Question

The Kalinga war was fought in

• A. 221 BC
• B. 265 BC
• C. 261 BC
• D. 316 BC

Hint:

For historical dates, direct factual recall is necessary. Focus on key battles and events associated with major historical figures like Ashoka.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Ashoka's Rock Edict XIII records that the Kalinga War took place in the eighth year after his coronation. His accession is dated to around 269-268 BC using cross-references with contemporary Hellenistic kings named in his inscriptions, which places the war at 261 BC.

1. 221 BC: Too late, this falls near the end of Ashoka's reign, decades after his edicts say the war happened.
2. 265 BC: Too early, this is barely past his coronation, before eight regnal years had passed.
3. 261 BC: Matches the eighth-year timeline given directly in Ashoka's own edicts.
4. 316 BC: Impossible, the Mauryan Empire itself had not yet been founded at this point.

The correct answer is 261 BC.