Ashoka and his Inscriptions (268 BCE- 232 BCE)

Introduction

Ashoka, the third king of the Mauryan empire, is regarded as one of the most important figures in Indian history. About 269 B.C., he won a succession dispute and took the reign. The Mauryan Empire, which spanned from Bangladesh in the east to Afghanistan in the west, peaked during his rule. His Dhamma policy, which is still up for debate, and his efforts to spread Buddhism, notably after the Kalinga War, are what make his reign most famous. His inscriptions, which can be found all throughout the subcontinent, offer priceless insights into his worldview, policies, and administration.

The Kalinga War: A Turning Point

Ashoka’s life was shaped by the Kalinga War of 261 B.C., which took place between the Mauryan Empire and the independent state of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh). Large numbers of people were killed in the conflict, which was fought along the banks of the Daya River. According to Rock Edict XIII, Ashoka mourned the death of 150,000 people, with many more dying as a result of the agony brought on by the battle.

Outcomes and Significance:

• The Brahmana priests and Buddhist monks suffered immensely, causing Ashoka to reflect deeply on the consequences of war.
• He abandoned the expansionist policy of conquest by war (Bherighosha) in favor of conquest through Dhamma (Dhammaghosha).
• He embraced Buddhism under the guidance of Upagupta and worked to spread its teachings.
• Ashoka focused on cultural and moral conquest instead of military expansion.
• He sent emissaries of peace to Greek kingdoms in West Asia and Greece to propagate his new ideology.

Ashoka’s Policy of Dhamma

Dhamma was not a theological concept, but rather a moral and ethical code designed to promote social harmony. It was an independent strategy devised by Ashoka to solve societal challenges and promote unity among the many groups under his authority.

Need for Dhamma:

• Ashoka continued the tradition of his predecessors—Chandragupta Maurya (a follower of Jainism) and Bindusara (who favored Ajivikas).
• Mauryan Empire was a melting pot of different beliefs, cultures, and social practices, requiring a unifying ideology.
• Heterodox sects such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Ajivikas were gaining prominence, often leading to conflicts with orthodox Brahmanism. Ashoka sought to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and tolerance.

Core Tenets of Dhamma:

Tolerance of all sects and beliefs.Moral conduct towards elders, slaves, servants, Brahmanas, sramanas, and animals.Promotion of non-violence and welfare measures.Dhamma emphasized social ethics over religious rituals.

Propagation of Dhamma

Ashoka extensively used inscriptions to communicate his policies to the public. His edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars across his empire, served as direct messages from the ruler to his subjects.

Major Rock Edicts

Ashoka’s 14 Major Rock Edicts were placed on the frontiers of his empire rather than in its heartland, addressing their role in outreach. These inscriptions were written in multiple languages—Prakrit, Aramaic, and Greek using Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.

Key Rock Edicts from 14 Major Rock Edicts:

Rock Edict I: Prohibition of animal sacrifice and festive gatherings.Rock Edict II: Social welfare measures, medical treatments for humans and animals, and references to South Indian polities.Rock Edict III: Emphasizes respect for elders and all living beings.Rock Edict IV: Advocates non-violence and kindness towards animals.Rock Edict V: Appointment of Dhamma mahamattas to oversee moral conduct and social welfare.Rock Edict VII: Promotes religious tolerance.Rock Edict XIII: Condemns war and extols the virtues of conquest through Dhamma.

Minor Rock Edicts

These were the first inscriptions predating the Major Rock Edicts. The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Edict, in Greek and Aramaic, was among the earliest known inscriptions.

Pillar Edicts

The seven Major Pillar Edicts were inscribed towards the later part of Ashoka’s reign. They focus on administrative policies and ethical governance.

Key Pillar Edicts:

Pillar Edict I: Principles for the protection of people.Pillar Edict II: Defines Dhamma as compassion and truthfulness.Pillar Edict V: Specifies non-violence towards certain animals on specific days.Pillar Edict VII: Advocates for self-control and mental purity.

Administrative Reforms under Ashoka

Ashoka’s administration was centralized, with the king at the helm, supported by a Council of Ministers.

Key Features:

• Council of Ministers: As evident in Rock Edicts III and IV, ministers (mantrins) were consulted on important matters.
• Legal Reforms: Ashoka introduced legal measures like Danda Samahara (punishment collection) and Vyavahara Samahara (judicial procedures).
• Provincial Division: The empire was divided into provinces, further subdivided into Aharas or Vishyas.
• Judicial Measures: Introduced pardons and a more humane justice system.
• Mahattas (Officials):
  1. Dhamma Mahattas: Oversaw spiritual well-being.
  2. Adhyaksha Mahattas: Focused on women’s welfare.
  3. Anta Mahattas: Managed frontier administration.
  4. Nagar Mahattas: Supervised urban areas.
  5. Rajukas: Implemented welfare policies.

Society and Religion under Ashoka

Ashoka’s social and religious policies addressed – benevolence, tolerance, and egalitarian principles.

Ashoka’s Patronage of Buddhism:

• He built stupas and monasteries, including Sanchi and Bharhut stupas.
• He visited Buddhist holy sites such as Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagara.
• He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
• He convened the Third Buddhist Council (250 B.C.) to consolidate Buddhist teachings.

Economic Policies under Ashoka

Ashoka’s reign witnessed significant economic growth, contributing to the Mauryan Empire accounting for nearly one-third of the world’s GDP at the time.

Key Economic Aspects:

• Land Revenue: The primary source of state income, overseen by the Samaharta.
• Trade and Commerce:
  1. Flourished along the Northern (Uttarapatha) and Southern trade routes.
  2. Infrastructure like the Grand Trunk Road (later utilized by Sher Shah Suri) was developed.
  3. The state regulated trade and checked unfair practices through Samsthadhyaksha (market supervisors).
• Guilds (Srenis): Artisans and merchants were organized into professional guilds.
• Urban Economy: Economic centers flourished due to trade expansion.

Conclusion

Ashoka’s rule was significant in Indian history not just for the country’s territorial growth but also for its moral leadership, Dhamma dissemination, and administrative effectiveness. His policies shaped administration for generations and established the groundwork for a moral empire. Ashoka’s ethical leadership and governance approach is a valuable historical, political science, and ethical example for the mankind.