Concept:
"Dhamma" was a set of moral and ethical principles aimed at promoting social harmony, non-violence, and righteous conduct.
Step 1: Understanding Dhamma.
Dhamma emphasized values such as:
- Non-violence (Ahimsa)
- Respect for elders
- Religious tolerance
- Welfare of people
Step 2: Role of the emperor.
Emperor Ashoka propagated Dhamma through a series of inscriptions on rocks and pillars across his empire.
Step 3: Purpose of inscriptions.
- To communicate moral guidelines to the public
- To promote unity and ethical governance
Step 4: Eliminating other options.
- Chandragupta Maurya: Founder of Mauryan Empire
- Bindusara: Followed Ajivika sect
- Samudragupta: Gupta ruler
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, Ashoka popularized the concept of Dhamma through inscriptions.