Consider the following statements : 1. The inscriptions on the pillar at Rummindei give vivid details of Ashoka’s Dhamma 2. The Nigalisagar inscription records the fact of Ashoka having visited the Konagamana stupa Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Rummindei (Lumbini) pillar inscription primarily records Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and the subsequent fiscal concessions granted to the village, such as reducing the 'bhaga' to one-eighth and exempting it from 'bali'. It does not provide vivid details of Ashoka's Dhamma, which are typically found in the Major Rock Edicts. Statement 2 is correct as the Nigalisagar (Nigliva) pillar inscription explicitly records that Ashoka visited the site, enlarged the stupa of the previous Buddha Konagamana (Kanakamuni) for the second time in his 14th regnal year, and erected a stone pillar in his 20th regnal year. This confirms his pilgrimage and patronage to the stupa of a 'former Buddha'.

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 7. Stupas > p. 96