Q. Which of the following statements with regard to the ancient ruler Samrat Samprati is/are correct?
1.He was a Mauryan emperor who succeeded to the throne as the grandson of Ashoka.
2.Historical accounts describe him as a staunch patron who actively worked to spread Buddhism across Southeast Asia.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Samrat Samprati (3rd century BCE) was a significant ruler of the later Mauryan period. He was the son of Kunal and the grandson of the great Emperor Ashoka.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: This is a critical religious identity trap. While his grandfather spread Buddhism, Samrat Samprati is celebrated in history and legend as the Jain Ashoka. He played a pivotal role in promoting Jainism and its core principle of ahimsa (non-violence) by building and repairing thousands of Jain temples throughout his empire.
