2022 · Q83
Consider the following statements about Ashoka's faith in Buddhism:
- 1Rummindei Pillar Inscription and Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription provide clear evidence of Ashoka's faith in Buddhism.
- 2Minor Rock Edict-I gives evidence of a sudden change in Ashoka's faith in Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
The Rummindei pillar (commemorating the Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini) and the Nigali Sagar pillar (the Konakamana stupa) record Ashoka’s personal devotion to Buddhism — statement 1 is true. Minor Rock Edict I describes his gradual deepening as a Buddhist upasaka over two-and-a-half years, not a ‘sudden change’ — statement 2 is false. Hence 1 only.