Answer: Option A
Answer: (a)
Ashoka has called himself ‘Devanampiya’ and ‘Priyadarshi’ on his inscriptions. ‘Devanampiya’ means the beloved of the Gods and ‘Piyadasi means one whose appearance brings joy. These names are appropriate to Ashoka’s nature.
The title of Devanampiya and religious adherence of the Mauryan ruler to Buddhism was continued by Dasaratha. Dasaratha (252–224 BC) was Mauryan Emperor from 232 to 224 BC.
He was a grandson of Ashoka and had succeeded his father as the imperial ruler of India. Dasaratha is known to have dedicated three caves in the Nagarjuni Hills to the Ajivikas.
Three inscriptions at the cave refer to him as ‘Devanampiya Dasaratha’ and state that the caves were dedicated by him shortly after his accession.