Which Buddhist text or chronicle contains a detailed account of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and his rule?

Introduction / Context:
Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty is one of the most famous rulers in Indian history, known for his embrace of Buddhism and his efforts to spread the Dhamma. While brief references to him appear in various inscriptions and Buddhist texts, one particular Buddhist chronicle gives a more continuous narrative of his life and religious role. This question asks you to identify which Buddhist text contains such an account of Ashoka.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is the Buddhist textual source for information on Emperor Ashoka.
• The options include the three Pitakas of the Pali Canon and the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamsa.
• You must determine which of these contains a detailed narrative about Ashoka reign and Buddhist activities.

Concept / Approach:
Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka together form the early canonical scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, and they focus mainly on monastic rules, discourses of the Buddha, and philosophical analysis. In contrast, Mahavamsa is a later historical chronicle from Sri Lanka that records the history of the island and its connection to Buddhism. Mahavamsa includes accounts of Ashoka role in supporting Buddhism and sending missionaries, including his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka. Therefore, the chronicle that contains a significant account of Ashoka is Mahavamsa.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate the Pitakas. Vinaya Pitaka deals mainly with rules for monks and nuns, Sutta Pitaka with discourses of the Buddha, and Abhidhamma Pitaka with systematic philosophical analysis. Step 2: Realise that these canonical texts were composed long before Ashoka and do not provide a continuous historical biography of him. Step 3: Consider Mahavamsa, a Sri Lankan chronicle that narrates the history of Sri Lanka alongside important Buddhist events and royal patronage. Step 4: Mahavamsa describes how Ashoka adopted Buddhism, convened councils, and sent missions to different regions, including Sri Lanka. Step 5: Therefore, identify Mahavamsa as the correct text that contains a detailed account of Ashoka.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard references on Ashoka mention rock edicts, pillar edicts, and Buddhist chronicles like Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa as major sources for reconstructing his life and policies. In particular, Mahavamsa is frequently cited for information about his role in establishing Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The three Pitakas are foundational doctrinal texts and are not primarily concerned with post Buddha imperial history, confirming that Mahavamsa is the relevant choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vinaya Pitaka: It focuses on monastic discipline and does not narrate the life story of Ashoka.

Sutta Pitaka: This collection records sermons and dialogues of the Buddha, not the deeds of later kings like Ashoka.
Abhidhamma Pitaka: It deals with detailed doctrinal analysis and philosophical categories, rather than historical chronicles of emperors.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the canonical Pitakas with later historical and doctrinal literature and assume that every major Buddhist figure must be found in the main canon. Others may not distinguish between early teachings and subsequent chronicles that document the spread of Buddhism. To avoid this, remember that Mahavamsa and similar vamsa texts serve as historical chronicles, while the Pitakas are primary doctrinal scriptures.

Final Answer:
The Buddhist text that contains a detailed account of Emperor Ashoka is the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamsa.