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Introduction: 

Ashoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, ascended to power around 269 B.C. by winning succession wars.

His empire spanned from present day Afghanistan to Bangladesh. Ashoka is renowned for his Dhamma policy, which remains a topic of interest today, and his efforts to propagate Buddhism, likely influenced by the Kalinga War. He adopted titles like Priyadasi (He who regards amiably) and Devanampiya (Beloved of the Gods), evident in various Rock and Pillar edicts.

The Kalinga War:

The Kalinga War occurred in 261 B.C. between the Mauryan Empire and the Kalinga state, covering present-day Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. The decisive battle, likely on the Dhauli hills by the Daya River, holds significant historical importance.

Outcomes and significance of the Kalinga War:

• Ashoka's own account in Rock Edict XIII notes a heavy toll: "A hundred and fifty thousand were killed, and many times that number perished."
• The conflict brought immense suffering to Brahmana priests and Buddhist monks.
• Ashoka shifted from a policy of physical conquest to one of cultural influence, symbolized by replacing the "war drum" with the "sound of Dhamma."
• Influenced by the Buddhist monk Upagupta, Ashoka embraced Buddhism.
• The teachings and policies of Dhamma were widely propagated.
• Ambassadors of peace were dispatched to Greek kingdoms in West Asia and Greece.

Ashoka’s Dhamma Policy:

Ashoka's Policy of Dhamma was not based on any specific religion or random royal decree. It aimed to address societal issues and foster harmony and tolerance among people through minimal coercion. Ashoka developed this policy himself, spurred by remorse following the violent Kalinga War.

Motivation:

• Following the traditions of his predecessors Chandragupta and Bindusara, who followed Jainism and favored Ajivikas respectively, Ashoka embraced Buddhism.
• In Ashoka's time, society comprised diverse beliefs, cultures, and practices. Rather than resorting to force, Ashoka employed the Dhamma policy to establish social norms acceptable to all.
• With the emergence of diverse sects like Ajivikas, Buddhism, and Jainism alongside potential conflicts with orthodox Brahmanism, a climate of trust and harmony was essential.

Content:

• Dhamma focused on promoting general behavioral norms.
• It advocated tolerance toward people and their beliefs, emphasizing moral conduct toward various societal groups and non-violence.
• Ashoka's appointment of Dhamma officials, rather than exclusively Buddhist officials, demonstrated his non-discriminatory approach.
• He aimed to foster respect for all religious sects and promote societal tolerance.

Propagation:

• Ashoka used edicts as a medium to propagate the Dhamma policy, serving as communication between him and his subjects.
• Some inscriptions were directed to the Buddhist community, highlighting Ashoka's relationship with the Buddhist order.
• Others, known as Major and Minor Rock and Pillar Edicts, addressed broader audiences, carefully chosen to disseminate the principles of Dhamma to a larger population.

Major rock edicts:

The 14 Major Rock Edicts:

• These edicts were carved on large rocks found on the borders of Ashoka's territory, not in the core of the Mauryan Empire's capital.
• They were inscribed in three languages (Prakrit, Aramaic, and Greek) and two scripts (Brahmi and Kharosthi).

Description of Some Major Rock Edicts:

• Rock Edict I: Prohibits animal sacrifice and encourages festive gatherings.
• Rock Edict II: Highlights social welfare under Dhamma, including medical care for humans and animals, road construction, and tree planting. It also mentions South Indian regions like Pandyas, Satyaputras, and Keralaputras.
• Rock Edict III: Stresses the importance of respecting parents and all living beings, including Brahmanas and Sramanas.
• Rock Edict IV: Promotes consideration and non-violence towards animals and courtesy to relatives.
• Rock Edict V: Mentions the appointment of Dhamma mahamattas, special officers tasked with safeguarding the interests of all religious sects and spreading the message of Dhamma.
• Rock Edict VI: Instructs Dhamma-mahamattas to submit reports to the king at any time and emphasizes efficient administration.
• Rock Edict VII: Appeals for tolerance among all religious sects.
• Rock Edict VIII: Announces the cessation of hunting expeditions by the emperor and describes Ashoka's visit to Bodh Gaya.
• Rock Edict IX: Criticizes ceremonies performed after birth, illness, marriage, and before journeys, condemning those carried out by mothers and wives.
• Rock Edict X: Rejects the pursuit of fame and glory in favor of adhering to the principles of Dhamma.
• Rock Edict XI: Further clarifies the principles of Dhamma, emphasizing respect for elders, abstaining from killing animals, and generosity towards friends.
• Rock Edict XII: Appeals for tolerance among religious sects.
• Rock Edict XIII: Central to understanding Ashoka's Dhamma policy, it advocates conquest through Dhamma rather than war and mentions Ashoka's victory over Kalinga.
• Rock Edict XIV: Provides instructions on Dhamma-related matters, presented in a concise or expanded format for people to act accordingly.

Minor Rock Edicts:

• These are the earliest inscriptions preceding Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts.
• The Kandahar Bilingual rock edict, written in Greek and Aramaic, is the earliest known Ashoka inscription.
• Minor Rock Edicts are found in various locations such as Bahapur, Gujjara, Udegolam, Maski, Nittur, Siddapur, Brahmagiri, Jatinga Rameshwara, Rajula Mandagiri, Yerragudi, Sasaram, Bairat, and Ahraura.
• Only four of these locations mention the name "Ashoka" - Maski, Brahmagiri, Nettur, and Gujjara.

