Which one of the following was not a part of the *dhamma* of King As

Which one of the following was not a part of the *dhamma* of King Ashoka ?

Honouring the king

Tolerance of religions other than one's own

Respecting Brahmanas

Promoting the welfare of his subjects

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2021

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The correct answer is A) Honouring the king.

Ashoka’s *dhamma* was a set of ethical and social principles aimed at promoting well-being, mutual respect, and religious tolerance among his subjects. While subjects were expected to obey the king’s laws, “honouring the king” was not a central tenet of the *dhamma* itself, which focused on righteous conduct towards family, neighbours, religious groups, and general societal welfare.

Key aspects of Ashoka’s *dhamma* included respect for elders, tolerance towards different religious sects (respecting Brahmanas, Shramanas, etc.), care for the elderly, kindness to slaves and servants, non-violence, and working for the welfare of subjects (promoting public works, medical facilities). These principles are well documented in his rock and pillar edicts. The focus was on virtuous behaviour and social harmony rather than a cult of the monarch.

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