Which Buddhist text contains an account of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka?

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Vinaya Pitaka

Sutta Pitaka

Abhidhamma Pitaka

Mahavamsa

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UPSC CDS-1 – 2018

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The Mahavamsa is a Buddhist text that contains an account of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.

The Mahavamsa is an important historical chronicle written in Pali, originating from Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed account of the history of Buddhism and the dynasties of Sri Lanka. Crucially, it includes extensive information about Emperor Ashoka, his conversion to Buddhism, his efforts in spreading the faith, and his role in sending missionaries, including his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta, to Sri Lanka.

The Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka are parts of the Tripitaka, the core scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, focusing on monastic rules, discourses, and philosophical analysis, respectively. While they mention the historical context of Buddha’s time and early Buddhist community, they do not contain a detailed biographical account of Emperor Ashoka in the way the Mahavamsa does. The Mahavamsa, along with other chronicles like the Dipavamsa, is a key source for reconstructing the history of Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism.

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