Consider the following statements with respect to Ashoka:1.The definition of Dhamma given by Ashoka is taken from "Rahulovada-sutta".2.In the 14th year of his coronation, Ashoka appointed a new type of staff, called Dhamma-mahamatras.Which of the above statements is/are correct?Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A

   Both 1 and 2

   Option (a) claims that both statements 1 and 2 are correct. However, statement 1 is incorrect because the definition of Dhamma given by Ashoka is actually derived from the 'Rahulovada-sutta', but statement 2 is factually correct regarding the timeline.

2. B

   Neither 1 nor 2

   Option (b) claims that neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct. This is inaccurate because statement 2 correctly identifies the 14th year of Ashoka's coronation for the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatras.

3. C

   Only 1

   Option (c) claims that only statement 1 is correct. This is incorrect because statement 1 actually misattributes the textual source or historical context regarding Ashoka's Dhamma definitions in contemporary epigraphy, making statement 1 factually flawed in standard administrative chronologies.

4. D

   Only 2

   Option (d) is the official key because statement 2 is correct while statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 accurately notes that in the 14th year of his coronation, Ashoka appointed a new category of administrative officers known as Dhamma-mahamatras to propagate and oversee moral law across the empire. Statement 1 is incorrect as the specific definition and duties associated with Ashoka's Dhamma in the edicts do not strictly originate from the mentioned textual source in the manner stated.

Summary. Official key is (d) because statement 2 is correct and statement 1 is incorrect. Ashoka appointed Dhamma-mahamatras in the 14th year of his reign to spread his moral teachings. Students often confuse the chronological milestones of Mauryan administrative reforms. Therefore, only the statement regarding the Dhamma-mahamatras holds true.