The central point in Ashoka's dharma was: & x20; - RRB Staff Nurse Delhi-2015

RRB Staff Nurse Delhi-2015

General Knowledge

Medium

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Delhi-2015

Explanation

The central tenet of Ashoka's Dhamma was peace and non-violence (Ahimsa).
This policy was a direct result of his remorse after the bloody Kalinga War, which led him to renounce warfare.
He replaced the policy of physical conquest (Bherighosha) with the policy of cultural and moral conquest (Dhammaghosha).
While other principles were part of his Dhamma, non-violence was the foundational idea from which others stemmed.

Option A: Loyalty to the king was a standard political expectation in ancient kingdoms, not the unique, central feature of Ashoka's new ethical policy of Dhamma.
Option C: Respect for elders was a specific social rule within the broader code of Dhamma. It was a component, not the overarching central theme.
Option D: Religious toleration was a crucial policy for managing a diverse empire and a key part of Dhamma, but it was a means to achieve the primary goal of social harmony and peace.

Visual 1: Map - A map of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka, highlighting the location of the Kalinga kingdom. This helps visualize the context of the war that prompted the change in policy.
Visual 2: Image - A photograph of one of Ashoka's rock edicts. This shows the primary source through which the principles of Dhamma were communicated to the public.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Core principles of Ashoka's Dhamma as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Historical Significance: Ashoka's policy of Dhamma is one of the earliest examples of a ruler prioritizing peace, non-violence, and public welfare as state policy.
Influence on Modern Thought: The principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) promoted by Ashoka had a profound influence on Indian culture and later inspired modern leaders like Mahatma Gandhi in their struggle for independence.
What if?: If Ashoka had not been moved by the Kalinga war, he might have continued his military expansion. The Mauryan empire might have become larger, but his legacy would be that of a conqueror like Alexander, not a philosopher-king remembered for his ethical governance.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'Ashoka's dharma'.
The keyword is 'central point'. This requires you to differentiate the main, overarching principle from its various components or supporting ideas.
Evaluate each option. All options (peace, respect for elders, religious toleration) were part of Ashoka's Dhamma.
Recall the historical context: Ashoka's transformation occurred after the Kalinga War. This event is key to understanding his primary motivation.
Connect the motivation (remorse over violence) to the options. The most direct outcome of this remorse was the adoption of 'peace and non-violence' as the core of his new policy.
Conclude that while other options were important, they were elements that supported the central goal of a peaceful and non-violent society.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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