Q. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

Explanation:

Ashoka the Great: Emperor of the Maurya Dynasty

Ashoka the Great was an emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost the entire Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. He is remembered for his conversion to Buddhism after witnessing the mass deaths of the Kalinga War, which he himself had waged out of a desire for conquest. Ashoka’s remorse after the Kalinga War led him to adopt Buddhism and spread its teachings. He is known for his efforts to propagate the Buddhist philosophy and moral values through inscriptions on pillars and rocks across his empire. These inscriptions are known as the Edicts of Ashoka.

Ashoka’s Policy of Religious Tolerance

The inscription mentioned in the question reflects Ashoka’s policy of religious tolerance and his desire to promote harmony among different religious sects within his empire. It underscores the importance of respecting all religions and not elevating one’s own religion at the expense of others. This approach was revolutionary at the time and contributed to a period of peace and prosperity in his realm.

Significance of Ashoka’s Edicts

Ashoka’s edicts are a significant source of historical information about his reign and philosophy. They reveal his concerns for governance, the welfare of his subjects, justice, and the spread of Buddhism. The message of non-violence, respect for all living beings, and tolerance of all religions are recurrent themes in these inscriptions.