Question

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and select the correct option:
Assertion (A): Asoka was the first ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects on stone surfaces and pillars.
Reason (R): Asoka ensured that the message of dhamma reached as many people as possible.

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

Hint:

Ashoka used stone surfaces strategically because it was the most enduring and public medium available to mass-broadcast his principles of *Dhamma* across trade networks.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question provides an assertion and a reason related to the historical figure Asoka, and asks us to determine their validity and relationship. Let us analyze both the assertion and the reason:

1. Assertion (A): Asoka was the first ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects on stone surfaces and pillars.
2. Reason (R): Asoka ensured that the message of dhamma reached as many people as possible.

To determine the correct relationship between them, consider the following:

1. Validation of Assertion (A): Historically, Asoka is indeed recognized as the first ruler to use stone surfaces and pillars for inscribing his messages. This method was a part of his efforts to communicate his policies and edicts across his vast empire. Hence, Assertion (A) is true.
2. Validation of Reason (R): The reason provided aligns with the historical context. Asoka was known for propagating the message of dhamma (a code of ethics based on Buddhist principles) to his subjects. By using inscriptions on rocks and pillars, he ensured that his messages were disseminated across diverse geographical regions, making them accessible to a wide audience. Therefore, Reason (R) is also true.

The logical connection between the assertion and the reason is evident:

• The method of inscribing messages on stone surfaces and pillars served as an effective medium to communicate Asoka's message of dhamma to his subjects in various regions.

Conclusion: Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). Thus, the correct option is: "Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A)."