Edicts of Ashoka - Knowledge

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Ganga-puputaka, skate-fish, tortoises and porcupines, squirrels (?), the srimara, bulls set at liberty, iguanas (?), the rhinoceros, white doves, domestic doves, (and) all the quadrupeds which are neither useful nor edible. Those , ewes, and sows (which are) either with young or in milk, are inviolable, and also those (of their) young ones (which are) less than six months old. Cocks must not be caponed. Husks containing living animals must not be burnt. Forests must not be burnt either uselessly or in order to destroy (living beings). Living animals must not be fed with (other) living animals. (Major Pillar Edict No.5)

108: 509: 3027:, and the other kings who are the neighbours of this Antiyoga, everywhere two (kinds of) medical treatment were established by King Devanampriya Priyadarsin, (viz.) medical treatment for men and medical treatment for cattle. Wherever there were no herbs beneficial to men and beneficial to cattle, everywhere they were caused to be imported and to be planted. Likewise, wherever there were no roots and fruits, everywhere they were caused to be imported and to be planted. On the roads trees were planted, and wells were caused to be dug for the use of cattle and men. (Major Rock Edict No. 2, 1823: 473: 1745: 3620: 551: 4688:, explicitly promoting Buddhism. He may have been an unknown or possibly invented ruler named Devanampriya Asoka, with the intent of propagating a later, more institutional version of the Buddhist faith. His inscriptions cover a very different and much smaller geographical area, clustering in Central India. According to Beckwith, the inscriptions of this later Ashoka were typical of the later forms of "normative Buddhism", which are well attested from inscriptions and Gandhari manuscripts dated to the turn of the millennium, and around the time of the 4284: 3049:-groves were caused to be planted. And (at intervals) of eight kos wells were caused to be dug by me, and flights of steps (for descending into the water) were caused to be built. Numerous drinking-places were caused to be established by me, here and there, for the enjoyment of cattle and men. this so-called enjoyment (is) . For with various comforts have the people been blessed both by former kings and by myself. But by me this has been done for the following purpose: that they might conform to that practice of morality. (Major Pillar Edict No.7) 3282: 887: 31: 4060: 1958: 1650: 2049: 2242: 4219: 3639: 4211: 3990: 3585: 3481: 1664: 271: 2612:

are considered meritorious by King Devanampriya Priyadarsin. Formerly in the kitchen of King Devanampriya Priyadarsin many hundred thousands of animals were killed daily for the sake of curry. But now, when this rescript on morality is caused to be written, then only three animals are being killed (daily), (viz.) two peacocks (and) one deer, but even this deer not regularly. But even these three animals shall not be killed (in future). (Major Rock Edict No.1)

12156: 4596: 2867: 255: 227: 429: 285: 151: 213: 169: 369: 315: 301: 241: 133: 115: 351: 333: 183: 197: 4052: 4046: 12167: 1634: 793: 2485: 9565: 4506: 1007: 9552: 814: 1832: 2641:, elephants, masses of light, and other divine figures. Such as they had not existed before for many hundreds of years, thus there are now promoted, through the instruction in morality on the part of King Dévanampriya Priyadaréin, abstention from killing animals, abstention from hurting living beings, courtesy to relatives, courtesy to Brahmanas and Sramanas, obedience to mother and father, and to the aged.(Major Rock Edict No.4, 761: 777: 828: 575: 930: 844: 897: 876: 860: 447: 9542: 403: 911: 1036: 4516: 2624:

considerably. Now moral restrictions indeed are these, that I have ordered this, that certain animals are inviolable. But there are also many other moral restrictions which have been imposed by me. By conversion, however, the progress of morality among men has been promoted more considerably, because it leads to abstention from hurting living beings and to abstention from killing animals.(Major Pillar Edict No.7)

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each other's morals. For this is the desire of Devanampriya, (viz.) that all sects should be both full of learning and pure in doctrine. And those who are attached to their respective (sects), ought to be spoken to (as follows). Devanampriya does not value either gifts or honours so (highly) as (this), (viz.) that a promotion of the essentials of all sects should take place. (Major Rock Edict No.12)

