{"id":3885,"date":"2026-04-08T11:33:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T06:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=3885"},"modified":"2026-04-10T13:24:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:54:55","slug":"ashoka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ashoka\/","title":{"rendered":"Ashoka, Dhamma, Edicts and Administration"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Ashoka<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, 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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka Overview<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka the Great (273\u2013232 BCE), the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. His reign marked the peak of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mauryan-empire\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mauryan Empire<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, extending from Afghanistan to Bangladesh, with Pataliputra (modern Patna) as the capital.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><b>Kalinga War:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Known for his early military conquests, Ashoka's most significant campaign was the Kalinga War (261 BC), which caused widespread devastation. This event led to his conversion to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/buddhism\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Buddhism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dharma:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> After embracing Buddhism, Ashoka focused on moral reforms and promoting ethical governance. His efforts in spreading Buddhism are documented in his edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks across the subcontinent.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lion Capital:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The National Emblem of India is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, with the crowning wheel and lotus base omitted. Additionally, the Ashoka Chakra, the wheel from the Lion Capital, is prominently featured at the center of India's National Flag, symbolizing the principles of Dharma and progress.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka Kalinga War<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Kalinga war was fought in 261 B.C. between the Mauryan Empire\u00a0 under Ashoka 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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Impact of Kalinga War<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Kalinga War had a profound impact on Ashoka's reign, reshaping both his personal beliefs and his policies. The devastation and suffering caused by the war led Ashoka to renounce violence and adopt Buddhism, significantly altering the direction of his rule.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Destruction and Loss of Life: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the <\/span><b>Rock Edict XIII<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Ashoka describes the immense loss of life: \"A hundred and fifty thousand were killed, and many times that number perished.\"<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Suffering of Religious Groups: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The war brought immense suffering to Brahmana priests and Buddhist monks, who were affected by the widespread destruction.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Shift to Cultural Conquest: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka abandoned the policy of physical occupation and instead focused on cultural conquest, replacing <\/span><b>Bherighosha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (the sound of war drums) with the peaceful proclamation of<\/span><b> Dhammaghosha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (sound of Dhamma).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Embrace of Buddhism: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Influenced by the <\/span><b>Buddhist monk Upagupta<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Ashoka embraced Buddhism, which played a central role in shaping his rule.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promotion of Dhamma:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ashoka focused on spreading Dhamma, promoting non-violence, tolerance, and moral conduct, while sending peace ambassadors to Greek kingdoms in West Asia and Greece.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka\u2019s Policy of Dhamma<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dhamma <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">was neither a particular religious faith nor a royal policy that was developed at random. It was an earnest attempt by 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 catalyzing factor was the remorse that he felt due to the outcomes of the bloody Kalinga War.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Need of Dhamma<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The need for Ashoka's Dhamma policy arose from the diverse beliefs and sects within society, aiming to foster harmony and mutual trust amidst potential conflicts between orthodox Brahmanism and heterodox movements like Buddhism, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jainism\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jainism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ajivika-sect\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ajivikas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Eclectic Outlook<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Ashoka followed the tradition of his predecessors, adopting Buddhism after Chandragupta's Jainism and Bindusara's preference for Ajivikas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Diversity of Beliefs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The society during Ashoka's reign was marked by various beliefs, cultures, and practices.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Policy of Dhamma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Ashoka used Dhamma, rather than force, to establish social norms that would be acceptable to all.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Need for Harmony<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: With the rise of heterodox sects, a climate of mutual trust and peace was essential to avoid conflicts with orthodox Brahmanism.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Content of Dhamma<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The content of Ashoka's Dhamma policy focused on promoting moral behavior, tolerance, non-violence, and welfare, while fostering respect for all religions and beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>General Behaviour: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dhamma emphasized the proper conduct of individuals in society.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Tolerance and Respect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dhamma stressed tolerance of people themselves and of their beliefs and ideas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Moral Conduct:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ashoka advocated moral behavior towards elders, servants, Brahmanas and sramanas, animals, etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Non-Violence and Welfare: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The policy prioritized non-violence and welfare measures for the people.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Testament Against War: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rock Edict 13 reflects Ashoka\u2019s renouncement of war following the Kalinga War.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Inclusivity in Dhamma: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The appointment of Dhamma mahamattas showed Ashoka\u2019s inclusive approach, rather than using Samgha, proves that his Dhamma did not discriminate against any religious doctrine.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Religious Tolerance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka promoted respect for all religious sects and societal tolerance.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Propagation of Dhamma\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To propagate his Dhamma policy, Ashoka used edicts as a key medium to convey his principles and promote social harmony.