12-08-2024
06:30 PM
GS I
Sub-Categories:
Ancient History Notes for UPSC
Prelims: History of India
Mains: Indian Culture-Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from Ancient to modern times.
Ashoka, the third king of the Mauryan dynasty and one of the greatest kings of the ancient world, succeeded to the throne around 269 B.C. Ashoka usurped the throne after emerging victorious in succession wars. The region under the reign of Ashoka stretched from Afghanistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east.
Ashoka’s period is marked by his policy of Dhamma, a topic of discussion even today, and his efforts to spread Buddhism, which he arguably adopted after the Kalinga War. He assumed the titles of Priyadasi (He who regards amiably) and Devanampiya (Beloved of the Gods), which can be observed in almost all the Rocks and Pillar edicts.
The war was fought in 261 B.C. between the Mauryan Empire and the Kalinga state, an independent kingdom encompassing present-day Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. The only major battle that Ashoka fought after acceding to the throne was fought presumably on the Dhauli hills (on the bank of Daya River), which is of great significance.
Dhamma was not any particular religious faith nor a royal policy that was developed at random.
It was an earnest attempt of Ashoka to solve the problems of society and to create harmony and tolerance amongst the people using minimal force. He devised this policy on his own, though the catalysing factor was the remorse that he felt due to the outcomes of the bloody Kalinga War.
These are the separate 14 major rock edicts, spanning across almost India. Except for the Kandahar Greek Edict, which is on a stone plaque, all other major rock edicts were written on large rocks.
Major Rock Edicts | Description |
Rock Edict I | - Declards prohibition of animal sacrifice and holidays of festive gatherings. |
Rock Edict II | - It mentions social welfare under Dhamma, like medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells, tree planting, etc. - Mentions Pandyas, Satyaputras and Keralaputras of South India. |
Rock Edict III | - declares that respect for parents and for all living things, including Brahmanas and Sramanas, is a virtue. |
Rock Edict IV | - Consideration and non-violence to animals and courtesy to relations. |
Rock Edict V | - Refers to the appointment of Dhamma mahamattas. - These special officers were appointed to look after the interests of all sects and religions and spread the message of Dhamma in society. |
Rock Edict VI | - Instruction to Dhamma-mahamattas. They were told that they could bring their reports to the king at any time, irrespective of whatever activity he may be engaged in. - The second part deals with speedy administration and transaction of smooth business. |
Rock Edict VII | - It is an appeal for tolerance between all sects. |
Rock Edict VIII | - States that Dhamma yatras (tours) would be undertaken by the emperor. - The earlier practice of the emperor of going out on hunting expeditions was given up. - It describes Ashoka’s first visit to Bodh Gaya. |
Rock Edict IX | - He attacked ceremonies performed after birth, illness, marriage and before setting out for a journey. - Ceremonies carried out by mothers and wives are condemned. |
Rock Edict X | - Denounced fame and glory and reasserted the merits of following the policy of Dhamma. |
Rock Edict XI | - Additional clarification of the Dhamma's principles. - Emphasis is on respect for elders, abstaining from killing animals, and liberality towards friends. |
Rock Edict XII | - An appeal towards toleration among sects. |
Rock Edict XIII | - It is crucial for comprehending the Ashokan Dhamma policy. - The Rock Edict pleads for conquest by Dhamma instead of War. - It mentions Ashoka’s victory over Kalinga. |
Rock Edict XIV | - This Dhamma-related record has been written down in an abbreviated or enlarged manner so that people can act appropriately. |
The seven Major Pillar Edicts are the most detailed and technically sound of all the inscriptions.
Pillar Edicts | Description |
Pillar Edict I | - Ashoka’s principles for the protection of people. |
Pillar Edict II | - Defines Dhamma with compassion, truthfulness, virtue etc. |
Pillar Edict III | - Asks subjects to control violence, cruelty, anger and envy. |
Pillar Edict IV | - Duties and responsibilities of Rajukas. |
Pillar Edict V | - List of birds and animals to be killed on certain days and not be killed at all. |
Pillar Edict VI | - The policy of Dhamma. |
Pillar Edict VII | - Ashoka describes all sect's desire for self-control and purity of mind. |
There was a centralised administration under Ashoka.Ashoka was at the helm of his administration.
Ashoka’s social and religious policy was aligned with the policy of dhamma and based on benevolence, tolerance and egalitarian principles. Ashoka gave patronage to both orthodox and heterodox religions/sects of his time. For example, he gave donations to Brahmins, and Ajivika sects and a special emphasis on Buddhism.
Economic activities under the Mauryan Empire and specifically under Ashoka flourished to the extent that the Empire itself accounted for 1/3rd of the world’s GDP at the time. During this time, agriculture was developed, population and settlement sizes increased, crafts became more specialised, and both domestic and international trade grew during this time.
Question 1: In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Answer: (a)
Question 2: Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?
“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” (UPSC Prelims 2020)
Answer: (a)
Question 3: With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2012)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer: (c)
He earned the title of "great" by leading a culturally varied empire with a model of compassion and peace under centralised control.
Some of the Hellenistic contemporaries of Ashoka include Antiochius II of Syria, Ptolemy II of Egypt, Antigonus of Macedonia, Magas of Cyrenaica (Libya), and Alexander of Epirus. All of these are mentioned in the edicts of Emperor Ashoka.
In the separate Kalinga Rock Edict I, Ashoka declares his paternalistic Kingdomship by phrasing that all men are his children.
The historical transformation of the Mauryan Dynasty from a military machine to a society founded on Buddhism and tolerance is attributed to Emperor Ashoka.
The only way for the kingdom to be peaceful is for the many groups of people to live side by side in harmony. Ashoka adopted the Dhamma strategy to guarantee this throughout his realm.
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