1018: 966: 1025: 984: 4468: 3563: 1944: 1058: 4379:. According to Salomon, the Scythian rulers of northern and western India while not the originators, were promoters of the use of Sanskrit language for inscriptions, and "their motivation in promoting Sanskrit was presumably a desire to establish themselves as legitimate Indian or at least Indianized rulers and to curry the favor of the educated Brahmanical elite". 8318:"Ainsi s'était préparé le terrain où prit naissance le Christianisme, cette secte d'origine juive, essénienne ou essénisante, qui devait si vite et si puissamment conquérir une très grande partie du monde."in Essénisme et Bouddhisme, Dupont-Sommer, André, Comptes rendus des séances de l'Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres Year 1980 124-4 pp. 698-715 7662:"For I behold among you, not merely Greeks and Italians and people from neighbouring Syria, Libya, Cilicia, nor yet Ethiopians and Arabs from more distant regions, but even Bactrians and Scythians and Persians and a few Indians, and all these help to make up the audience in your theatre and sit beside you on each occasion" 4398:. After that time the script underwent significant evolutions which rendered the Ashokan inscriptions unreadable. This still means that Ashoka's Edicts were for everyone to see and understand for a period of nearly 700 years in India, suggesting that they remained significantly influential for a long time. 4319:

Ashoka was probably the first Indian ruler to create stone inscriptions, and in doing so, he began an important Indian tradition of royal epigraphical inscriptions. The earliest known stone inscriptions in Sanskrit are in the Brahmi script from the first century BCE. These early Sanskrit inscriptions

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No.1 when Ashoka explains he has "been on tour for 256 days". The evolution to the modern glyph for 6 appears rather straightforward. It was written in one stroke, somewhat like a cursive lowercase "e". Gradually, the upper part of the stroke (above the central squiggle) became more curved, while the

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King Dévanampriya Priyadarsin speaks thus. Now this progress of morality among men has been promoted by me only in two ways, (viz.) by moral restrictions and by conversion. But among these two, those moral restrictions are of little consequence ; by conversion, however, morality is promoted more

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But it is desirable that there should be uniformity in judicial procedure and punishment. This is my instruction from now on. Men who are imprisoned or sentenced to death are to be given three days respite. Thus their relations may plead for their lives, or, if there is no one to plead for them, they

3063:(officers) of morality did not exist before. Officers of morality were appointed by me (when I had been) anointed thirteen years. These are occupied with all sects in establishing morality, in promoting morality, and for the welfare and happiness of those who are devoted to morality (even) among the 2606:

in the latter part of his reign, he brought about significant changes in his style of governance, which included providing protection to fauna, and even relinquished the imperial hunt. He was perhaps the first ruler in history to advocate conservation measures for wildlife. Reference to these can be

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However, the edicts of Ashoka reflect more the desire of rulers than actual events; the mention of a 100 'panas' (coins) fine for poaching deer in imperial hunting preserves shows that rule-breakers did exist. The legal restrictions conflicted with the practices then freely exercised by the common

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This rescript on morality has been caused to be written by Devanampriya Priyadarsin. Here no living being must be killed and sacrificed. And also no festival meeting must be held. For King Devanampriya Priyadarsin sees much evil in festival meetings. And there are also some festival meetings which

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is in Greek only, and originally probably contained all the Major Rock Edicts 1-14. The Greek language used in the inscription is of a very high level and displays philosophical refinement. It also displays an in-depth understanding of the political language of the Hellenic world in the 3rd century

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which crowned the very clumsily inscribed Schism Edict of Sanchi. According to Irwin, the Brahmi inscriptions on the Sarnath and Sanchi pillars were made by inexperienced Indian engravers at a time when stone engraving was still new in India, whereas the very refined Sarnath capital itself was made

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There are several slight variations in the content of these edicts, depending on location, but a common designation is usually used, with Minor Rock Edict N°1 (MRE1) and a Minor Rock Edict N°2 (MRE2, which does not appear alone but always in combination with Edict N°1), the different versions being

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of the eighth year of his reign, which is the starting point for his remorse towards the horrors of the war, and his gradual conversion to Buddhism). The texts of the inscriptions are rather short, the technical quality of the engraving of the inscriptions is generally very poor, and generally very

