan state's communication, prioritizing mass literacy over elite scholarship."

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