RAS question
Which of Ashoka's inscriptions mentions the Kalinga War?
Correct answer: (B) Rock Edict XIII.
Ashoka's Rock Edict XIII mentions the Kalinga War and records its heavy human cost.
Explanation
Rock Edict XIII is the inscription linked with the Kalinga War. The Government of Odisha page says Ashok invaded Kalinga in 261 BC and that his own description of the war appears in the thirteenth Rock Edict. That account records Kalinga being conquered after King Priyadarshan had been anointed for eight years, with 1,50,000 people captured, 1,00,000 slain and many more dying. This matches the standard explanation that Rock Edict XIII is the major edict for the horrors of the Kalinga War and Ashoka's remorse. The key identification is therefore not simply 'an Ashokan edict', but specifically Rock Edict XIII.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Rock Edict I is not the Kalinga War inscription; it deals with the prohibition of animal sacrifice.
- (C) Rock Edict VI does not describe the Kalinga War; it is associated with welfare measures.
- (D) Pillar Edict VII is not the war account; it summarises Ashoka's efforts for Dhamma.
Concept
This tests the Ancient India syllabus area on Mauryan inscriptions as historical sources. It recurs in RAS because Ashoka's edicts connect a named political event, Kalinga, with the later emphasis on Dhamma.