Q. Consider the following statements regarding the king Ashoka:
1.Buddhism for the first time went outside India during his reign.
2.Appointed Dharma Mahamattas to propagate dharma among various social groups including women.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Red Book
Red Book

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C
Notes:

Explanation: The Ashoka was a great proponent of Buddhism. According to tradition, and as mentioned in the Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa, he was converted to Buddhism by his nephew Nigrodha (who had become a monk at the tender age of 7).

  • According to the Divyavadana, Samudra (a merchant – turned-monk) converted him. Buddhism for the first time went outside India during his reign.
  • He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
  • Appointed Dharma Mahamattas to propagate dharma among various social groups including women (in the 14th year of his reign).

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT

Blog
Academy
Community