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For whosoever praises his own sect or blames other sects, — all (this) out of pure devotion to his own sect, (i.e.) with the view of glorifying his own sect, — if he is acting thus, he rather injures his own sect very severely. But concord is meritorious, (i.e.) that they should both hear and obey

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These edicts are preceded chronologically by the Minor Rock Edicts and the Major Rock Edicts, and constitute the most technically elegant of the inscriptions made by Ashoka. They were made at the end of his reign, from the years 26 and 27 of his reign, that is, from 237 to 236 BCE. Chronologically

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refer to 14 separate major Edicts, which are significantly detailed and extensive. These Edicts were concerned with practical instructions in running the empire such as the design of irrigation systems and descriptions of Ashoka's beliefs in peaceful moral behavior. They contain little personal

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kings. "Within the incredibly brief space of three years (1834-37) the mystery of both the Kharoshthi and Brahmi scripts (were unlocked), the effect of which was instantly to remove the thick crust of oblivion which for many centuries had concealed the character and the language of the earliest

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Three or four hundred paces to the north of the pagoda is the spot where Asoka was horn (or resided). On this spot he raised the city of Ni-li, and in the midst of it erected a stone pillar, also about 35 feet in height, on the top of which he placed the figure of a lion, and also engraved an

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King Devanampriya Priyadansin speaks thus. (When I had been) anointed twenty-six years, the following animals were declared by me inviolable, viz. parrots, mainas, the aruna, ruddy geese, wild geese, the nandimukha, the gelata, bats, queen-ants, terrapins, boneless fish, the vedaveyaka, the

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The Edicts are divided into four categories, according to their size (Minor or Major) and according to their medium (Rock or Pillar). Chronologically, the minor inscriptions tend to precede the larger ones, while rock inscriptions generally seem to have been started earlier than the pillar

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It is not clear in Hellenic records whether these emissaries were actually received, or had any influence on the Hellenic world. But the existence of the edicts in a very high-level Greek literary and philosophical language testifies to the high sophistication of the Greek community of

2913:(human and animal), and those beyond his borders, spreading the use of medicinal treatments, improving roadside facilities for more comfortable travel, and establishing "officers of the faith" throughout his territories to survey the welfare of the population and the propagation of the 4269:

lower part of the stroke (below the central squiggle) became straighter. The Arabs dropped the part of the stroke below the squiggle. From there, the European evolution to the modern 6 was very straightforward, aside from a flirtation with a glyph that looked more like an uppercase G.

2198:. The sculpted decorations on the Diamond Throne clearly echo the decorations found on the Pillars of Ashoka. The Pillars dated to the end of Ashoka's reign are associated with pillar capitals that tend to be more solemn and less elegant than the earlier capitals, such as those of 8127:, "The Death-Persuader") was contemporary of Magas and was probably influenced by the teachings of the Buddhist missionaries to Cyrene and Alexandria. His influence was such that he was ultimately prohited to teach" —Jean-Marie Lafont . Les Dossiers d'Archéologie (254): 78, 2112:

No.13 (and to a lesser extent Major Rock Edict No.2), which can be dated to about the 14th year of the reign of Ashoka circa 256–255. The last Major Pillar Edicts (Edict No.7) is testamental in nature, making a summary of the accomplishments of Ashoka during his life.

2797:, Piyadassi, greets the Order and wishes it prosperity and freedom from care. You know Sirs, how deep is my respect for and faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Samgha . Sirs, whatever was spoken by the Lord Buddha was well spoken. (Minor Rock Edict No.3) 4201:

circa 300 BCE, may have influenced the writings of Ashoka. These Greek inscriptions, located in the central square of Ai-Khanoum, put forward traditional Greek moral rules which are very close to the Edicts, both in term of formulation and content.

