The Major Rock Edicts of the Indian Emperor Ashoka are 14 important inscriptions. They are some of the earliest dated rock writings from any Indian king. These edicts come after the Minor Rock Edicts in chronological order.
One of the Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
New Delhi: Emperor Ashoka, the third ruler of the Maurya Dynasty, is one of the few rulers who stand tall in the archives of history. After the devastating Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced Buddhism, an important moment that not only altered his life but also changed the course of an entire empire.
He spread the teachings of Buddhism, known as Dhamma. Ashoka used the expression Dhamma Lipi to describe his own Edicts.
These inscriptions in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are the first real evidence of Buddhism. The edicts explain Ashoka’s approach to Dhamma, which is his effort to address some issues in a complex society.
The Edicts of Ashoka include over 30 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka, rocks and cave walls.
These writings show Ashoka’s commitment to Buddhist principles. The inscriptions highlight his work to promote Buddhist Dhamma across his empire. While they mention Buddhism and Gautama Buddha, the edicts focus more on social and moral guidelines than specific religious practices or deeper Buddhist philosophy. They were placed in public areas for everyone to read.
In this article, let us look at some of Emperor Ashoka’s important rock edicts and what they signify.
Rock Edicts of Emperor Ashoka and their significance
- Major Rock Edict I: This edict prohibits the slaughter of animals and bans festive gatherings that involve killing animals. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Ashoka’s kitchen. He wanted to stop even this practice.
- Major Rock Edict II: This edict emphasises caring for humans and animals. It mentions the Chola, Pandya, Satyaputra, and Kerala Putra kingdoms in South India, along with the Greek King Antiochus II and his neighbours.
- Major Rock Edict III: This edict encourages generosity towards Brahmins. It was issued 12 years after Ashoka’s coronation. It states that Yuktas (subordinate officers), Pradesikas (district heads), and Rajukas (rural officers) should promote Ashoka’s Dhamma policy across the kingdom every five years.
- Major Rock Edict IV: This edict highlights that Dhammaghosa (the sound of Dhamma) is better for humanity than Bherighosa (the sound of drums). It discusses the positive impact of Dhamma on society.
- Major Rock Edict V: In this edict, Ashoka declares, “Every human is my child”. It also mentions appointing Dhammamahamatras (officers to spread Dhamma).
- Major Rock Edict VI: This edict shows the King’s desire to stay informed about the people’s conditions. It discusses welfare measures.
- Major Rock Edict VII: This edict calls for tolerance among different religions. It states that promoting one’s own religion at the expense of others harms everyone.
- Major Rock Edict VIII: This edict talks about Ashoka’s first Dhamma Yatra (religious journey) to Bodhgaya and the Bodhi Tree.
- Major Rock Edict IX: This edict criticises popular ceremonies and emphasises the importance of Dhamma ceremonies.
- Major Rock Edict X: This edict condemns the desire for fame and glory and stresses the value of Dhamma.
- Major Rock Edict XI: This edict elaborates on Dhamma.
- Major Rock Edict XII: This edict requests tolerance among different religious sects. It is also written in Greek in the Kandahar Greek Edict of Ashoka.
- Major Rock Edict XIII: This is the longest inscription. It reflects Ashoka’s remorse for the deaths and deportations during his conquest of Kalinga. He emphasises the teachings of Dhamma and mentions the lands he conquered, identifying several Greek rulers. The edict includes references to Dhamma victories in South India among the Cholas and Pandyas, extending to Ceylon. This edict was also written in Greek.
- Major Rock Edict XIV: This edict talks about creating inscriptions in various parts of the country and encourages religious living.
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