Which one of the following present day territories was outside the limits of Ashoka's empire?

The correct answer is Brahmaputra valley, Assam . Key Points Emperor Ashoka's empire, at its peak, covered most of the Indian subcontinent but did not extend to the Brahmaputra valley in present-day Assam. His empire stretched from Afghanistan and Baluchistan in the northwest to Bengal in the east and from the Himalayas in the north to peninsular India in the south. The Brahmaputra valley remained outside Ashoka’s rule due to geographical barriers and limited administrative reach of the Mauryan Empire in the easternmost territories. Regions like Kashmir, North Bengal, and Baluchistan were included within the boundaries of Ashoka’s vast empire. The inscriptions and edicts of Ashoka, such as the Rock Edicts, do not provide evidence of his rule over the Brahmaputra valley. Additional Information Ashoka’s Edicts: Ashoka’s inscriptions were written in Brahmi, Kharosthi, and other scripts, and they provide valuable insights into his administration, values, and territorial extent. The Major Rock Edicts and Pillar Edicts are spread across modern-day India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Geographical Barriers: The rugged terrain and dense forests of northeastern India made the Brahmaputra valley difficult to access during ancient times. These factors limited the Mauryan Empire’s expansion into regions like Assam. Extent of the Mauryan Empire: The Mauryan Empire under Ashoka was one of the largest empires in ancient India, encompassing most of the Indian subcontinent. It included regions like Magadha, Gandhara, and Kalinga, but excluded the far eastern territories like Assam. Significance of Ashoka’s Rule: Ashoka is remembered for his promotion of Buddhism and his efforts to spread dharma (moral law) across his empire. His rule marked a significant turning point in Indian history, emphasizing welfare and non-violence.