3713:. He suggests that the famous Ashoka emissaries sent to the Western Hellenistic Courts according to Ashoka's Major Rock Edict No.13 were in fact Greek subjects and citizens of Kandahar, who had the full capacity to carry out these embassies. 2802:

These sermons on Dhamma, Sirs - the Excellence of the Discipline, the Lineage of the Noble One, the Future Fears, the Verses of, the Sage, the Sutra of Silence, the Question, of Upatissa, and the Admonition spoken by the Lord Buddha to

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Inside India proper, in the empire of Ashoka, many different populations were the object of the emperor's proselytism. Greek communities also lived in the northwest of the Mauryan Empire, currently in Pakistan, notably ancient

4245:, together with a mature positional system, was invented much later around the 6th century CE) and involves different symbols for units, dozens or hundreds. This system is later further documented with more numerals in the 3911:, nowadays in Southern Afghanistan, following the conquest and the colonization efforts of Alexander the Great around 323 BCE. These communities therefore seem to have been still significant during the reign of Ashoka. The 3882:, speaking about the consequences of Ashoka's proselytism: "It is India which would be, according to us, at the beginning of this vast monastic current which shone with a strong brightness during about three centuries in 4568:. Beckwith also highlights the fact that neither Buddhism nor the Buddha are mentioned in the Major Edicts, but only in the Minor Edicts. Further, the Buddhist notions described in the Minor Edicts (such as the Buddhist 4287:

The Edicts of Ashoka started a tradition of epigraphical inscriptions. 1800 years separate these two inscriptions: Brahmi script of the 3rd century BCE (Major Pillar Edict of Ashoka), and its derivative, 16th century CE

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rule, and the other kings who are the neighbours of this Antiyoka, everywhere two kinds of medical treatment were established by King Devanampriya Priyadarsin, (viz.) medical treatment for men and medical treatment for

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The Mauryan Empire was the first Indian empire to unify most of the country and it had a clear-cut policy of exploiting as well as protecting natural resources with specific officials tasked with protection duty. When

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The Dharma preached by Ashoka is explained mainly in term of moral precepts, based on the doing of good deeds, respect for others, generosity and purity. The expressions used by Ashoka to express the Dharma, were the

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are mentioned, the edicts focus on social and moral precepts rather than specific religious practices or the philosophical dimension of Buddhism. These were located in public places and were meant for people to read.

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Now, it is the conquest by the Dharma that the Beloved of the Gods considers as the best conquest. And this one (the conquest by the Dharma) was won here, on the borders, and even as (far/to the extent of) 600

1919:. The Rummindei and Nigali Sagar edicts, inscribed on pillars erected by Ashoka later in his reign (19th and 20th year) display a high level of inscriptional technique with a good regularity in the lettering. 2537:

Ashoka's Dharma meant that he used his power to try to make life better for his people and he also tried to change the way people thought and lived. He also thought that dharma meant doing the right thing.

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are essentially moral and political in nature: they never mention the Buddha or explicit Buddhist teachings, but are preoccupied with order, proper behavior and non violence under the general concept of

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and Ibhiyas, with the destitute; (and) with the aged, for the welfare and happiness of those who are devoted to morality, (and) in releasing (them) from the fetters (of worldly life). (Major Rock Edict

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No.8) however, he may have adhered to an "early, pietistic, popular" form of Buddhism. Also, the geographical spread of his inscription shows that Piyadasi ruled a vast Empire, contiguous with the

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in the northwest, two Indian scripts which had both become extinct around the 5th century CE, and were yet undeciphered at the time the Edicts were discovered and investigated in the 19th century.

2753:. Beyond affirming himself as a Buddhist and spreading the moral virtues of Buddhism, Ashoka also insisted that the word of the Buddha be read and followed, in particular in monastic circles (the 5544:"Interpretation of the most ancient of inscriptions on the pillar called lat of Feroz Shah, near Delhi, and of the Allahabad, Radhia and Mattiah pillar, or lat inscriptions which agree therewith" 3103:, Ashoka describes his visit in the 21st year of his reign, and mentions Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha. He also, for the first time in historical records, uses the epithet "Sakyamuni" ( 1707:

script, from the 11th year of his reign (according to his own inscription, "two and a half years after becoming a secular Buddhist", i.e. two and a half years at least after returning from the

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The inscriptions revolve around a few recurring themes: Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism, the description of his efforts to spread Buddhism, his moral and religious precepts, and his social and

3693:, it becomes quite likely that these Kandahar Greeks who were very familiar with Indian culture could in turn transmit Indian ideas to the philosophical circles of the Mediterranean world, in 3162:

was born here. (He) both caused to be made a stone bearing a horse (?) and caused a stone pillar to be set up, (in order to show) that the Blessed One was born here. (He) made the village of

