UPSC CSE Prelims 1998
Major Rock Edict II explicitly mentions the independent southern kingdoms of the Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, and Keralaputras. These polities, located beyond the direct control of the Mauryan Empire, are traditionally identified with the Sangam Kingdoms, indicating Ashoka's awareness and diplomatic engagement with them.
Major Rock Edict XIII further corroborates this by referring to the Keralaputras and other southern polities, emphasizing Ashoka's efforts to promote Dhamma and welfare even in regions outside his direct dominion.
Major Rock Edicts I, X, XI, and XIV do not contain specific references to the Sangam Kingdoms (Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, Keralaputras) in the manner that Edicts II and XIII do. Therefore, combinations involving these edicts are incorrect in the context of identifying Ashoka's mentions of the Sangam Kingdoms.