Question

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option :
Assertion (A) : Most Asokan inscriptions were in the Prakrit language.
Reason (R) : The use of Prakrit shows his attempt to spread the message amongst the common people.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Ashoka persolized his edicts by language and region: Prakrit in India's mainland, Aramaic and Greek in the northwestern borderlands (like Afghanistan), matching the local spoken languages.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The given question provides an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R) related to the Ashokan inscriptions and seeks to determine if both are true and whether the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

1. Assertion (A): Most Ashokan inscriptions were in the Prakrit language.
   • This statement is true. A significant number of Ashokan inscriptions during the Mauryan Empire were indeed composed in Prakrit, which was the vernacular language used by the general population at the time.
2. Reason (R): The use of Prakrit shows his attempt to spread the message amongst the common people.
   • This statement is also true. Ashoka aimed to communicate his edicts and beliefs effectively to a broad audience. By using Prakrit, which was more widely understood compared to Sanskrit, he ensured that his messages reached the majority of the population, who were more familiar with this language.

Since both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and the Reason (R) appropriately explains the Assertion (A), the correct answer is:
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).

This highlights the strategic decision by Ashoka to use accessible language as a medium to promote Buddhism and ethical governance among his subjects.