1997 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies

Question 81: History and Culture

Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Asoka?

aKalsi
bRummindei
cSpecial Kalinga Edict
dMaski

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Most of Asoka's edicts call him Devanampiya Piyadasi, 'beloved of the gods', and do not give his name. The Maski edict in Karnataka is one of the few that name him as Asoka, and it is the one the key selects. Gujarra in Madhya Pradesh also names him. The Kalsi, Rummindei and Special Kalinga edicts use only his titles.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The Kalsi edict gives only the royal title.
  • (b) The Rummindei pillar inscription uses the royal title.
  • (c) The Special Kalinga Edicts use the royal title.
  • (d) Right: the Maski edict names Asoka personally.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.