UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 10
Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: James Prinsep deciphered Brahmi inscriptions in the 1830s, enabling scholars to read Ashokan edicts and identify their authorship.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Bühler made later contributions to Indian epigraphy, not the original breakthrough.
B: Correct - Correct-Prinsep’s work unlocked the Brahmi script of major Ashokan edicts.
C: Incorrect - Max Müller studied Vedic texts and comparative philology rather than first decoding these edicts.
D: Incorrect - William Jones founded the Asiatic Society and advanced Indology; he did not decipher Ashokan edicts.