UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies

Question 28: History and Culture

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

aBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Asoka's edicts, especially Rock Edict XII, ask for respect for all sects, concord and restraint in speech: harmony among the people mattered more than zeal for one's own faith. His dhamma was a moral code of tolerance, non-violence, obedience to elders and kindness to servants, not the promotion of one religion. Both statements are true, and R explains A, because his stress on ethical conduct and fairness for all is why social harmony outranked sectarian devotion.

A. The edicts put concord and respect for all sects above devotion to one's own.
R. His dhamma was a code of ethical conduct, not the promotion of a religion.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: his dhamma of equity and tolerance explains why harmony came first.
(b) R is the reason for A, not just a true remark.
(c) R is true, so this fails.
(d) A is true, so this fails.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.