The correct answer is D. Pillar edicts.
Ashoka’s pillar edicts are a series of inscriptions that were carved on stone pillars and rocks throughout the Mauryan Empire. They provide a valuable insight into Ashoka’s reign, his policies, and his thoughts on religion and morality.
The Kalinga War was a major conflict that took place in the 3rd century BCE between the Mauryan Empire and the Kingdom of Kalinga. The war was a bloody and destructive one, and it had a profound effect on Ashoka. After the war, Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. He became a devout Buddhist and dedicated his life to promoting peace and non-violence.
Ashoka’s pillar edicts are a valuable source of information about the Kalinga War and its aftermath. They provide insights into Ashoka’s thoughts and feelings about the war, and they show how the war transformed him from a warrior king into a Buddhist emperor.
Here is a brief description of each option:
- Archaeological excavations: Archaeological excavations are the process of uncovering and studying human remains and artifacts from the past. They can provide valuable information about the history of a particular place or people. However, archaeological excavations cannot provide information about Ashoka’s thoughts and feelings about the Kalinga War.
- Coins: Coins are small, flat pieces of metal that are used as money. They can provide valuable information about the history of a particular place or people. However, coins cannot provide information about Ashoka’s thoughts and feelings about the Kalinga War.
- Pillar edicts: Pillar edicts are a series of inscriptions that were carved on stone pillars and rocks throughout the Mauryan Empire. They provide a valuable insight into Ashoka’s reign, his policies, and his thoughts on religion and morality. The Kalinga War is mentioned in several of Ashoka’s pillar edicts.
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