Question

What significant discovery was made possible through the Ashokan inscriptions on the Allahabad Pillar?

• A. Identification of the original location of the Mauryan capital
• B. Confirmation of Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism at Kalinga
• C. Decipherment of the Brahmi script, leading to the rediscovery of Emperor Ashoka and his empire
• D. Revelation of the authorship of the Vedas

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Decipherment of the Brahmi script, leading to the rediscovery of Emperor Ashoka and his empire

The Ashokan inscriptions on the Allahabad Pillar played a crucial role in the decipherment of the Brahmi script by James Prinsep of the Asiatic Society. This breakthrough led to the rediscovery of Emperor Ashoka and a deeper understanding of the extent of his empire. Along with the six standard Ashokan edicts found on other pillars, the Allahabad Pillar also features the Schism Edict, which contains orders for Maha Matras (officials), and the Queen’s Edict, which records the charitable acts of Ashoka’s queen, Karuvaki.