The ancient site of Bairath (Viratnagar) in Rajasthan is associated with which Mauryan emperor?

Explanation

Bairath, or ancient Viratnagar, is linked to Ashoka because the site has Ashokan inscriptions, including the Bhabru or Bairath edict. ASI Jaipur Circle describes Bairat as well-known for two Asokan inscriptions and important ancient Buddhist relics, and notes Mauryan remains at Bijak-ki-Pahari. This supports the association with Ashoka rather than with the Mauryan dynasty in a general sense. Bairath is the only place in Rajasthan where Ashokan inscriptions have been found, making it a recurring Rajasthan-history marker for Mauryan presence and Ashoka's connection with Buddhism.

Why the other options are wrong

• (A) Brihadratha was the last Mauryan emperor, but the Bairath evidence is Ashokan, not Brihadratha-linked.
• (B) Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan dynasty, but the inscriptions at Bairath are identified with Ashoka.
• (D) Bindusara is not supported by the Bairath evidence, since no Bindusara inscriptions are given for the site.

Concept

This tests Rajasthan's early historical sites under the Mauryas, especially how inscriptions anchor political and religious history. It recurs in RAS because Bairath connects Rajasthan's local archaeology with Ashoka and Buddhism.

Source

• Archaeological Survey of India, Jaipur Circle

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