NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 7: Ashoka, the emperor who gave up war

mcqeasy

The Ashokan term 'Dhamma' is the Prakrit equivalent of which Sanskrit concept?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ADharma
BDana
CDhyana
DKarma

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Dharma

Explanation

The term 'Dhamma', extensively used in Ashokan edicts, is the Prakrit linguistic equivalent of the Sanskrit concept 'Dharma'. Ashoka utilized Prakrit, the language of the common masses, rather than Sanskrit, the language of the elite, to propagate his ethical code effectively across his empire.

Karma is incorrect: The Sanskrit term 'Karma' (action or deed) corresponds to the Prakrit term 'Kamma'.
Dharma is correct: 'Dhamma' is the direct phonetic derivation in Prakrit of the Sanskrit word 'Dharma'. While the Sanskrit 'Dharma' often implies duty, cosmic law, or religious ordinance in Vedic contexts, Ashoka’s 'Dhamma' represented a universal moral code of conduct aimed at social harmony.
Dhyana is incorrect: The Sanskrit term 'Dhyana' (meditation) corresponds to the Prakrit term 'Jhana'.
Dana is incorrect: 'Dana' (charity) is a specific practice encouraged within the framework of Dhamma, but it is not the linguistic equivalent of the term itself.

Key Takeaway: Ashoka’s policy of 'Dhamma' was communicated in Prakrit (using the Brahmi script) to ensure accessibility, translating the complex Sanskrit idea of 'Dharma' into a practical ethical guide for his subjects.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Ashoka, the emperor who gave up war

Consider the following statements regarding the provincial centres of the Mauryan Empire: 1. Taxila was a gateway to the northwest, including Central Asia. 2. Ujjain lay on the route from north to south India. 3. Pataliputra was the only city where merchants and officials resided. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Mauryan administration system: 1. Officials were appointed to collect taxes from farmers, herders, and traders. 2. Spies were employed to keep a watch on the officials. 3. The Emperor supervised officials with the help of members of the royal family. 4. All officials worked voluntarily without any salaries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the forested regions within the Mauryan Empire: 1. People living in these areas were completely independent of Mauryan control. 2. They were expected to provide elephants and timber to Mauryan officials. 3. They paid regular taxes in the form of gold coins. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Who among the following served as the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya?

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The correct option is

Dharma

Explanation

Karma is incorrect: The Sanskrit term 'Karma' (action or deed) corresponds to the Prakrit term 'Kamma'.
Dharma is correct: 'Dhamma' is the direct phonetic derivation in Prakrit of the Sanskrit word 'Dharma'. While the Sanskrit 'Dharma' often implies duty, cosmic law, or religious ordinance in Vedic contexts, Ashoka’s 'Dhamma' represented a universal moral code of conduct aimed at social harmony.
Dhyana is incorrect: The Sanskrit term 'Dhyana' (meditation) corresponds to the Prakrit term 'Jhana'.
Dana is incorrect: 'Dana' (charity) is a specific practice encouraged within the framework of Dhamma, but it is not the linguistic equivalent of the term itself.