Who among the following Mauryan rulers was the first, who tried to convey his messages to his subjects concerning the idea and practice of dhamma through inscriptions?

The correct answer is AshokaKey Points

• The Mauryan ruler who first tried to convey his messages to his subjects concerning the idea and practice of dhamma through inscriptions was Ashoka.
• Ashoka, after the Kalinga War, embraced Buddhism and used inscriptions,
  • known as the Edicts of Ashoka, to promote dhamma, which included ethical and moral teachings.
• The empire that Ashoka ruled was founded by his grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya, more than 2300 years ago.
• Chandragupta was supported by a wise man named Chanakya or Kautilya. Many of Chanakya’s ideas were written down in a book called the Arthashastra.
• He was the first ruler who tried to take his message to the people through inscriptions.
• Most of Ashoka’s inscriptions were in Prakrit and were written in the Brahmi script.
• Kalinga is the ancient name of coastal Orissa.
• Ashoka fought a war to conquer Kalinga. However, he was so horrified when he saw the violence and bloodshed that he decided not to fight any more wars.
• He is the only king in the history of the world who gave up conquest after winning a war.
• Ashoka’s dhamma did not involve the worship of a god or the performance of a sacrifice.
  • He felt that just as a father tries to teach his children, he had a duty to instruct his subjects.
  • He was also inspired by the teachings of the Buddha.
  • He appointed officials, known as the dhamma mahamatta who went from place to place teaching people about dhamma.
  • Ashoka got his messages inscribed on rocks and pillars, instructing his officials to read his message to those who could not read it themselves.
• Ashoka also sent messengers to spread ideas about dhamma to other lands, such as Syria, Egypt, Greece and Sri Lanka. 
• He built roads, dug wells, and built rest houses. Besides, he arranged for medical treatment for both human beings and animals.

Additional Information

•  Brihadratha
  • The last ruler of the Maurya Empire.
  • Assassinated by his general, Pushyamitra Shunga, marking the end of the Maurya dynasty.
• Dasharatha
  • A successor of Ashoka and his grandson, who ruled a smaller part of the Maurya Empire.
  • Known for issuing minor rock edicts in areas like Nagarjuni and Barabar caves.
• Chandragupta Maurya
  • The founder of the Maurya Empire, uniting most of the Indian subcontinent under one rule.
  • Mentored by Chanakya (Kautilya), who played a key role in his rise to power.