The title 'Devanampiya Piyadassi' was used by which Mauryan ruler?

Correct Answer: Ashoka

Subject: history

Chandragupta Maurya
Bindusara
Ashoka
Dasaratha

Explanation: Ashoka used the title 'Devanampiya Piyadassi' (Beloved of Gods, Pleasing to Behold) in all his edicts. For a long time, historians did not know which ruler had written the edicts — Ashoka's name only appears in 3 minor rock edicts. The connection was established when a bilingual edict at Maski (Karnataka) named 'Devanampiya Piyadassi Ashoka'. The Bhabru (Bairat) edict shows Ashoka's devotion to Buddhism. James Prinsep was the first to read Ashokan edicts in 1837 using Brahmi script. Ashoka ruled ~268–232 BCE and converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War (~261 BCE).