Correct option is D
The correct answer is (d) Radhagupta
Explanation:
Radhagupta was the minister who is believed to have played a significant role in helping Ashoka ascend the Mauryan throne after the death of his father, Bindusara.
- After Bindusara's death, there was a succession struggle among his sons.
- Susima, Ashoka’s elder half-brother, was the natural heir.
- However, Ashoka with the support of Radhagupta, the minister of the Mauryan Empire, emerged victorious and eventually became emperor.
Information Booster:
Ashoka became the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty around 273 BCE, and his formal coronation took place in 269 BCE.
Ashoka the Great –
Key Highlights:
- Expansion of Empire:
- Under Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire reached its zenith, extending from Afghanistan to Bangladesh.
- Kalinga War (261 BCE):
- Known for his early military conquests, Ashoka’s most significant campaign was the Kalinga War.
- The war caused immense devastation, leading to his conversion to Buddhism and a shift toward peaceful governance.
- Ashoka's Edicts:
- His inscriptions (mainly found on pillars and rocks) document his efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and welfare for his subjects.
- Lion Capital of Ashoka:
- The National Emblem of India is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka, found at Sarnath.
- The emblem features the Ashoka Chakra (wheel) at the center of the National Flag, symbolizing Dharma and progress.