Edicts of Ashoka

Edicts of Ashoka

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Meaning of Inscriptions: The Process of Writing ( Write in or on).

Most handwriting that has been engraved on a surface has been done so on rocks, stones, coins, building walls, pillars, caves, metals, etc.

• Script used to describe historical events.
• Numerous languages, including Prakrit, Sanskrit, Kannada, Pali, etc., are used for inscription writing.

Other Name of inscription - engraving, impression etc.

• There are 33 inscription in total(India).
• The "Edicts of Ashoka from the third century BCE," which are the oldest inscription in India (In Brahmi Script).
• Study of Inscription is called Epigraphy.
• Inscriptions are the form of documents.
• Known as the "father of Inscriptions," Samudra Gupta.
• The first Indian emperor to erect a stone inscription was Ashoka.

Why was Inscription Written?

These are valuable historical evidence of the existence & activities of early kings & empires.

• Inscription start in 3rd century BCE.

• Inscriptions important in history for chronology because they after physical objects contemporary in execution  with their contents.

Ashoka Inscriptions

• The first person was "James Prinsep" who decipher Ashok's Edicts.

• First evidence of Buddhism.

• Ashoka major rock edicts are (14).

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Ashoka inscriptions can be classified into three.

1. Pillar Edicts(7).
   
   
   
2. Major rock edicts(14).
   
   
   
3. Minor rock Edicts.
   

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There are Seven Pillar Edicts.

Pillar Edicts 1	Ashoka Principal of protecting his people.
Pillar Edicts 2	Literacy, Purity, Compassion etc.
Pillar Edicts 3	Avoiding pride, sin, anger etc.
Pillar Edicts 4	Duties & responsible of Rajukas.
Pillar Edicts 5	No sacrifice of birds & animals.
Pillar Edicts 6	Welfare of people.
Pillar Edicts 7	Ashoka's work for Dhamma.

There are 14 Major Rock Edicts.

Major rock edict 1	Prohibition of animal sacrifice.
Major rock edict 2	Medical treatment of human & animals.
Major rock edict 3	About Yukata's for spreading Dhamma.
Major rock edict 4	Dhamma.
Major rock edict 5	About treating slaves right.
Major rock edict 6	About welfare measures.
Major rock edict 7	Religious tolerance and welfare among all sects.
Major rock edict 8	First visit to Bodhgaya first Dhamma yatra.
Major rock edict 9	Stress on moral conduct.
Major rock edict 10	Disapproves desire for glory.
Major rock edict 11	Dhamma is best policy to follow.
Major rock edict 12	Women welfare.
Major rock edict 13	Mention victory over Kalinga.
Major rock edict 14	Purpose of rock edicts.

Minor rock Edicts.

1. Maski 
2. Brahmagiri (karnataka)
3. Gujjara(MP)
   
4. Nettur(AP)

Language used in Ashoka inscription.

1. Magadhi language in brahmi script
2. Western part of the mauryan Empire, Prakrit.
3. Major Rocks Edicts XIII also include an extract in Greek and Aramaic.

Significance

The Ashokan inscriptions or edicts (found in the form of Rock edicts, Pillar inscriptions, and Cave inscriptions) play an important role in Indian history. They provide a comprehensive picture of Emperor Ashoka's conquests, administrative policies, and efforts to spread Dhamma.