Who succeeded Ashoka to the throne?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (a) Dasharatha

Explanation:

• Dasharatha Maurya, the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, succeeded him after his death around 232 BCE.

• Dasharatha was the son of Suyashas, and although not as powerful as Ashoka, he continued to rule a portion of the Mauryan Empire from Pataliputra.

• After Ashoka, the empire weakened due to fragmentation and weak successors.

Information Booster:

• Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and son of Bindusara.

• The Mauryan Empire declined rapidly after Ashoka's death.

• Dasharatha is mentioned in Puranas and inscriptions as his immediate successor.

• He ruled a limited part of the empire and faced internal divisions.

• Later Mauryan rulers like Samprati and Brihadratha followed.

• The Mauryan Empire ended around 185 BCE when Pushyamitra Shunga overthrew the last Mauryan king.

Additional Information:

• Bindusara – Father of Ashoka; ruled before him.

• Samprati – Grandson of Ashoka (son of Kunala); ruled later after Dasharatha in western parts.

• Chandragupta II – Belonged to the Gupta dynasty, not the Mauryan; ruled centuries later.