Question

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option :
Assertion (A) : Most Asokan inscriptions were in the Prakrit language.
Reason (R) : The use of Prakrit shows his attempt to spread the message amongst the common people.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Ashoka = People's King. Prakrit = People's language. The use of local dialects (like Aramaic in Afghanistan) further proves his commitment to effective communication.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Emperor Ashoka used inscriptions on rocks and pillars to communicate his policy of 'Dhamma' to his subjects.
• The choice of language in royal edicts is a deliberate administrative and political decision based on the target audience.

Step 1: Verifying the Assertion (A)
Archaeological evidence shows that the vast majority of Ashokan inscriptions found in the Indian heartland are written in Prakrit.
While inscriptions in the northwest used Greek and Aramaic to suit those populations, Prakrit was the standard for the rest of the empire.
Thus, Assertion (A) is true.

Step 2: Verifying the Reason (R)
During the Mauryan period, Sanskrit was primarily the language of scholars and the elite, while Prakrit was the vernacular language spoken by the general public.
By choosing Prakrit, Ashoka ensured that his message of peace, non-violence, and social harmony reached the widest possible audience.
Thus, Reason (R) is true.

Step 3: Establishing the logical connection
The reason Ashoka chose Prakrit (the action in A) was precisely because he wanted the common man to understand the edicts (the motivation in R).
Therefore, the reason directly explains the assertion.