This question connects a specific historical artifact, the Bhabru Edict, with a Mauryan emperor known for his role in promoting Buddhism. Mauryan edicts are crucial primary sources for understanding this period.
Understanding the Question, Key Concepts, and Approach
The question asks to identify the Mauryan ruler linked to the Bhabru Edict and the propagation of Buddhism. The strategy involves identifying the emperor whose policies and inscriptions align with these two points.
Detailed Solution
Step 1: Analyze the Bhabru Edict. The Bhabru Edict, found at Bairat, Rajasthan, is a minor rock edict. It is particularly significant because in it, the emperor explicitly professes his faith in the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), and the Sangha (the monastic community).
Step 2: Connect the edict to the ruler. The Bhabru Edict is unequivocally attributed to Emperor Ashoka. His personal conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War led him to actively promote its teachings throughout his empire and beyond. His edicts were the primary means of communicating his policies, including his concept of Dhamma, which was heavily influenced by Buddhist principles.
Step 3: Eliminate other options.
Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the empire, is traditionally associated with embracing Jainism in his later life.
Bindusara, Ashoka's father, was known to patronize the Ajivika sect.
Dasharatha, Ashoka's grandson, is a less prominent figure and not associated with major Buddhist propagation efforts.
Step 4: Conclusion. Emperor Ashoka is the ruler directly associated with the Bhabru Edict and is historically renowned for his vigorous efforts to spread Buddhism.