2637:. But now, in consequence of the practice of morality on the part of King Dévanampriya Priyadarsin, the sound of drums has become the sound of morality, showing the people representations of 1126: 6412: 5366: 2528:

Thus the glory of Dhamma will increase throughout the world, and it will be endorsed in the form of mercy, charity, truthfulness, purity, gentleness, and virtue. (Major Pillar Edict No. 7)

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Une nouvelle inscription grecque d'Açoka, Schlumberger, Daniel, Comptes rendus des séances de l'Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres Année 1964 Volume 108 Numéro 1 pp. 136-140

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Une nouvelle inscription grecque d'Açoka, Schlumberger, Daniel, Comptes rendus des séances de l'Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres Année 1964 Volume 108 Numéro 1 pp. 126-140

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It is hard to obtain happiness in this world and the next without extreme love of Dhamma, much vigilance, much obedience, much fear of sin, and extreme energy. (Major Pillar Edict No. 1)

1403:. In a series of results that he published in March 1838 Prinsep was able to translate the inscriptions on a large number of rock edicts found around India, and to provide, according to 8291:"C'est l'Inde qui serait, selon nous, au départ de ce vaste courant monastique qui brilla d'un vif éclat durant environ trois siècles dans le judaïsme même" in Essénisme et Bouddhisme, 6076: 2327:

fell to ruin. Due to the influence of Ashoka's Prakrit inscriptions, Prakrit would remain the main inscriptional language for the following centuries, until the rise of inscriptional

1221:, an earnest attempt to solve some of the problems that a complex society faced. According to the edicts, the extent of Buddhist proselytism during this period reached as far as the 3529: 2273:

scripts, the latter for the area of modern Pakistan. The Greek and Aramaic inscriptions used their respective scripts, in the northwestern areas of Ashoka's territory, in modern

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do not have inscriptions, which, together with their lack of proper foundation stones and their particular style, led some authors to suggest that they were in fact pre-Ashokan.

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However, many of Beckwith's methodologies and interpretations concerning early Buddhism, inscriptions, and archaeological sites have been criticized by other scholars, such as

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Overall, the evidence for the presence of Buddhists in the west from that time is very meager. But some scholars point to the possible presence of Buddhist communities in the

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In times past, for many hundreds of years, there had ever been promoted the killing of animals and the hurting of living beings, discourtesy to relatives, and discourtesy to

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generals are the rulers ) everywhere the heaven-beloved Raja Piyadasi’s double system of medical aid is established- both medical aid for men, and medical aid for animals.

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Ashoka advocated restraint in the number that had to be killed for consumption, protected some of them, and in general condemned violent acts against animals, such as

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have attributed Ashoka's claims of "Dharmic conquest" to mere vanity, and expressed disbelief that Greeks could have been in any way influenced by Indian thought.

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The Beloved of the Gods, the King Piyadassi, wishes that all sect may dwell in all places, for all seek self-control and purity of mind. (Major Rock Edict No.7)

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may make donations or undertake a fast for a better rebirth in the next life. For it is my wish that they should gain the next world. (Major Pillar Edict No. 4)

1784:, which are not strictly edicts, but tend to share a similar content, are sometimes also categorized as "Minor Rock Edicts". The dedicatory inscriptions of the 5763: 1900:

These edicts were probably made at the beginning of the reign of Ashoka (reigned 268-232 BCE), from the year 12 of his reign, that is, from 256 BCE.

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Valeri P. Yailenko, Les maximes delphiques d'Aï Khanoum et la formation de la doctrine du dharma d'Asoka, Dialogues d'histoire ancienne, Vol. 16, No.1, 1990

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in the east, where it was the "chancery language" of the court. The language level of the Prakrit inscriptions tends to be rather informal or colloquial.