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Use of Edicts: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka employed edicts to communicate his Dhamma policy directly to his subjects across the empire.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Addressing the Buddhist Samgha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Some inscriptions were specifically addressed to the Buddhist Samgha, outlining Ashoka\u2019s relationship with the Buddhist order.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Reference to Buddhist Scriptures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Certain inscriptions referenced scriptures to ensure familiarity with Buddhist teachings.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Major and Minor Edicts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Major and Minor Rock and Pillar Edicts were strategically placed to ensure the wide dissemination of Ashoka's Dhamma teachings.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">14 Major Rock Edicts Ashoka<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Location:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These edicts were inscribed on the frontiers of Ashoka\u2019s territory and not in the heartland (capital) of the Mauryan Empire.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Languages and script:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Three languages (Prakrit, Aramaic and Greek) and two scripts (Brahmi and Kharosthi).<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\">\r\n<p><b>Major Rock Edicts<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\">\r\n<p><b>Description<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict I<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Declards <\/span><b>prohibition of animal sacrifice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and holidays of festive gatherings.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict II<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- It mentions <\/span><b>social welfare under Dhamma,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> like medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells, tree planting, etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Mentions Pandyas, Satyaputras and Keralaputras of South India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict III<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- declares that respect for parents and for all living things, including Brahmanas and Sramanas, is a virtue.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict IV<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Consideration and <\/span><b>non-violence to animals <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and courtesy to relations.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict V<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Refers to the <\/span><b>appointment of Dhamma mahamattas.<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- These special officers were appointed to look after the interests of all sects and religions and spread the message of Dhamma in society.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict VI<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>- Instruction to Dhamma-mahamattas.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> They were told that they could bring their reports to the king at any time, irrespective of whatever activity he may be engaged in.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- The second part deals with speedy administration and transaction of smooth business.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict VII<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- It is an appeal for tolerance between all sects.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict VIII<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- States that <\/span><b>Dhamma yatras (tours) <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">would be undertaken by the emperor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- The earlier practice of the emperor of going out on hunting expeditions was given up.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- It describes <\/span><b>Ashoka\u2019s first visit to Bodh Gaya.<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict IX<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- He<\/span><b> attacked ceremonies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> performed after birth, illness, marriage and before setting out for a journey.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Ceremonies carried out by mothers and wives are condemned.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict X<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>- Denounced fame and glory<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and reasserted the merits of following the policy of Dhamma.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict XI<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Additional clarification of the Dhamma's principles.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Emphasis is on respect for elders, abstaining from killing animals, and liberality towards friends.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict XII<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- An appeal towards<\/span><b> toleration among sects.<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict XIII<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- It is crucial for comprehending the Ashokan Dhamma policy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- The Rock Edict pleads for <\/span><b>conquest by Dhamma instead of War.<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- It mentions Ashoka\u2019s victory over Kalinga.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Rock Edict XIV<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- This Dhamma-related record has been written down in an abbreviated or enlarged manner so that people can act appropriately.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Minor Rock Edicts<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are the first inscriptions predating the Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka.Kandahar Bilingual rock edict, which is in Greek and Aramaic, is the first known Ashoka inscription.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The edicts appear in Bahapur, Gujjara, Udegolam, Maski, Nittur, Siddapur, Brahmagiri, Jatinga Rameshwara, Rajula Mandagiri, Yerragudi, Sasaram, Bairat, Ahraura etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Only four of these places use the name \u201c<\/span><b>Ashoka\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> -\u00a0 <\/span><b>Maski, Brahmagiri, Nettur <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and <\/span><b>Gujjara<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major Pillar Edicts<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The seven Major Pillar Edicts are the most detailed and technically sound of all the inscriptions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Location:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Except for the two fragments of the inscription found in Afghanistan, all the Major Pillars edicts are located in the Gangetic plains.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Timeline: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These were inscribed towards the end of Ashoka's reign.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Language and script:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Like Minor Pillars, only Prakrit with Brahmi script was used to inscribe on the pillars, except for a few derived inscriptions of Afghanistan in Aramaic.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\">\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edicts<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\">\r\n<p><b>Description<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edict I<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Ashoka\u2019s principles for the protection of people.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edict II<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Defines Dhamma with compassion, truthfulness, virtue etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edict III<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Asks subjects to control violence, cruelty, anger and envy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edict IV<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Duties and responsibilities of Rajukas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edict V<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- List of birds and animals to be killed on certain days and not be killed at all.