Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Punctuation is an exception rather than a general rule in Ashokan Brahmi script. Reason (R): The idea of writing and word separately had developed and regularly followed. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Important scripts of ancient India:
• Brahmi → Most widespread script
• Kharosthi → Northwestern India Ashokan inscriptions are the earliest major examples of Brahmi script.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Brahmi script is one of the earliest writing systems used in ancient India. It became especially important during the Mauryan period under Emperor Ashoka. Ashokan inscriptions are valuable for understanding:
• language,
• script development,
• administration,
• and communication systems.

Step 1: Understanding Assertion (A). Assertion (A) states: \[ \text{Punctuation is an exception rather than a general rule in Ashokan Brahmi script.} \] This statement is correct. In Ashokan inscriptions:
• punctuation marks were rarely used,
• sentence separation was limited,
• and inscriptions were generally written continuously. Therefore, punctuation was not a regular feature.

Step 2: Understanding Reason (R). Reason (R) states: \[ \text{The idea of writing words separately had developed and regularly followed.} \] This statement is incorrect. In early Brahmi inscriptions:
• words were generally not separated clearly,
• continuous writing was common,
• and systematic spacing had not fully developed. Thus, the Reason is historically inaccurate.

Step 3: Evaluating Assertion and Reason together. Since:
• Assertion (A) is correct,
• but Reason (R) is incorrect, the correct option becomes: \[ \text{(A) is correct but (R) is not correct} \]

Step 4: Importance of Ashokan inscriptions. Ashokan inscriptions are historically important because they:
• provide information about Mauryan administration,
• spread Buddhist ethical principles,
• and preserve early Indian scripts and languages. They are among the earliest deciphered inscriptions of India.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Assertion (A) is correct while Reason (R) is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) is correct but (R) is not correct}} \]