SAMRAT ASHOK

 SET-00009

 Here are 20 questions and answers about Ashoka the Great:

1. Who was Ashoka the Great?

   - Ashoka the Great was an Indian emperor who ruled the Maurya Dynasty from around 268 to 232 BCE.

2. Where was Ashoka the Great's empire located?

   - Ashoka's empire included much of the Indian subcontinent.

3. What is Ashoka famous for?

   - Ashoka is famous for his role in spreading Buddhism and promoting non-violence and religious tolerance.

4. What is the significance of the Kalinga War in Ashoka's life?

   - The Kalinga War had a profound impact on Ashoka, leading to his transformation into a promoter of peace and Buddhism.

5. How did Ashoka learn about the suffering caused by war?

   - Ashoka witnessed the suffering and devastation of war firsthand during the Kalinga War.

6. What changes did Ashoka make in his rule after the Kalinga War?

   - Ashoka renounced violence, adopted Buddhism, and focused on promoting moral and ethical values.

7. What are the famous "Edicts of Ashoka"?

   - The Edicts of Ashoka are inscriptions on stone pillars and rocks that convey his teachings and commitment to social and moral principles.

8. How did Ashoka promote Buddhism?

   - Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to various regions to spread the teachings of Buddhism.

9. What is "Dhamma" in the context of Ashoka's reign?

   - "Dhamma" refers to the moral and ethical principles that Ashoka promoted, emphasizing compassion and non-violence.

10. Where are some of the major inscriptions of Ashoka found?

    - Major Ashokan inscriptions can be found in various parts of India, including Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, and several other places.

11. What is Ashoka's connection to the "Four Noble Truths" of Buddhism?

    - Ashoka was a proponent of Buddhism and promoted the core teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths.

12. What are some of Ashoka's contributions to the welfare of his subjects?

    - Ashoka introduced measures to improve public welfare, including healthcare and support for the disadvantaged.

13. How did Ashoka facilitate communication and trade within his empire?

    - Ashoka's rule led to the development of an extensive network of roads and rest houses for travelers and traders.

14. What are the Ashokan pillars, and why are they significant?

    - Ashokan pillars are stone columns with inscriptions that provide historical insights into Ashoka's rule and his commitment to dharma.

15. Did Ashoka's empire extend beyond the Indian subcontinent?

    - Ashoka's empire primarily covered the Indian subcontinent, but he maintained diplomatic relations with regions outside India.

16. What are the different forms of Ashoka's inscriptions?

    - Ashoka's inscriptions can be found on pillars, rocks, and cave walls, with multiple scripts and languages.

17. How did Ashoka's reign impact the spread of Buddhism in Asia?

    - Ashoka's support for Buddhism played a crucial role in its spread to other parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

18. What is the Ashoka Chakra, and where is it featured?

    - The Ashoka Chakra is a symbol of the Dharmachakra, and it appears on the Indian national flag.

19. What was the Mauryan Dynasty's capital during Ashoka's rule?

    - Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) was the capital of the Mauryan Dynasty during Ashoka's reign.

20. What is the legacy of Ashoka the Great in Indian history?

    - Ashoka's legacy is one of promoting non-violence, tolerance, and moral values, making him one of India's most revered historical figures.