Which one of the following statements about Ashoka's inscriptions is correct?

The correct answer is The Dhauli Major Rock Edict makes a mention of the Kalinga War.

Key Points

• The Dhauli Major Rock Edict in Odisha is one of the inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka that explicitly mentions the Kalinga War.
• In this inscription, Ashoka expresses his deep remorse for the bloodshed caused during his conquest of Kalinga, marking a turning point in his life.
• The inscription reflects Ashoka’s adoption of Dhamma (moral teachings) and his commitment to non-violence and ethical governance.
• Dhauli is one of the key sites where Ashoka inscribed his edicts, promoting the policy of peace and welfare for all living beings.
• These inscriptions were written in Prakrit language using Brahmi script.

Additional Information

• Ashoka’s Inscriptions:
  • Ashoka’s inscriptions are spread across the Indian subcontinent and consist of Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts, and Cave Inscriptions.
  • They are primarily written in Prakrit and Brahmi script, though some inscriptions in northwest India use Kharosthi and Aramaic scripts.
  • The inscriptions mainly focus on Ashoka’s policies of Dhamma, welfare measures, and his shift toward Buddhism.
• Kalinga War:
  • The Kalinga War took place around 261 BCE between the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka and the state of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha).
  • The war resulted in massive casualties, with over 100,000 killed and 150,000 displaced, as per Ashoka's records.
  • The devastation of the war deeply impacted Ashoka, leading to his embrace of Buddhism and non-violence.
• Dhauli as a Historical Site:
  • Dhauli is located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and is an important site for Ashoka’s inscriptions.
  • The site is also home to a Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) built by Japanese Buddhists in the 20th century.
• Scripts and Languages of Ashoka’s Edicts:
  • Brahmi script was the most commonly used script for Ashoka’s inscriptions in central and eastern India.
  • Kharosthi was used in inscriptions found in the northwest, while some edicts in Afghanistan were written in Greek and Aramaic.