WBCS.LIVE practice question

According to ‘Rajatarangini’ Ashoka’s favourite deity was?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Shiva
  2. Vishnu
  3. Vasudeva
  4. Buddha

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Shiva

Explanation: The correct answer is A. Shiva. According to the historical chronicle Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE, King Ashoka of Kashmir (not to be confused with the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka) was a devotee of Lord Shiva. The Rajatarangini provides an account of the kings of Kashmir and mentions this Ashoka as an early ruler of the region who constructed many Shiva temples. Hence, the correct answer is Shiva, referring specifically to the regional king of Kashmir, not the Mauryan emperor.