Which of the following statements regarding Asoka's 'dhamma' policy are correct?

A. Asoka's inscriptions mention 'dhamma'
B. The theme of ‘ahimsa’ is not an important aspect of Asoka's 'dhamma'
C. Good conduct and social responsibilities were part of 'dhamma'
D. An important aspect of Asoka's dhamma was the generation of mutual respect and concord among people
E. Asoka proclaimed himself as the teacher of 'dhamma'

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Ashoka’s 'dhamma' was a moral code that emphasized ethical living, tolerance, and social welfare. Unlike religious doctrines, it was meant to unify his diverse empire through shared values and humanitarian principles.

Statement A is correct. Asoka’s numerous inscriptions, such as his edicts on rocks and pillars, explicitly mention the term ‘dhamma’ and serve as evidence of his public propagation of these moral teachings.
Statement B is incorrect. The claim that ahimsa (non-violence) was not an important part of Asoka’s dhamma is factually wrong. In reality, ahimsa was one of the most fundamental aspects of his dhamma. After the Kalinga War, he deeply regretted the violence and made non-violence a cornerstone of his policy.
Statement C is correct. Good behavior, duties towards parents, kindness to servants, and social responsibilities such as caring for the elderly and needy were all part of dhamma, as outlined in his edicts.
Statement D is correct. Promoting mutual respect, tolerance, and religious harmony was one of the central objectives of Ashoka’s dhamma. His efforts to bring about concord among different sects is well-recorded in several of his Rock Edicts.
Statement E is correct. Asoka referred to himself as a promoter and teacher of dhamma. He even appointed officers called Dhamma Mahamatras to spread these values across his empire.
Therefore, statements A, C, D, and E are correct. Only statement B is incorrect.

Information Booster:

Ashoka’s dhamma was not a religion, but a set of ethical guidelines for moral living and social harmony. Ahimsa or non-violence became a guiding principle after the Kalinga War (261 BCE). He initiated the appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras, officials to propagate dhamma and oversee public welfare. Ashoka promoted religious tolerance, urging respect among different sects and beliefs. His inscriptions were primarily written in Prakrit using Brahmi script, making them accessible to the common populace. Ashoka's dhamma emphasized compassion, truthfulness, self-restraint, and proper conduct toward family and society. He sent missionaries (like his son Mahinda) to foreign lands including Sri Lanka to spread the message of dhamma.

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