Correct option is A
The correct answer is: (a) Dasharatha Maurya
Explanation:
• Dasharatha Maurya was one of the grandsons of Emperor Ashoka.
• He succeeded Ashoka and ruled the Mauryan Empire for a short period.
• Dasharatha continued Ashoka’s policy of promoting Buddhism and donated caves to the Ajivikas.
Information Booster:
• Dasharatha ruled mainly in the Magadha region after Ashoka’s death.
• He issued several inscriptions similar to Ashoka’s in Nagarjuni Hill caves.
• Mauryan Empire weakened rapidly after Ashoka’s rule.
• Dasharatha was succeeded by Samprati, another Mauryan ruler.
Additional Knowledge:
• Brihadratha – Last Mauryan ruler; assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga.
• Bindusara – Father of Ashoka; not his grandson.
• Chandragupta II – Gupta ruler (Vikramaditya); not related to the Mauryan dynasty.