Consider the following statements:

1. Assertion (A): According to Asoka’s edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion.
2. Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

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, through his edicts, emphasised Dhamma as a code of ethical conduct aimed at promoting social harmony, tolerance, compassion, and mutual respect among different sects and communities. He discouraged sectarian conflict and stressed humane behaviour over ritualistic religious practices. Thus, the Assertion is true. The Reason is also true because Ashoka focused on principles such as fairness, non-violence, and welfare rather than promoting any one religion aggressively. This emphasis on equity and coexistence explains why social harmony was given greater importance.

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