How did Asoka’s rule lead to a prosperous India?
A.
He conquered nearby Greek-controlled kingdoms and absorbed their wealth.
B.
He developed an effective tax system.
C.
He built excellent roads that promoted trade.
D.
He encouraged tolerance.
D. He encouraged tolerance.
Asoka’s rule led to a prosperous India through a combination of factors, including:
1. Development of an effective tax system (Option B): Asoka implemented a comprehensive taxation system that ensured efficient collection of revenue. This generated resources for the government and helped stimulate economic growth.
2. Building excellent roads that promoted trade (Option C): Asoka constructed a vast network of well-maintained roads throughout his empire. These roads facilitated trade and commerce, allowing goods and services to move more easily across regions.
3. Encouragement of tolerance (Option D): Asoka promoted religious tolerance and non-violence, creating a more harmonious and stable society. This helped to reduce conflicts within his empire, encouraging trade and cooperation among different religious and cultural communities.
While conquering nearby Greek-controlled kingdoms and absorbing their wealth did expand Asoka's empire and potentially increase wealth (Option A), it alone does not explain how his rule led to a prosperous India.
Therefore, options B, C, and D all played significant roles in promoting a prosperous India under Asoka's rule.
The answer to the question is option D: He encouraged tolerance. Asoka's rule led to a prosperous India largely because of his policies promoting religious and social tolerance.
Here's how you can arrive at this answer:
1. Start by considering each option provided in the question.
A. Asoka did conquer nearby Greek-controlled kingdoms, but this alone wouldn't necessarily lead to a prosperous India. Conquest alone doesn't guarantee prosperity unless the conquered areas were particularly wealthy and their resources effectively utilized, which isn't specific to Asoka's rule.
B. Developing an effective tax system is certainly important for economic stability and growth, but it doesn't directly explain how Asoka's rule led to prosperity in India.
C. Asoka did indeed build excellent roads that promoted trade. Good infrastructure can facilitate commerce, which contributes to economic growth. However, it doesn't fully account for the overall prosperity of India under Asoka's rule.
D. Asoka's encouragement of tolerance is well-documented and widely recognized as a key factor in promoting peace and social harmony during his reign. This tolerance towards various religious and social groups created an atmosphere conducive to trade, intellectual exchange, and stability, all of which contribute to prosperity.
2. Evaluate the impact of each option. While options A, B, and C may have contributed to certain aspects of prosperity, only option D encompasses the broader societal and cultural factors that fostered an overall prosperous climate in India.
Thus, the correct answer is D: He encouraged tolerance.