The Ashokan Edicts are a series of inscriptions attributed to Emperor Ashoka (r. 268–232 BCE) of the Maurya Empire, one of India’s greatest rulers. These edicts, inscribed on rocks, pillars, and caves, are among the oldest deciphered written records in the Indian subcontinent. They provide valuable insights into Ashoka's governance, policies, religious beliefs, and vision of Dhamma (righteousness).
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1. Historical Background
- After the brutal Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE), Ashoka was deeply moved by the suffering caused by his conquests.
- He adopted Buddhism and committed himself to a policy of non-violence, moral governance, and the welfare of his people.
- The edicts were issued over different periods of his reign, serving as royal decrees to propagate Dhamma and administrative instructions.
2. Locations and Languages
- Ashokan edicts are spread across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- The inscriptions are in different languages and scripts:
- Prakrit (in Brahmi script) – Majority of the inscriptions in India.
- Greek and Aramaic – Found in present-day Afghanistan, reflecting Hellenistic influence.
- Kharosthi – Inscriptions in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
3. Classification of Edicts
The edicts are broadly classified into Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, and Pillar Edicts based on their form and significance.
A. Major Rock Edicts (14 in Number)
These inscriptions discuss Ashoka’s Dhamma policy, administrative measures, religious tolerance, and social welfare.
| Edict No. | Key Content |
|---|---|
| Edict 1 | Prohibition of animal sacrifice and limited royal hunting. |
| Edict 2 | Welfare measures like medical treatment for humans and animals, tree planting, and road construction. |
| Edict 3 | Instructions for officials (Rajukas) to promote Dhamma and moral behavior. |
| Edict 4 | Condemnation of past violent conquests and encouragement of righteousness. |
| Edict 5 | Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras (officers for religious affairs). |
| Edict 6 | Importance of public opinion and Ashoka’s accessibility to the common people. |
| Edict 7 | Religious tolerance and respect for all sects. |
| Edict 8 | Ashoka’s personal visits to religious sites instead of hunting expeditions. |
| Edict 9 | Criticism of empty rituals; emphasis on moral and ethical living. |
| Edict 10 | Ashoka’s rejection of fame and materialistic desires. |
| Edict 11 | Definition of Dhamma as ethical conduct rather than just a religious doctrine. |
| Edict 12 | Promotion of religious tolerance and harmony. |
| Edict 13 | The most famous edict, describing Ashoka’s remorse over the Kalinga War and his policy of conquest through Dhamma (Dhamma Vijaya). |
| Edict 14 |
Summary of Ashoka’s policies and an assurance that his edicts are for future generations. |
B. Minor Rock Edicts
- Found in more remote locations, these were personal messages from Ashoka urging people to follow Dhamma.
- Some edicts mention his conversion to Buddhism and emphasize moral values.
- Important Minor Rock Edicts:
- Sopara Edict (Maharashtra) – Expresses Ashoka’s concern for his people’s well-being.
- Maski and Gujarra Edicts – The first inscriptions where Ashoka explicitly calls himself "Devanampriya Ashoka" (Beloved of the Gods Ashoka).
- Bhabru Edict (Rajasthan) – Reveals Ashoka’s personal devotion to Buddhism.
C. Pillar Edicts (7 in Number)
These are engraved on polished sandstone pillars and provide additional insights into Ashoka’s policies.
| Pillar Edict 1 | Banning of animal sacrifice and regulating the slaughter of certain animals. |
| Pillar Edict 2 | Welfare measures, including medical aid for humans and animals. |
| Pillar Edict 3 | Encouragement of generosity and moral conduct. |
| Pillar Edict 4 | Emphasis on moral progress rather than rituals. |
| Pillar Edict 5 | Protection of prisoners and humanitarian treatment in jails. |
| Pillar Edict 6 | Emphasis on truthfulness and justice in administration. |
| Pillar Edict 7 | Ashoka’s appeal for religious harmony and non-violence. |
Special Pillars:
- Delhi-Topra & Delhi-Meerut Pillars: Moved to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.
- Lauria Nandangarh & Lauria Araraj Pillars (Bihar): Still standing in their original locations.
4. Key Themes of Ashokan Edicts
A. Dhamma (Moral Law)
- Ashoka’s Dhamma was not a sectarian doctrine but a code of ethical living promoting:
- Truthfulness
- Compassion
- Respect for elders and teachers
- Non-violence
- Tolerance toward all religions
B. Welfare and Public Works
- Free medical aid for humans and animals.
- Construction of wells, rest houses, and roads for travelers.
- Afforestation and environmental conservation.
C. Religious Tolerance
- Ashoka respected Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Ajivikas.
- Advocated mutual respect among different faiths.
D. Justice and Administration
- Established Dhamma Mahamatras, officials responsible for promoting ethical governance.
- Encouraged humane treatment of prisoners.
- Advocated for fair legal trials and appeal systems.
5. Significance of the Edicts
A. Historical Significance
- The first written records of an Indian king's thoughts and governance.
- Provide accurate information about the Mauryan administration and society.
- Helped scholars reconstruct India’s political and religious history.
B. Linguistic and Archaeological Significance
- Key to deciphering the Brahmi script, achieved by James Prinsep in 1837.
- Show India’s linguistic diversity during Ashoka’s time.
C. Global Impact
- Ashoka’s message of non-violence and religious tolerance influenced leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
- Some scholars compare Ashoka’s Dhamma policy to modern concepts of secularism and human rights.
6. Decline and Rediscovery
- After Ashoka’s death, his policies weakened under later Mauryan rulers.
- His edicts faded from public memory until their rediscovery by British and Indian archaeologists in the 19th century.
- The Ashokan Lion Capital (from Sarnath Pillar) was adopted as India’s National Emblem in 1950.
Conclusion
The Ashokan Edicts remain a milestone in world history—not only as inscriptions on stone but as a testament to a ruler’s transformation from a conqueror to a compassionate leader. They reflect Ashoka’s vision of governance based on ethics, tolerance, and welfare, making them relevant even today.
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