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ICSE Class 9 History & Civics Question 11 of 12

The Mauryan Empire — Question 5

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Question 5

Study the picture given below and answer the following questions:

Study the Ashokan edict and answer the following questions. What is an edict? Where are these edicts inscribed? What is the significance of edicts as a source of information? Explain briefly the importance of Ashoka's edicts giving example from one of his edicts. The Mauryan Empire, Total History and Civics Solutions ICSE Class 9.

(a) What is depicted in the picture? Where are these found?

(b) What is their significance as a source of information?

(c) Explain briefly their importance in terms of Ashoka's rule, giving example from one of his edicts.

Answer

(a) Ashokan edict is depicted in the given picture.

These edicts are inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout the country and include 14 major rock edicts, 7 pillar edicts and a number of minor rock edicts.

(b) The significance of edicts as a source of information lies in the fact that they provide us useful insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about the history of Mauryans in general. They are most precisely dated records of Mauryan period.

(c) The inscriptions on these edicts provide us the most accurate records and information about the life, ideals and political scenario of Mauryan empire, Ashoka in particular. Taking Ashoka's Rock Edict-I as an example, reference to protection of animals is made in this edict. It tells us that in pursuance of his policy of non-violence, Ashoka prohibited killing of animals for sacrifices; advocated restraint in the number that had to be killed for consumption; protected some of animals, and in general condemned cruel act against animals.