In the context of Emperor Ashoka and his policy of Dhamma, which one of the following ideas was not mentioned as a principle of Dhamma?

Introduction / Context:
Ashoka is remembered in Indian history not only as a powerful Mauryan ruler but also as a king who tried to base his administration on ethical principles called Dhamma. His edicts list several moral duties expected from officials and subjects. This question tests knowledge of what actually formed part of Ashokan Dhamma and asks you to identify an idea that does not belong to that framework.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to Emperor Ashoka and his Dhamma policy.
- Options mention obedience to parents, charity, paternalism, faith in the Sangha, and non violence with compassion.
- Only one option should represent an idea that was not mentioned as part of Dhamma.

Concept / Approach:
Ashokan Dhamma focused on ethical conduct, social harmony, religious tolerance, kindness to all beings, and respect for elders and religious communities. It did not use modern political concepts like paternalism as doctrine. The approach is to recall key themes of Ashokan inscriptions and then see which option is conceptually out of place or clearly belongs to a modern vocabulary rather than ancient edicts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Ashokan Dhamma stressed respect for parents, teachers, and elders as a central moral duty.
Step 2: Remember that Dhamma also emphasised charity, welfare of all beings, and help to the poor, the aged, and living creatures.
Step 3: Note that faith in the Buddhist Sangha and respect for all sects were repeatedly mentioned in Ashoka related sources.
Step 4: Observe that the term paternalism is a modern political social science term which describes a state or authority acting as a father figure, often making decisions on behalf of others.
Step 5: Since paternalism as a labelled doctrine is not part of Ashokan inscriptions, option c stands out as the idea not mentioned in Dhamma.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by recalling that Ashokan edicts repeatedly use words linked to obedience, generosity, compassion, and respect for religious communities. None of them describe his policy using the abstract term paternalism, even if some historians may later interpret his style in that way. Therefore the historically grounded answer is the option that introduces a modern theoretical label.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a is wrong as the respect and obedience due to parents and elders is clearly mentioned as a core duty under Dhamma.
Option b is wrong because charity, generosity, and welfare measures toward all beings are repeatedly emphasised in the edicts.
Option d is wrong since Ashoka promotes faith in and respect for the Sangha and also tolerance toward all religious sects.
Option e is wrong because non violence and compassion toward humans and animals is one of the most famous features of Ashokan Dhamma.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to think that any noble sounding term can be assumed to be present in Dhamma. Another error is to confuse later scholarly descriptions of Ashoka as a paternal ruler with the actual vocabulary of the inscriptions. Exam questions usually want the idea that clearly does not match the edict language.

Final Answer:
The idea that was not mentioned in Ashokan Dhamma is highlighted as Concept of paternalism as a political doctrine.