WBCS.LIVE practice question
Who among the following was the Greek king of Syria mentioned in Asokan edict?
Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.
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Correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: Antiochus II Theos
Explanation: The Greek king of Syria mentioned in Ashoka’s Edict is Antiochus II Theos. 📚 Other Information: ▪️ Ashoka referred to Antiochus II in his 13th Major Rock Edict. ▪️ Antiochus II ruled the Seleucid Empire (Syria) from 261–246 BCE. ▪️ The Edict mentions Ashoka’s mission of Dhamma spreading beyond India. ▪️ Other rulers mentioned include Ptolemy II (Egypt), Antigonus (Macedonia), and Magas (Cyrene). ▪️ These references prove Ashoka’s international reputation. ▪️ It shows early examples of India’s cultural diplomacy through Buddhism. ▪️ The Edict is written in Prakrit and found in Greek and Aramaic versions too. ▪️ Antiochus was one of five Hellenistic kings contemporary to Ashoka.