Who was the ruler associated with the use of "Jambudvīpa" to describe the subcontinent in the 3rd century BCE? (a) Ancient Greece (b) A Persian inscription (c) A Chinese manuscript (d) The Mahabharata
Answer (1)
The term 'Jambudvīpa' has been historically used to describe the Indian subcontinent. In the context of the 3rd century BCE, 'Jambudvīpa' is associated with the inscriptions related to the Emperor Ashoka, a ruler of the Maurya Dynasty. Emperor Ashoka, who ruled from around 268 to 232 BCE, was known for spreading Buddhism and making significant efforts towards the welfare of his people.
The use of 'Jambudvīpa' is specifically linked to his edicts, which were inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout his empire. These edicts were a way for Ashoka to communicate with his subjects and spread his policies of justice and non-violence.
Among the given options:
(a) Ancient Greece is not associated with the use of 'Jambudvīpa' as it pertains to a different cultural and geographic context.
(b) A Persian inscription is also not relevant to the use of 'Jambudvīpa' in this period.
(c) A Chinese manuscript is not directly connected to the term 'Jambudvīpa' as used in Ashoka’s time.
(d) The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic where the term 'Jambudvīpa' is used as well, but the specific historical context of the subcontinent during the rule of Ashoka suggests that the relevant option would be references connected to his inscriptions.
Therefore, the ruler associated with the use of 'Jambudvīpa' in the 3rd century BCE is related to Ashoka's inscriptions, which aligns closely with the context provided in option (d).
