Ashoka, the Mauryan ruler known for his rock and pillar edicts, belonged to which ancient Indian dynasty.

Introduction / Context:
Ashoka is one of the most famous rulers in Indian and world history, remembered for his vast empire, his remorse after the Kalinga war, and his efforts to propagate the principles of dhamma influenced by Buddhism. His rock and pillar edicts are key historical sources. This question tests a basic fact about his political identity, namely the dynasty to which he belonged. Recognising Ashoka as a Mauryan ruler is essential for understanding the chronology of ancient India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ruler named is Ashoka, known for rock edicts and pillar inscriptions. • The question asks for his dynasty. • Options list several early dynasties such as Pradyota, Haryanka, Maurya, Nanda, and one later dynasty, Gupta. • We assume the learner knows at least a rough timeline of major ancient Indian dynasties.

Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to recall that the Mauryan empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, followed by Bindusara and then Ashoka. Ashoka is therefore the third Mauryan emperor. The Haryanka and Nanda dynasties came before the Mauryas in Magadha, while the Gupta dynasty rose much later. The Pradyota dynasty is associated with other regions and earlier periods. By matching Ashoka with the Mauryan sequence, we easily identify the correct dynasty.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the succession of Mauryan rulers: Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, and then Ashoka. Step 2: Know that Ashoka ruled a large empire extending over most of the Indian subcontinent and left numerous edicts. Step 3: Observe that Maurya appears as one of the options. Step 4: Recognise that Haryanka and Nanda dynasties precede the Mauryas, and the Gupta dynasty comes centuries later. Step 5: Conclude that Ashoka is correctly placed in the Maurya dynasty.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard history book confirms that Ashoka belonged to the Maurya dynasty. The famous capital at Pataliputra, the spread of Buddhism during his reign, and his inscriptions across the subcontinent are always associated with Mauryan rule. Archaeological evidence, including the Ashokan pillars and edicts, is linked directly to this dynasty. No source identifies Ashoka as a Gupta, Nanda, or Haryanka king, which confirms that Maurya is the only accurate answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pradyota: This dynasty belonged to an earlier period and is not associated with Ashoka huge empire or his edicts. Haryanka: The Haryanka dynasty ruled Magadha before the Nandas and included Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, but not Ashoka. Nanda: The Nanda dynasty, especially Mahapadma Nanda and Dhanananda, ruled just before Chandragupta Maurya and were overthrown to make way for Mauryan rule. Gupta: The Gupta dynasty is much later and associated with rulers like Chandragupta I and Samudragupta in the classical age, not with Ashoka.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates confuse Ashoka with later Gupta rulers because both dynasties are important and are often studied together. Another mistake is to assume that any powerful Magadha king must be from the Nanda dynasty. To avoid this, students should memorise a clear chronological chain: Haryanka, Shishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, and then much later the Gupta dynasty. Within this list, Ashoka always belongs to the Maurya period.

Final Answer:
Ashoka, the emperor famous for his edicts and support to dhamma, was a ruler of the Maurya dynasty.