Which language, often inscribed in the Brahmi script, was prominently used in Ashoka's Edicts?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (A) Prakrit
Explanation:
→ Prakrit was selected as the primary language for Ashoka's royal inscriptions because it was the vernacular spoken language of ordinary citizens across his empire.
→ Using the local language ensured that his administrative decrees and principles of Dhamma were accessible to the public.
→ In the northern and central provinces, these Prakrit texts were engraved using the historic Brahmi script.
→ This administrative model represents an early state effort to establish direct civic communication with subjects.
Information Booster:
→ The decipherment of Ashoka's Brahmi inscriptions was achieved by British scholar James Prinsep in 1837.
→ In the northwestern border regions, Ashokan edicts used local scripts like Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic.
→ The edicts are physically categorized into Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, and Pillar Edicts scattered across modern India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
→ These public inscriptions focus heavily on social ethics, religious tolerance, animal welfare, and welfare state policies.