Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilised during the crises in the country?
- ASohagaura Copper-plateCorrect
- BRummindei pillar-edict of Asoka
- CPrayaga-Prasasti
- DMehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Explanation
The Sohagaura Copper plate inscription, found in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, is considered the earliest known copper plate inscription in India. It is written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script and dates back to the Mauryan period.
The inscription mentions the establishment of two royal granaries and provides specific instructions on how the stored food grains should be distributed among the people during times of famine or drought. This makes it the earliest royal order focused on food security and disaster management in ancient India.
In contrast, the Rummindei pillar edict marks the birthplace of Buddha, the Prayaga Prasasti lists the conquests of Samudragupta, and the Mehrauli inscription describes the victories of King Chandra.
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