521: 485: 260: 10306: 8341: 7417: 7179: 7163: 7147: 7115: 7099: 7005: 6931: 6860: 6686: 5246: 5005: 4896: 4113:), now generally simply translated as "writing" or "inscription". It is thought the word "lipi", which is also orthographed "dipi" (𐨡𐨁𐨤𐨁) in the two 623: 527: 7532:

Une nouvelle inscription grecque d'Açoka , Schlumberger, Daniel, Comptes rendus des séances de l'Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres Année 1964

2025:), written on a stone plaque belonging to a building. The Major Edicts are not located in the heartland of Mauryan territory, traditionally centered on 1872:, however the Minor Pillar Edicts are often associated with some of the artistically most sophisticated pillar capitals of Ashoka, such as the renowned 11221: 9696: 4912: 4900: 4528:

The different areas covered by the two types of inscriptions, and their different content in respect to Buddhism, may point to different rulers namely

533: 491: 218: 8467:"The word dipi appears in the Old Persian inscription of Darius I at Behistan (Column IV. 39) having the meaning inscription or "written document" in 7734: 5109: 4884: 2925:

king named Antiyoga" in the text of the Edicts) is also named as a recipient of Ashoka's generosity, together with the other kings neighbouring him.

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in the 14th year of his reign, and made a dedication and set up a pillar during a visit in person in the 20th year of his reign, as described in his

1766: 1725: 1559: 1263: 1246:). The identification of Devanampiya with Ashoka was confirmed by an inscription discovered in 1915 by C. Beadon, a British gold-mining engineer, at 563: 539: 321: 139: 5770: 4560:

Piyadasi (i.e. "Beloved of the Gods Piyadasi", "Beloved of the Gods" being a fairly widespread title for "King"), who is named as the author of the

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wrote to Alexandrians that there are "Indians who view the spectacles with you and are with you on all occasions" (Oratio.XXXII.373). According to

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Dharma is good. And what is Dharma? It is having few faults and many good deeds, mercy, charity, truthfulness and purity. (Major Pillar Edict No.2)

1133: 4418:“King Asoka presented the whole of Jambudvipa to the priests of the four quarters, and redeemed it again with money, and tins he did three times.” 11225: 8148: 6520: 5362: 1404: 6876: 4352:. Besides these few examples from the 1st century BCE, the bulk of early Sanskrit inscriptions were made from the 1st and 2nd-century CE by the 3360:, claiming that Dharma had been achieved in all their territories as well. He names the Greek rulers of the time, inheritors of the conquest of 2784:

in others) for more than two and a half years, but for a year I did not make much progress. Now for more than a year I have drawn closer to the

12202: 11449: 6436: 5976: 4340:) inscriptions. Other important inscriptions dated to the 1st century BCE, in relatively accurate classical Sanskrit and Brahmi script are the 1001: 8296: 8269: 7370: 4308:, probably owing to the great prestige which Ashokan inscriptions gave to the Prakrit language. Louis Renou called it "the great linguistical 5040: 4423:

historical record on the pillar giving an account of the successive events connected with Ni-li, with the corresponding year, day, and month.

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in his writings refers to one of Ashoka's edicts in Ni-li city. However, the specific edict mentioned by Fa-Hien has not yet been discovered.

2890:, Ashoka, based on a belief that all religions shared a common, positive essence, encouraged tolerance and understanding of other religions. 9666: 8322: 8303: 8276: 7536: 6481: 6130: 1777:, for the Buddhist clergy, which gives a list of Buddhist scriptures (most of them unknown today) which the clergy should study regularly. 7899: 6616: 5939: 3619: 107: 12217: 9156: 9114: 9075: 9028: 8955: 8850: 8751: 8712: 8554: 8515: 8446: 8395: 8201: 8060: 8021: 7982: 7869: 7830: 7627: 7506: 7287: 7248: 7074: 6906: 6803: 6764: 6500: 6367: 5676: 5485: 5340: 291: 9309: 9287: 9267: 8673: 8634: 8582: 8371: 8243: 8102: 7767: 7711: 7467: 7209: 7035: 6980: 6559: 6342: 6247: 6228: 6203: 6164: 6054: 5889: 5847: 5808: 5715: 5627: 2560:

In the period to I had been consecrated twenty-six years, twenty-five releases of prisoners have been made. (Major Pillar Edict No. 5)

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By doing so, there is gain in this world, and in the next there is infinite merit, through the gift of Dhamma. (Major Rock Edict No.11)

9509: 4692:. The quality of the inscriptions of this Ashoka is significantly lower than the quality of the inscriptions of the earlier Piyadasi. 9531: 4864: 3852:

ruled, the same Magas under whom the Dharma prospered according to Ashoka, and he may have been influenced by Ashoka's missionaries.

