π Topic 04 of 6 Β· Chapter 05 Β· Mauryan Empire
Ashokan Edicts & Inscriptions
14 Major Rock Edicts, 7 Pillar Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts β content, locations, and significance.
π Ashokan Edicts β Overview
Ashoka’s edicts are the earliest deciphered inscriptions in India. They were written in Prakrit language (not Sanskrit) using Brahmi script (most), Kharosthi (northwest), and Greek/Aramaic (Afghanistan). They were deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837.
β Key Fact: Ashoka used Prakrit (the language of common people) in his edicts β not Sanskrit (the language of priests). This shows his intention to communicate directly with all his subjects. The edicts are the first historical documents in India that can be dated with certainty.
πͺ¨ 14 Major Rock Edicts β Key Content
| Edict | Key Content |
|---|---|
| Rock Edict I | Prohibition of animal sacrifice; ban on festive gatherings involving animal killing |
| Rock Edict II | Medical facilities for humans and animals; planting of medicinal herbs |
| Rock Edict III | Rajukas (revenue officials) to tour provinces every 5 years; Dhamma propagation |
| Rock Edict IV | Dhamma has replaced the sound of drums with the sound of Dhamma |
| Rock Edict V | Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras (Dhamma officers) |
| Rock Edict VI | Ashoka’s accessibility to people at all times; welfare of all beings |
| Rock Edict VII | Tolerance for all religious sects |
| Rock Edict VIII | Ashoka’s Dhamma Yatras (pilgrimages) instead of pleasure tours |
| Rock Edict IX | Criticism of useless ceremonies; Dhamma is the true ceremony |
| Rock Edict X | Ashoka’s desire for fame only through Dhamma |
| Rock Edict XI | Gift of Dhamma is the greatest gift |
| Rock Edict XII | Religious tolerance; respect for all sects |
| Rock Edict XIII | Most important β Kalinga War remorse; Dhamma Vijaya; missionaries sent abroad |
| Rock Edict XIV | Summary of all edicts |
ποΈ 7 Major Pillar Edicts β Key Content
- Pillar Edict I: Ashoka’s protection of all beings
- Pillar Edict II: Definition of Dhamma
- Pillar Edict III: Sins to be avoided β cruelty, anger, pride, envy
- Pillar Edict IV: Duties of Rajukas (revenue officials)
- Pillar Edict V: List of animals protected from killing
- Pillar Edict VI: Ashoka’s welfare measures
- Pillar Edict VII: Summary of Dhamma; Ashoka’s achievements
π Important Edict Locations
| Edict/Inscription | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Maski Minor Rock Edict | Karnataka | First edict to mention name “Ashoka” (not just Devanampiya) |
| Kandahar Edict | Afghanistan | In Greek and Aramaic β shows extent of Mauryan empire |
| Dhauli Rock Edict | Odisha | Near Kalinga; has separate Kalinga edict |
| Allahabad Pillar | Uttar Pradesh | Also has Samudragupta’s inscription (later addition) |
| Sarnath Pillar | Uttar Pradesh | Lion Capital β India’s national emblem |
π Exam Tip:
β’ Rock Edict XIII = most important = Kalinga War remorse
β’ Rock Edict V = Dhamma Mahamatras appointed
β’ Maski edict = first to mention “Ashoka” by name
β’ Kandahar edict = in Greek and Aramaic = Afghanistan
β’ Sarnath Lion Capital = India’s national emblem
β’ Rock Edict XIII = most important = Kalinga War remorse
β’ Rock Edict V = Dhamma Mahamatras appointed
β’ Maski edict = first to mention “Ashoka” by name
β’ Kandahar edict = in Greek and Aramaic = Afghanistan
β’ Sarnath Lion Capital = India’s national emblem