NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns - Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

The correct Answer is A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

Explanation

This question pertains to the scripts and languages used in ancient Indian inscriptions, particularly those from the Mauryan period, which are crucial for understanding the administrative and cultural history of the time.

Statement-wise Analysis

1. A. Prakrit - 4. Language of ordinary people
   • Correct: Prakrit was the language of the common people in ancient India. Most of Ashoka's inscriptions were in Prakrit, written in Brahmi script in the eastern, central, and western parts of the subcontinent.
2. B. Aramaic - 3. Used in inscriptions in Afghanistan
   • Correct: Aramaic script and language were used in inscriptions found in Afghanistan, reflecting the region's cultural and linguistic diversity and its contact with West Asian cultures.
3. C. Brahmi - 1. Used in most Asokan inscriptions
   • Correct: Brahmi was the script predominantly used for Ashokan inscriptions across most of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the eastern, central, and southern regions.
4. D. Kharosthi - 2. Used in inscriptions in the northwest
   • Correct: Kharosthi script was primarily used for Ashokan inscriptions found in the northwestern parts of the subcontinent, such as Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra.

Key Takeaway

Ashokan inscriptions utilized various scripts and languages, including Prakrit (language of the common people), Brahmi (most common script), Kharosthi (northwest), and Aramaic (Afghanistan), reflecting regional linguistic diversity and administrative reach.