Ashoka the Great, belonged to the:

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Maurya Dynasty
Explanation:
• Ashoka the Great was an emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, which was founded by his grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya.
• He was the third ruler of this dynasty and reigned over almost the entire Indian subcontinent from approximately 268 BCE to 232 BCE.
• Ashoka is famous for his conversion to Buddhism after the brutal Kalinga War, after which he dedicated his life to peace and the propagation of "dharma" (righteous conduct).
Information Booster:
• The Mauryan Empire was a geographically vast and powerful empire in ancient India that existed from around 322 to 185 BCE.
• Ashoka's edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks across his empire, are some of the earliest and most reliable written sources of ancient Indian history.
• The Lion Capital of Ashoka, from the pillar at Sarnath, is the official State Emblem of India.
Additional Knowledge:
Gupta Dynasty (Option a)
• The Gupta Dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta around the 3rd century CE, much later than the Mauryas.
• This period is often referred to as the "Golden Age of India" due to significant advancements in art, science, and literature.
Shunga Dynasty (Option b)
• The Shunga Dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Shunga after he assassinated the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha Maurya, around 185 BCE.
• This dynasty marked the transition from the Mauryan Empire and saw a resurgence of Brahmanical traditions.
Chola Dynasty (Option d)
• The Chola Dynasty was a prominent South Indian empire that existed for centuries, with its Imperial period beginning with Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century CE.
• The Cholas were known for their naval power, maritime trade, and magnificent temple architecture, such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.