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edict VI<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- The policy of Dhamma.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Pillar Edict VII<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- Ashoka describes all sect's desire for self-control and purity of mind.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Minor Pillar Edicts<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Location: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All the Minor Pillars Edicts are located in Gangetic plains and close to the capital of the Mauryan empire.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are exclusively inscribed on several of the pillars of Ashoka at Sarnath, Sanchi, Kausambi, Rummindei and Nigali Sagar.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Timeline:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Chronologically, they were written after the Minor Rock Edicts and in parallel with the Major Rock Edicts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Language and script: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All minor pillar edicts are in the Prakrit language in Brahmi script.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Features of Ashoka\u2019s Inscriptions<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The inscriptions of Ashoka provide valuable insights into his reign, reflecting both his policies and personal life. These inscriptions have the following features, including linguistic diversity, regional variations in script, and the way they convey Ashoka's philosophy and family associations.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Script variation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The script of the inscriptions on these edicts varied from region to region.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Magadhi Prakrit language using <\/span><b>Brahmi script<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in central and eastern India.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic languages in <\/span><b>Kharosthi script<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in north-western India.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Authorship:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Except on the Minor Rock edicts, all other inscriptions do not mention the name \u201cAshoka\u201d; rather they mention terms like \"Devanampriya\u201d and \u201cPriyadasi\u201d. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, it is only after the reconstruction based on the \u201cDipavamsa\u201d it has been associated the name \"Ashoka\" with \"Priyadasi\".<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Mention of Family: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Among his queens, only Kuruwaki and his children, only Teevar, are mentioned in the inscriptions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mention of Administrative Officers:<\/strong> Ashokan inscriptions indicate that the 'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka', and 'Yukta' were key officers responsible for the administration at the district level.\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>The Pradeshika was the district head, the Rajuka handled revenue, land measurement, and judicial functions, and the Yukta served as a subordinate official assisting them in administrative tasks<span class=\"whitespace-nowrap\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Kanganahalli Inscriptions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Located near <\/span><b>Sannati<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Karnataka, it mentions Ashoka as<\/span><b> \u201cRanyo Ashoka'' <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(Raja Ashoka). It was the first-ever sculpture of Ashoka with his name inscribed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bhabru inscription:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It is the only inscription in the <\/span><b>Boustrophedon script<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (bi-directional script from right to left and left to right in an alternate line).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Junagadh inscription:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It also includes the inscriptions of Saka ruler Rudraman and Gupta ruler Skandagupta.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kausambi (Allahabad) inscription<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Along with Ashoka and Kuruwaki, inscriptions of Samudragupta and Jehangir are included.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Language of Ashoka\u2019s Inscription<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka's inscriptions reflect notable features, including linguistic diversity and regional script variations. Primarily composed in Prakrit and inscribed using the Brahmi script in central and eastern India, these inscriptions adapted to the linguistic needs of different regions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the northwestern parts of the empire, they appeared in the Aramaic language and Kharoshthi script, while in Afghanistan, they were written in both Aramaic and Greek scripts and languages.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This adaptation underscores Ashoka's effort to effectively communicate his policies across his vast and culturally diverse empire.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Administration of Ashoka<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There was a centralized administration under Ashoka.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka was at the helm of his administration.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Council of Ministers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is evident from Rock Edicts III and IV\u00a0 that Ashoka consulted his ministers (mantrins) for general and emergency matters.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Legal reforms: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka introduced legal reforms like <\/span><b>Danda Samahara<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>Vyavahara Samahara.<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Provincial division:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ashoka retained the traditional sub-division of the empire. But divided provinces into <\/span><b>Aharas or Vishyas,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> which were further subdivided into villages.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Judicial: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Granting of pardon was introduced during Ashoka\u2019s reign.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashokan edicts mention jail and jail officials.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>The Mahattas: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Mahattas were officials appointed by Ashoka, each with specific responsibilities, including promoting Dhamma, overseeing administration, and ensuring the welfare of women, cities, and frontier provinces<\/span><b>.<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dhamma Mahattas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> To look after the spiritual well-being of the people and to speed up the progress of <\/span><b>Dhamma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Adhyaksha Mahattas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: To look after the well-being of the women.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Anta Mahattas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> To look after the general administration of frontier provinces.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nagar Mahattas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: In charge of the cities and towns.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rajukas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Administrative plans and welfare reforms were implemented by them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Society and Religion under Ashoka<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Ashoka\u2019s efforts to propagate Buddhism: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Buddhism flourished under Ashoka\u2019s patronage. He built several stupas and monasteries. For example, <\/span><b>Sanchi <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and <\/span><b>Bharhut <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">stupa.