Question

“Ashoka’s established a Welfare state and based on the idea of paternalsitic state.” Define the terms welfare state, paternalistic state and describe in detail the welfare measures taken by Ashoka.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Give the meaning of the terms welfare state and paternalistic state.
• List down the various welfare activities done by Ashoka.

Solution:
Welfare state is a state in which the government plays a prominent role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social-wellbeing of the people. Ashoka believed in the policy of the king being the father to his people and took several measures for his people. The welfare measures by Ashoka can be listed as follow:

• After Kalinga war, Ashoka dedicated himself to the welfare of his people. He appointed Dhamma mahamatras to spread his message across the empire and advice people to follow the dhamma.
• He built roads and planted shady trees on both sides of roads for travellers.
• He built several rest houses for the travellers.
• He got dug numerous wells to provide clean water to its citizens.
• He arranged for medical treatment for both human beings and animals.