Question

When did the Mauryan ruler, Ashoka, begin to issue edicts?

A Right at the start
B From the twelfth year of his reign
C From the seventeenth year of his reign
D From the middle of his reign.

Answer & Explanation

Answer: [B]

The correct answer is from the twelfth year of his reign. These edicts were probably made at the beginning of the reign of Ashoka (reigned 268-232 BCE), from the year 12 of his reign, that is, from 256 BCE.