UPSC Prelims 2020 Q30: Ancient History – Mauryan Empire
Which one of the following rulers advised his subjects through an inscription thus:
"Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own
sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely."
- (a) Ashoka
- (b) Samudragupta
- (c) Harshavardhana
- (d) Krishnadeva Raya
Answer: (a) Ashoka
Explanation
The inscription on praising one's own sect
The quoted words come from Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka.
In it he asks for respect among all sects and restraint in speech.
| Ruler | Main inscription or text | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Ashoka | Major Rock Edict XII | Tolerance among sects; honouring another sect helps one's own |
| Samudragupta | Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar) by Harishena | His conquests |
| Harshavardhana | Banskhera and Madhuban copper plates | Land grants and genealogy |
| Krishnadeva Raya | Hampi inscriptions; wrote Amuktamalyada | Temple grants and statecraft |
Ashoka's edicts worth knowing:
| Edict | Content |
|---|---|
| Rock Edict VII | All sects may live everywhere |
| Rock Edict XII | Do not praise your own sect or blame others; seek the essence of every sect |
| Rock Edict XIII | The Kalinga war and his remorse |
Answer: (a) Ashoka.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The words are from Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka.
- (b) Incorrect. Samudragupta's Prayag Prashasti praises his military conquests.
- (c) Incorrect. Harshavardhana's copper plates record land grants, not this advice.
- (d) Incorrect. Krishnadeva Raya ruled in the 16th century; the edict is Mauryan.
Key point
Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XII: tolerance among sects. Rock Edict XIII: Kalinga. Samudragupta: Prayag Prashasti by Harishena. Harsha: Banskhera and Madhuban plates.
Remember
Rock Edict XII = respect all sects (Ashoka).
Common mistakes
- Picking Krishnadeva Raya because Vijayanagara is known for religious harmony.
- Not linking the word 'sect' to Ashoka's Dhamma edicts.
- Confusing Rock Edict XII (tolerance) with Rock Edict XIII (Kalinga).
Exam tip
A ruler speaking directly to his subjects in an inscription is almost always Ashoka. Others had poets praise them.
Sources
- Romila Thapar — Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas (translation of the Major Rock Edicts)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 2 (Kings, Farmers and Towns)