The Asokan inscriptions were primarily written in Prakrit for several reasons:

Accessibility: Prakrit was a popular vernacular language during Asoka's time, making it accessible to a wider population. Using Prakrit ensured that a larger number of people could understand the inscriptions.

Dhamma (Dharma): Asoka's inscriptions primarily conveyed moral and ethical teachings related to his concept of Dhamma (Dharma). Writing in Prakrit allowed for a more straightforward and direct communication of these principles to the common people.

Dissemination: Asoka wanted his edicts to be widely disseminated and understood, promoting moral values and social ethics. Writing in Prakrit facilitated the communication of these principles to various regions and social groups within the Maurya Empire.

Local Languages: In addition to Prakrit, Asoka's inscriptions were also written in local scripts, which further enhanced their accessibility and understanding by the local populations.

Multi-Lingual Approach: Asoka's inscriptions used a multi-lingual approach, incorporating several scripts and languages to ensure that the messages reached as many people as possible.

So, the correct option is [2].