Question

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and select the correct option:
Assertion (A): Asoka's dhamma emphasized generosity, kindness and respect for religious traditions.
Reason (R): Asoka tried to hold his empire together with universally applicable principles.

• 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 appointed special officers called Dhamma Mahamattas specifically to travel throughout his empire and propagate the principles of Dhamma among his subjects.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Evaluating the Assertion (A):
Emperor Ashoka formulated the policy of Dhamma (Prakrit equivalent of Dharma). It was not a specific religious creed, but rather an ethical code of conduct. It laid great emphasis on moral values, including generosity towards Brahmas and ascetics, kindness towards slaves, servants, and animals, and mutual respect and tolerance for all religious traditions and sects. Thus, Assertion (A) is True.

Step 2: Evaluating the Reason (R):
Ashoka ruled over a vast, culturally heterogeneous empire with people of many different languages, backgrounds, and religious beliefs. To unify this highly diverse population and minimize social friction without the continuous use of military force, Ashoka introduced Dhamma. He believed that these simple, ethical, and universally applicable principles would bind the empire together. Thus, Reason (R) is True.

Step 3: Alyzing the Logical Link:
Why did Ashoka emphasize universal ethics like kindness, generosity, and mutual tolerance (Dhamma)? He did so precisely because his political and social goal was to unite his heterogeneous empire under a common, non-sectarian moral framework. Therefore, (R) provides the direct logical justification and explation for (A). Hence, the correct option is (A).