Consider the following:

1. Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire.
2. Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
3. A is true, but R is false
4. A is false, but R is true

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Ashoka conquered Kalinga around 261 BCE. Kalinga had strategic importance, controlling key trade routes (both land and maritime). Its annexation strengthened Mauryan control over eastern and southern trade networks.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A