RAS question
Ashoka's Dhamma was primarily based on:
Correct answer: (B) Moral and ethical conduct for social harmony.
Ashoka's Dhamma was primarily a code of moral and ethical conduct meant to promote social harmony.
Explanation
Ashoka used his inscriptions to explain what he understood by Dhamma, and NCERT describes it in practical ethical terms rather than as a narrow ritual or monastic doctrine. Its principles included respect towards elders, generosity towards Brahmanas and those who had renounced worldly life, kind treatment of slaves and servants, and respect for religions and traditions other than one's own. The same moral frame included non-violence, tolerance, truthfulness, generosity, and compassion towards all beings. This is why the best answer is moral and ethical conduct for social harmony. Ashoka's Dhamma drew on multiple traditions, but it was framed as a broad public ethic for society, not as Jain asceticism, Vedic ritualism, or strict Buddhist monastic discipline.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Jain asceticism is too narrow because Ashoka's Dhamma is presented as a wider social ethic, not as a programme of renunciation or austerity.
- (C) Vedic rituals do not fit because the emphasis is on conduct such as respect, generosity, kindness, and tolerance, not on sacrificial or ritual performance.
- (D) Strict Buddhist monastic rules are not the basis because Dhamma was not identical to Buddhist teachings and drew from multiple traditions.
Concept
This tests the Mauryan state and Ashoka's policy of Dhamma, a standard Ancient India theme in RAS. It recurs because candidates often confuse Ashoka's public ethic with one specific religious doctrine.