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Symbols and Motifs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The symbols and motives for the number of administrative infrastructures that he built were related to Buddhism and Buddha\u2019s life.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pilgrimage to Buddhist Holy Places:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> He visited the birthplace of Buddha in 241 B.C. and other holy places of Buddhism like Sarnath, Sravasti, and Kusinagara.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Buddhist Missionary Efforts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> He sent a mission to Sri Lanka under his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra. Missionaries for spreading Buddhism were also sent to Burma and Central Asia.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Third Buddhist Council<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: He convened the Third Buddhist Council in 250 B.C. to strengthen the Sangha and to free the Buddhist order from dissidents and divergence from Hinayana. The Council was presided over by <\/span><b>Moggaliputta Tissa.<\/b><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Economy under Ashoka<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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\u2019s GDP at the time. During this time, agriculture was developed, population and settlement sizes increased, crafts became more specialized,\u00a0 and both domestic and international trade grew during this time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Land Tax:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mauryans, and especially Ashoka, attached great importance to land revenue.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Samaharta <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">was in charge of land revenue.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Trade and Commerce:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> At the crossroads of the Northern trade route (Uttarapatha) and the Southern trade route, trade and commerce under Ashoka flourished.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">His contribution to the construction of the Northern trade route was utilized by <\/span><b>Sher Shah Suri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which came to be known as the Grand Trunk Road.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">State administration under Ashoka took up the organization of trade. This administrative control on production and distribution made it more efficient.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Samsthadhyaksha <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">was appointed to look after the market to check the unfair practices by traders.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Guilds (sreni):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Merchants and artisans were organized along guild lines.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Urban Economy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With rising trade, urban economic centers flourished.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ashoka UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Question 1: <\/b>Ashokan inscriptions s<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">uggest that the <\/span>'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka' and Yukta'<span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> were important officers at the <strong>(UPSC Prelims 2025)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) village-level administration<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) district-level administration<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) provincial administration<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) level of the central administration<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Ans: (b)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Question 2:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cWhosoever 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.\u201d <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Ashoka<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Samudragupta<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Harshavardhana<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Krishnadeva Raya<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Answer: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Question 3:<\/b> In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is \u2018Ranyo Ashoka\u2019 (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2019)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Kanganahalli<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Sanchi I<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Shahbazgarhi<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Sohgaura<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Answer: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Question 4:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country\u2019s economy, which of the following statements is\/are correct? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2012)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The guild had judicial powers over its own members.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) 1 and 2 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) 2 and 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) 1, 2 and 3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Answer: (c)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 175px\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Other Related Posts<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jainism\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Jainism<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mauryan-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Mauryan Administration<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/vardhaman-mahavira\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Vardhaman Mahavira<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ashoka\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ashoka<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jain-councils\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Jain Councils<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/post-mauryan-period\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Post Mauryan Period<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/sects-of-jainism\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sects of Jainism<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/indo-greek-kingdom\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Indo-Greek Kingdom<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jainism-and-buddhism\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Buddhism and Jainism<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/sangam-literature\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sangam Age<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mauryan-empire\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Mauryan Empire<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/kushan-empire\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Kushan Empire<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore Ashoka the Great&#8217;s reign, including his Kalinga War, Dhamma policy, administration, edicts, and efforts to promote Buddhism. Learn about his economic policies, societal reforms, and cultural contributions to ancient India.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":16681,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,38],"tags":[568,40],"class_list":{"0":"post-3885","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-ancient-history-notes","8":"category-upsc-notes","9":"tag-ashoka","10":"tag-quest"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3885"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3885\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18619,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3885\/revisions\/18619"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}