Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Ashoka
This inscription is from Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XII, which emphasizes religious tolerance and harmony among different sects. Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor (268-232 BCE), promoted dhamma (righteousness) and religious pluralism after his transformation following the Kalinga War. The edict specifically warns against sectarian intolerance and advocates respecting all religious traditions.
📝 Short Notes: Ashoka's Edicts
| Type of Edict | Key Features | Important Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Major Rock Edicts (14) | Carved on large rock surfaces; deal with dhamma, religious tolerance, welfare measures | Rock Edict XII (religious tolerance), XIII (remorse for Kalinga War) |
| Minor Rock Edicts | Shorter inscriptions; focus on Buddhist principles and personal faith | Declaration of faith in Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha |
| Pillar Edicts (7) | Inscribed on polished sandstone pillars; administrative and moral instructions | Pillar Edict VII (religious tolerance and welfare) |
| Minor Pillar Edicts | Specific instructions to Buddhist monks and administrators | Schism Edict, Queen's Edict |
- Languages: Primarily Prakrit (Brahmi script), Greek and Aramaic in northwest regions
- Main Themes: Dhamma (righteousness), non-violence, religious tolerance, animal welfare, social harmony
- Rock Edict XII specifically: Criticizes sectarian pride, promotes mutual respect among religions, emphasizes growth through restraint in speech about other sects
- Historical Significance: Earliest deciphered inscriptions in India; provide insights into Mauryan administration and Ashoka's ideology
- Geographical Spread: Found across Indian subcontinent from Afghanistan to Karnataka, indicating vast empire extent
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