The correct answer is (a) Rock Edict-XIII.
The Kalinga War was a war fought between the Mauryan Empire and the Kingdom of Kalinga in 261 BCE. The war was a decisive victory for the Mauryans, but it was also a bloody and costly one. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who was responsible for the war, was deeply affected by the bloodshed and suffering that he witnessed, and he renounced violence and converted to Buddhism.
The Rock Edict-XIII is one of Ashoka’s edicts, which are inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout his empire. The edicts are a record of Ashoka’s thoughts and policies, and they provide valuable insights into his reign. In the Rock Edict-XIII, Ashoka describes the Kalinga War and his reaction to it. He writes:
“12 years after my coronation, a great battle was fought at Kalinga. One hundred and fifty thousand people were killed, and many more were wounded. After the war, I felt remorse. I realized that victory in battle is not a cause for joy. I saw the suffering of the people, and I felt great sorrow.
“I have now decided to renounce violence. I will no longer wage war. I will instead focus on promoting peace and compassion. I will build hospitals and schools. I will help the poor and the needy. I will do everything in my power to make the world a better place.”
The Rock Edict-XIII is a powerful and moving document. It provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a great leader who was deeply affected by the violence and suffering that he witnessed. It is a reminder of the importance of peace and compassion, and it is a call to action for all of us to work to make the world a better place.
The other options are incorrect because they do not provide information about the Kalinga War. The Rummindei Pillar Inscription is an inscription that was written by Ashoka to commemorate the construction of a stupa in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. The Accounts of Hiuen Tsang are a record of the travels of the Chinese Buddhist monk Hiuen Tsang to India in the 7th century CE. The Minor Rock Edict-I is one of Ashoka’s edicts, but it does not mention the Kalinga War.