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

Concept: Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Dysty revolutionized imperial communication by utilizing durable mediums like polished stone pillars and rock faces to dissemite administrative decrees and moral codes directly to his populace.

Step 1: Evaluating the validity of Assertion (A).
Historical and epigraphical records confirm that Ashoka was indeed the pioneer ruler in the Indian subcontinent to engrave imperial edicts and persol messages on tural rock surfaces, polished monolithic pillars, and cave walls. Prior to him, royal proclamations were typically written on perishable materials or communicated orally. Thus, Assertion (A) is true.

Step 2: Evaluating the validity of Reason (R).
Ashoka's core motivation behind choosing stone structures along major highways, trade routes, and sacred pilgrim centers was to ensure his ethical code, known as Dhamma, would be permanently visible and accessible to the vast masses. He even appointed dedicated officers called *Dhamma Mahamattas* to read these inscriptions aloud to those who were illiterate. Thus, Reason (R) is true.

Step 3: Checking the causal link between (A) and (R).
Why did Ashoka introduce stone inscriptions as a novel medium (Assertion)? He did so precisely because he wanted a permanent, widespread way to broadcast his principles of Dhamma across his sprawling empire (Reason). Therefore, Reason (R) provides the direct functiol explation for Assertion (A), making Option (A) the correct choice.