Ashokan inscriptions remain valuable sources for the study of Asoka and the Mauryan Empire. This is because
1. His wooden pillars heralded a new architectural era because most of the monuments before his period were made of stone.
2. Pillar edicts give a summary of his efforts to promote the Dhamma within his kingdom and outside.
3. They often deal with instructions given to his officials which is informative of Mauryan polity.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
Explanation:
Statement 1: The monuments before the period of Asoka were mostly made of wood and therefore perished.The use of stone started from the time of Asoka. Even of the numerous monuments of Asoka, only a few have remained.His palace and monasteries and most of his stupas have disappeared. The only remaining stupa is at Sanchi.
Statement 2: The state and spread of Dhamma gives crucial information about the social life at the time of Ashoka.
Statement 3: Ashoka often gave instructions to his Dhamma mahamahattas to spread Dhamma.These instructions, their style etc were recorded on the edicts.
Learning: Ashokan inscriptions (first deciphered by James Princep) are written in Pali language and in some places Prakrit was used.The Brahmi script was employed for writing. In the northwestern India Asokan inscriptions were found in Karoshti script.There are fourteen Major Rock Edicts. The two Kaling Edicts are found in the newly conquered territory. The major pillar Edicts were erected in important cities. There are minor Rock Edicts and
minor pillar Edicts.