Who among the following Hellenic Kings is not mentioned in the records of King Ashoka?
Antiochus of Syria
Ptolemy II of Egypt
Antigonus of Macedonia
Alexander of Bactria
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
1. Antiochus (Antiochus II Theos of Syria)
2. Ptolemy (Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt)
3. Antigonus (Antigonus Gonatas of Macedon)
4. Magas (Magas of Cyrene)
5. Alexander (usually identified as Alexander of Epirus or Corinth)
Comparing this list with the options, Antiochus of Syria, Ptolemy II of Egypt, and Antigonus of Macedonia are all mentioned. Alexander of Bactria, although ruling in a Hellenistic kingdom bordering the Mauryan Empire around that time (founded by Diodotus I who seceded from the Seleucid Empire), is *not* among the rulers specifically listed by Ashoka in this context.
– The edict indicates diplomatic and missionary contacts beyond the borders of the Mauryan Empire into the Hellenistic world.
– Alexander mentioned in the edicts is usually identified as Alexander of Epirus or Corinth, not the founder of the Bactrian kingdom.