Edicts Of Ashoka
Edicts of Ashoka
The Edicts of Ashoka comprise a series of inscriptions authored by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire. These edicts are among the earliest written records from ancient India and provide crucial insights into Ashoka’s governance and his personal transformation from a conqueror to a proponent of Buddhism.
Historical Context
The Maurya Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 322 BCE, was a powerful political and military power in ancient India. Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta, ascended to the throne around 268 BCE. His reign marked a significant era in South Asian history. The empire had expanded vastly under his rule, but it was the devastating Kalinga War that became a turning point in his life.
After witnessing the horrors of the Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and renounced further military conquests. Instead, he devoted himself to the propagation of dhamma (a concept synonymous with righteousness and moral law), which is a recurring theme in the edicts.
The Edicts
The edicts are primarily categorized into several groups based on their location and content: Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, and Pillar Edicts, among others.
Major and Minor Rock Edicts
The Major Rock Edicts and Minor Rock Edicts are inscriptions found on the faces of large boulders and rock outcrops scattered across the Indian subcontinent. These edicts emphasize Ashoka’s moral and ethical guidelines and include instructions on religious tolerance, social welfare, and the importance of non-violence.
Pillar Edicts
The Pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns inscribed with edicts, erected throughout the Mauryan Empire. These pillars are notable for their artistic quality and the ethical messages they convey. The most famous among them is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is now the national emblem of India.
Kandahar Greek Edicts
Among the various edicts, the Kandahar Greek Edicts are significant as they were inscribed in Greek and Aramaic, reflecting the multicultural nature of the empire. These edicts highlight Ashoka’s efforts to communicate his policies beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Themes and Messages
The central theme of the edicts is dhamma, which Ashoka describes as a way of living that ensures the well-being of all beings. The edicts articulate principles of good governance, religious tolerance, and the importance of ethical behavior. Ashoka’s commitment to social welfare is evident through references to the establishment of medical facilities, road systems, and wells for both human and animal use.
Legacy
The Ashoka Chakra, which is derived from the Dharmachakra (wheel of law) depicted on many edicts, has enduring significance. It appears on the national flag of India and represents the eternal wheel of law.
The Edicts of Ashoka remain a testament to a transformative period in Indian history and symbolize the integration of ethics and governance. They provide a rare glimpse into the thoughts and policies of one of history’s most remarkable rulers and continue to be studied for their philosophical and historical importance.