In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
Explanation
Kanganahalli, located near Sannati in Karnataka, is an archaeological site known for its Buddhist stupas, sculptures, and inscription slabs. One particular relief sculpture depicts a royal figure with attendants, identified through the Brahmi inscription as 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka). This is the first and only known stone portrait of Emperor Ashoka with his name inscribed.
- Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh): Famous for its Great Stupa, built under Ashoka's patronage, but it does not contain an inscribed stone portrait of the king. - Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan): Contains Ashokan Rock Edicts written in the Kharosthi script. These edicts promote Dhamma (moral law) but do not include a stone portrait. - Sohgaura (Uttar Pradesh): Known for a copper-plate inscription (Mauryan period) regarding famine relief measures, not a relief sculpture of Ashoka.