The name ‘Piyadassi’ is associated with whom among the following Mauryan kings?

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Step 1: Identify the epithet — “Piyadassi” (also spelled Piyadasi) is an honorific meaning “one who looks with affection/kindly regard.”

Step 2: Historical context — This epithet appears repeatedly in the Edicts (rock and pillar inscriptions) issued by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. The inscriptions refer to the king as “Devanampriya Piyadassi” ("Beloved of the Gods, Piyadassi").

Step 3: Match to options — Among the given names, option $3$ (Ashoka) is the ruler known by the title Piyadassi in his edicts. Other Mauryan kings are not recorded using this specific epithet.

FINAL_ANSWER: c

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