For what purpose were Ashoka's Dhamma Mahamatras appointed?

Correct answer: To promote and supervise Dhamma policy

Direct answer: Option D, to promote and supervise Ashoka's Dhamma policy. Ashoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatras as special officials after embracing a policy of Dhamma. Dhamma was not simply the worship rules of one narrow religious group. It emphasized ethical conduct, respect for parents and elders, humane treatment, tolerance among different religious communities, concern for servants and prisoners, and social welfare. These officials helped communicate the policy, encouraged proper conduct, and connected the moral message with administration and public life. Option D is correct because the title Dhamma Mahamatra refers directly to officials concerned with the promotion and supervision of Dhamma. Option A is wrong because reading the Indus script belongs to a different historical problem and was not their administrative duty. Option B is wrong because Gupta coins belong to a later dynasty, not Ashoka's Mauryan administration. Option C is wrong because temple dance was not the purpose of this office. Thus, the office shows that Ashoka tried to spread ethical principles through government. Memory cue: Mahamatras were officials; Dhamma Mahamatras carried Dhamma into administration.