[Solved] Who was Turamaya? | Contemporary of Ashoka | Concept & Explanation

Turamaya, a contemporary of Ashoka was the ruler of-

[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Ashoka's 13th Major Rock Edict mentions five Hellenistic kings to whom he sent missionaries to spread the message of Dhamma.

Authentic Source Evidence

Turamaya has been identified as Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the king of Egypt (reigned 285–246 BCE).

Analytical Breakdown

Egypt (A): The Ptolemaic kingdom ruled by Turamaya.

Syria: Ruled by Antiochus II Theos (Amtiyoga).

Macedonia: Ruled by Antigonus Gonatas (Antekina).

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did Ashoka spread Dhamma to Egypt?"

He sent diplomatic and religious envoys (Duta) to the court of Turamaya (Ptolemy II) in Alexandria.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The mention of Turamaya provides a fixed chronological point that helps historians date Ashoka's reign and prove the international reach of Mauryan diplomacy."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Major Rock Edict XIII 3

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