Major Pillar Edicts:

• The seven Major Pillar Edicts are the most detailed and technically proficient inscriptions of Ashoka.
• Located primarily in the Gangetic plains, with the exception of two fragments found in Afghanistan, these edicts were engraved towards the end of Ashoka's rule.
• Inscribed in Prakrit using Brahmi script, similar to the Minor Pillar Edicts, except for a few derived inscriptions in Aramaic found in Afghanistan.

Description of Pillar Edicts:

1. Pillar Edict I: Outlines Ashoka's principles for safeguarding the people.
2. Pillar Edict II: Defines Dhamma with values like compassion, truthfulness, and virtue.
3. Pillar Edict III: Urges subjects to restrain violence, cruelty, anger, and envy.
4. Pillar Edict IV: Describes the duties and responsibilities of Rajukas.
5. Pillar Edict V: Provides a list of birds and animals permitted to be killed on specific days and prohibits killing certain species altogether.
6. Pillar Edict VI: Expounds on Ashoka's policy of Dhamma.
7. Pillar Edict VII: Discusses the desire for self-control and purity of mind among various religious sects.

Minor Pillar Edicts:

• These edicts are found exclusively in the Gangetic plains, near the capital of the Mauryan empire.
• They are inscribed on several pillars of Ashoka located at sites such as Sarnath, Sanchi, Kausambi, Rummindei, and Nigali Sagar.
• Chronologically, they were written after the Minor Rock Edicts and concurrently with the Major Rock Edicts.
• The language used in all minor pillar edicts is Prakrit, written in Brahmi script.

Features of his Inscriptions:

• Script Variation: The script used in these inscriptions differed depending on the region. In central and eastern India, the Magadhi Prakrit language was written using Brahmi script. In north-western India, Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic languages were inscribed in Kharosthi script.
• Authorship: Except for the Minor Rock edicts, most inscriptions do not mention the name "Ashoka." Instead, terms like "Devanampriya" and "Priyadasi" are used. The association of the name "Ashoka" with "Priyadasi" was made based on the reconstruction from the "Dipavamsa."
• Mention of Family: Among his queens, only Kuruwaki is mentioned, along with his children, specifically Teevar.
• Kanaganahalli Inscriptions: Found near Sannati, Karnataka, these inscriptions refer to Ashoka as "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka) and feature the first-ever sculpture of Ashoka with his name inscribed.
• Bhabru Inscription: This is the only inscription in the Boustrophedon script, a bi-directional script alternating from right to left and left to right in successive lines.
• Junagadh Inscription: Alongside Ashoka, inscriptions of Saka ruler Rudraman and Gupta ruler Skandagupta are included.
• Kausambi (Allahabad) Inscription: In addition to Ashoka and Kuruwaki, inscriptions of Samudragupta and Jehangir are also found here.

Administration under Ashoka:

• Centralized Administration: Ashoka held the central authority in his administration.
• Council of Ministers: Rock Edicts III and IV indicate that Ashoka sought advice from his ministers (mantrins) for both regular and urgent matters.
• Legal Reforms: Ashoka introduced legal reforms like Danda Samahara (justice administration) and Vyavahara Samahara (administrative procedures).
• Provincial Division: Ashoka maintained the traditional subdivision of the empire but organized provinces into Aharas or Vishyas, further divided into villages.
• Judicial System: Ashoka's reign saw the introduction of pardoning mechanisms, as mentioned in Ashokan edicts which also referenced jails and jail officials.

• The Mahattas:

• Dhamma Mahattas: Responsible for spiritual welfare and promoting Dhamma.
• Adhyaksha Mahattas: Ensured the well-being of women.
• Anta Mahattas: Oversaw administration in frontier provinces.
• Nagar Mahattas: Managed cities and towns.
• Rajukas: Implemented administrative plans and welfare reforms.

Society and Religion under Ashoka:

• Ashoka's social and religious policy was guided by the principles of dhamma, emphasizing benevolence, tolerance, and equality.
• He supported both orthodox and heterodox religions and sects of his time, including Brahmins, Ajivika sects, and Buddhism.

• Efforts to Promote Buddhism:

• Buddhism thrived under Ashoka's support, evidenced by the construction of numerous stupas and monasteries like those at Sanchi and Bharhut.
• Administrative structures often featured symbols and motifs related to Buddhism and the life of Buddha.
• Ashoka personally visited significant Buddhist sites such as the birthplace of Buddha, Sarnath, Sravasti, and Kusinagara.
• He dispatched missions to spread Buddhism to regions like Sri Lanka, Burma, and Central Asia, including his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra.
• The convening of the Third Buddhist Council in 250 B.C. aimed to strengthen the Sangha and uphold the purity of Buddhism, presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa to address dissent and maintain adherence to Hinayana teachings.

Economy under Ashoka:

• Economic prosperity during the Mauryan Empire, particularly under Ashoka, led to the Empire contributing to about one-third of the world's GDP.
• Agricultural advancements, population growth, specialized crafts, and expansion of both domestic and international trade characterized this period.
• Land Tax: Land revenue, a crucial aspect for the Mauryans, was managed by officials known as Samaharta.
• Trade and Commerce: Ashoka fostered trade along the Northern and Southern trade routes, with his efforts in constructing the Northern route later utilized by Sher Shah Suri for the Grand Trunk Road. State administration under Ashoka organized trade, enhancing efficiency in production and distribution. Officials like Samsthadhyaksha oversaw markets to prevent unfair trade practices.
• Guilds (sreni): Merchants and artisans operated within organized guilds.
• Urban Economy: Urban centers thrived due to the increasing trade activities.