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Question

Difficulty: MediumAncient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

With reference to the religious patronage and administrative reforms of Emperor Ashoka during the Mauryan Empire, which of the following statements is correct?

  1. A
    Ashoka appointed specialized administrative officers called Rajukas to promote Dhamma and oversee socio-religious welfare across the empire.
  2. The Third Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the patronage of Ashoka and presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.Answer
  3. C
    Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts were composed exclusively in the Brahmi script and Sanskrit language throughout all regions of his empire.
  4. D
    The administrative office of 'Sannidhata' was established by Ashoka primarily to serve as the chief ambassador for Buddhist missions abroad.

Answer

The Third Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the patronage of Ashoka and presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
The Third Buddhist Council was held during Emperor Ashoka's reign at Pataliputra, under the chairmanship of Moggaliputta Tissa. It focused on eliminating heresy and settling doctrinal differences within the Buddhist Sangha.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Ashoka's religious patronage initiatives and council patronage.
Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra (modern Patna) around 250 BCE, presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa, where the Abhidhamma Pitaka was compiled.
Verifying the historical details of the Third Buddhist Council matches standard Mauryan history facts.
2
Evaluate the roles of Mauryan administrative officers and epigraphic features.
Dhamma Mahamattas were appointed specifically for Dhamma propagation (not Rajukas, who handled rural justice/taxation). Epigraphs used multiple scripts (Kharosthi, Aramaic, Greek) depending on geography. Sannidhata was the chief treasurer.
Eliminating options with misattributed administrative titles or linguistic errors.

Key Concept

Mauryan Administration and Ashokan Patronage of Buddhism
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Topics

Ancient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

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