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Piyadasi which Prinsep initially assumed was a Sri Lankan king. He was then able to associate this title with Ashoka on the basis of

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On the contrary, for Beckwith, Ashoka himself was a later king of the 1st-2nd century CE, whose name only appears explicitly in the

1865:. These edicts are preceded chronologically by the Minor Rock Edicts and may have been made in parallel with the Major Rock Edicts. 5586:"Note on the Facsimiles of the various Inscriptions on the ancient column at Allahabad, retaken by Captain Edward Smith, Engineers" 3726:, Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to eight parts of Southern Asia and the "country of the Yonas" (Greeks) to propagate Buddhism. 4023: 3794: 3584: 2018:(including portions of Edict No.13 and No.14) is in Greek only, and originally probably contained all the Major Rock Edicts 1-14. 12041: 11493: 5282: 5036: 2933: 11696: 9676: 3467:(lit. "And beyond Antiochus, four kings by the name of Ptolemy, the name of Antigonos, the name of Magas, the name Alexander". 2202:

or Sarnath. This led some authors to suggest that the artistic level under Ashoka tended to fall towards the end of his reign.

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and Ashoka were two different rulers. According to Beckwith, Piyadasi was living in the 3rd century BCE, probably the son of

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A Global History of Architecture, Francis D. K. Ching, Mark M. Jarzombek, Vikramaditya Prakash, John Wiley & Sons, 2017

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program. The edicts were based on Ashoka's ideas on administration and behavior of people towards one another and religion.

12197: 9859: 9701: 6832: 6145:"Fourteen Major Rock Edicts have been discovered at seven places along the borders of the territory that Asoka controlled" 1720:

version of Minor Rock Edict No.1 is historically particularly important in that it confirmed the association of the title "

3158:

When King Devanampriya Priyadarsin had been anointed twenty years, he came himself and worshipped (this spot) because the

12036: 8790: 8601: 4811: 2373: 2357: 2289: 1685: 1464: 7664: 11933: 11483: 9578: 8509: 7621: 7561: 7068: 5126: 2157: 1232:. The inscriptions show his efforts to develop the Buddhist dhamma throughout his empire. Although Buddhism as well as 1602:", and they also focus on the administration of the state and positive relations with foreign countries as far as the 9779: 9454: 9345: 9150: 9108: 9069: 8949: 8745: 8706: 8667: 8628: 8548: 8440: 8365: 8237: 8195: 8054: 8015: 7976: 7863: 7761: 7705: 7594: 7500: 7461: 7281: 7242: 7203: 7029: 6974: 6900: 6797: 6758: 6553: 6406: 6336: 6197: 6158: 5841: 5621: 5479: 5334: 4799: 12026: 4448: 4110: 2010:

scripts, which even a commoner could read and understand. The inscriptions found in the area of Pakistan are in the

11711: 11456: 7338: 3750:

also, Indians were present in Alexandria, to whom he was much indebted for his knowledge of India (As.Res.III.53).

1677:

of Ashoka (r.269-233 BCE) are rock inscriptions which form the earliest part of the Edicts of Ashoka. They predate

3578:

All the kings mentioned in Ashoka's Major Rock Edict No.13 are famous Hellenistic rulers, contemporary of Ashoka:

12103: 12093: 9922: 7732:

Thomas Mc Evilly "The shape of ancient thought", Allworth Press, New York, 2002, p. 383, quoting As.Res.III

4868: 4329: 4234: 2999:

Everywhere in the dominions of king Devanampriya Priyadarsin and (of those) who (are his) borderers, such as the

1333: 1119: 4241:

used in the Edicts of Ashoka, in which a few numerals are found, although the system is not yet positional (the

1688:, in Greek and in Aramaic, written in the 10th year of his reign (260 BCE) at the border of his empire with the 1352:, in March 1838. All the letters are correctly deciphered, except for two missing on the right: 𑀰(ś) and 𑀱(ṣ). 12048: 11701: 11503: 11394: 11339: 9912: 9390:

Indian Epigraphy: A Guide to the Study of Inscriptions in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and the other Indo-Aryan Languages

