Which of the following is considered the single most important source for reconstructing the history of Emperor Ashoka?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to ancient Indian history and asks about the primary source for studying Emperor Ashoka. While several types of sources provide information about his reign, one category is regarded as the most direct and authoritative, because it consists of texts ordered by Ashoka himself.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are concerned with the history of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty.
• Options mention Sri Lankan chronicles, Buddhist narrative works, Ashokan inscriptions and archaeological sources with Puranas.
• We must identify the single most important source category.
• We assume basic awareness of different types of historical sources used by historians.

Concept / Approach:
The inscriptions of Ashoka, engraved on rocks, pillars and cave walls across his empire, are considered the most important source for his history. These inscriptions include the famous edicts, in which Ashoka speaks directly about his policies, moral principles (Dhamma) and administrative measures. Because they are contemporaneous records issued by the ruler himself, they carry a special weight. Other sources, such as the Sri Lankan chronicles and later Buddhist works, provide valuable information but were composed later and often mix legend with history.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question asks for the single most important source, not all possible sources.Step 2: Recall that Ashoka's edicts are primary records issued under his own authority.Step 3: Recognise that chronicles like Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa are later Buddhist texts written in Sri Lanka.Step 4: Note that works such as Divyavadana and Ashokavadana are narrative and hagiographic, often mixing miracle stories with history.Step 5: Compare all these with the direct epigraphic evidence from the inscriptions and select them as the most crucial source.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard ancient India textbooks consistently state that the inscriptions of Ashoka, especially the Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts and Pillar Edicts, are the chief source for reconstructing his reign and policies. While they also discuss Sri Lankan chronicles and Buddhist legends, they present inscriptions as primary and uniquely authoritative. Exam guides often summarise this with a direct statement: “Most important source for Ashoka – his inscriptions”, confirming option c.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sri Lankan chronicles such as Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa: Useful but written centuries later, and from a Sri Lankan Buddhist perspective.Buddhist works like Divyavadana and Ashokavadana: Provide stories about Ashoka but are not as historically precise as his own inscriptions.Archaeological sources and the Puranas: These give background and some genealogies, but they are not as central for Ashoka specifically as the edicts engraved in his name.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think that religious chronicles must be the main sources, because they contain extensive narratives. Another mistake is to overlook the special status of inscriptions as direct evidence. To avoid such errors, remember the hierarchy clearly: for Ashoka, the inscriptions he commissioned are the single most important source, while chronicles and later texts are supplementary.

Final Answer:
The single most important source for the history of Ashoka is his own inscriptions.