Ans 1.                                                                                                                                                   (HISTORY OPTIONAL) 

The scholars believe that the Dhamma (the Sanskrit Dharma) which Ashoka tried to propagate was not simply the teachings of Buddhism, but it contained the noblest ideas of humanism which are the essence of all religions

It appears that diverse religious ideas and practices existed in the vast empire of the Mauryas.But the followers of such sects as Buddhism. Jainism and Ajivikism were held in contempt by the brahmanas, whose position they must have undermined.

The ideological conflict between the Vedic brahmanas and the followers of the newly-born protestant creeds may have been a potential source of social and religious tensions. Another element in these heterogeneous strands, co-existing during the Mauryan period was the presence of a large foreign population in the North-West.

His pillar and rock edicts enlighten us about Ashoka’s idea of Dhamma. The positive aspect Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma is that he laid stress on:

• Daya (compassion),
• Dana (charity),
• Suchita (purity),
• Sadhuta (saintliness),
• Samyama (self-control),
• Satyam (truthfulness), etc.

let’s observe how the guiding principle of Dhamma developed by probing the contents of some of the Rock Edicts:

Rock Edict I call for a ban on animal sacrifice and social gatherings like samaj.

Rock Edict II declares measures to be taken to built roads, inns, wells, hospitals, and planting of shade giving trees.

Rock Edict III,IV, AND XIIth ask people to respect parents, relatives, brahmanas and shramanas (monks).

It shows clearly that neither Dhamma was Buddhism nor Ashoka was trying to convert people to Buddhism. it is mentioned that Asoka disbanded his army and in following years he took control of the tribal areas and warned them of any kind of revolt. He also continued capital punishment and advised his successors to take recourse to violence in extreme situations.

Since in his long reign, he undertook only one military campaign, it may have adversely affected the preparedness of the army but it would be incorrect to say that  Ashoka’s dhamma was responsible for the downfall of Mauryan Empire.