Which of the following Mauryan inscriptions is NOT located in present-day India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Kandahar.
The Kandahar Mauryan inscriptions are not located in present-day India; instead, they are found in Kandahar, which is currently in Afghanistan. These inscriptions are significant historical artifacts from the Mauryan Empire, a major ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya and notable for its contributions to Indian culture and governance.
Historical Context: The Kandahar Mauryan inscriptions date back to the reign of Ashoka the Great, the third emperor of the Mauryan Dynasty (circa 268–232 BCE). Ashoka is renowned for his promotion of Buddhism and his efforts to spread its teachings across Asia.
Content and Purpose: These inscriptions are written in Greek and Aramaic, languages used in the regions of the Hellenistic world and the Near East. They convey Ashoka's edicts and his commitment to the principles of Dhamma (moral law) and the welfare of his subjects. The use of Greek and Aramaic indicates the extent of the Mauryan Empire’s influence and its interactions with various cultures.
Location and Discovery: The inscriptions are located in the city of Kandahar, which was part of the ancient region of Gandhara. Gandhara was an important center of trade and cultural exchange, situated in what is now Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. The Kandahar inscriptions were discovered in the early 20th century and are now preserved in the National Museum of Afghanistan.