UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 30: History and Culture
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.”
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The quoted passage is from Ashoka's Rock Edict XII, which urges respect for all sects and warns that praising one's own sect while disparaging others injures one's own. It reflects his policy of dhamma and religious tolerance. Samudragupta, Harshavardhana and Krishnadeva Raya are not known for this inscription.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: Rock Edict XII of Ashoka.
- (b) Wrong: Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar inscription is a eulogy of his conquests.
- (c) Wrong: Harsha is not known for this inscription.
- (d) Wrong: Krishnadeva Raya was a Vijayanagara ruler of the 16th century.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.