9359: 9237: 9187: 4952: 4840: 2361: 2293: 2022: 2015: 1791:

The Minor Rock Edicts can be found throughout the territory of Ashoka, including in the frontier area near the

1661:

The Minor Rock Edicts are often Buddhist in character, and some of them specifically mention the name "Asoka" (

608: 581: 453: 5268: 5196: 3638: 3334: 3075:, and whatever other western borderers (of mine there are). They are occupied with servants and masters, with 2665: 2186:

The Pillars of Ashoka are stylistically very close to an important Buddhist monument, also built by Ashoka in

12018: 11716: 11399: 9691: 9524: 4936: 4844: 3975:, everywhere people are following Beloved-of-the-Gods' instructions in Dhamma. Rock Edict No.13 (S. Dhammika) 2957:

depending on the transliterations) is named as a recipient of Ashoka's medical treatments, together with his

1678: 409: 4027:

The same word was "Dipi" in the northwest, identical with the Persian word for writing, as in this segment "

3302: 12212: 11601: 11473: 11444: 11146: 5122: 4321: 2153: 1218: 7925: 7790: 6649: 3672: 2385:

Everywhere in the dominions of Dévanampriya Priyadarsina, and of those who are his borderers, such as the

11292: 11201: 10671: 10316: 9829: 9724: 9366: 7131: 6705: 5870: 5767: 3537: 3045:-trees were caused to be planted by me, (in order that) they might afford shade to cattle and men, (and) 2794: 2108:

circa 250 BCE. Hellenistic rulers are not mentioned anymore in these last edicts, as they only appear in

10836: 5161: 2965: 2021:

The Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka are inscribed on large rocks, except for the Kandahar version in Greek (

12141: 11621: 11097: 10583: 9706: 9539: 8170:

Historical Dictionary of Ancient Greek Philosophy, Anthony Preus, Rowman & Littlefield, 2015, p.184

5566: 5058: 3090: 799: 11031: 9504: 9263:

Yailenko, Les maximes delphiques d'Aï Khanoum et la formation de la doctrine du dhamma d'Asoka, 1990,

8980:

Travels of Fah-Hian and Sung-Yun, Buddhist pilgrims : from China to India (400 A.D. and 518 A.D.)

8140: 8088:

Berenice II and the Golden Age of Ptolemaic Egypt, Dee L. Clayman, Oxford University Press, 2014, p.33

6516: 5585: 5543: 4490: 2499: 2320:

idiom, which can be interpreted as a kind of authoritarianism in respect to the southern territories.

12192: 12031: 11844: 11834: 11706: 10689: 10269: 10030: 10005: 9500:

Inscriptions of India – Complete listing of historical inscriptions from Indian temples and monuments

9488: 6433:

The True Chronology of Aśokan Pillars, John Irwin, Artibus Asiae, Vol. 44, No. 4 (1983), pp. 247-265

4254: 3886:

itself". This influence would even contribute, according to André Dupont-Sommer, to the emergence of

3689:, and to a true communication between Greek intellectuals and Indian thought. According to historian 2820: 2689: 2305: 1349: 10055: 9216: 6720: 6434: 5974: 4126: 3890:: "Thus was prepared the ground on which Christianity, that sect of Jewish origin influenced by the 2569: 2231: 1724:" with the name "Asoka", thereby clarifying the historical author of all these inscriptions. In the 1193:") to describe his own Edicts. These inscriptions were dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day 12222: 12136: 11488: 11302: 11280: 11273: 11176: 10709: 10329: 10145: 10090: 9711: 9517: 7361: 6599: 5141: 4364: 3690: 3352:

In order to propagate welfare, Ashoka explains that he sent emissaries and medicinal plants to the

2815:

should hear frequently and meditate upon, and likewise laymen and laywomen. (Minor Rock Edict No.3)

9471:

Tieken, Herman Joseph Hugo. The Aśoka Inscriptions: Analysing a Corpus. India, Ratna Sagar, 2023.

6735: 6582: 2824: 12073: 12053: 11384: 11364: 11121: 10851: 10095: 9136: 9055: 8935: 5973:

The True Chronology of Aśokan Pillars, John Irwin, Artibus Asiae, Vol. 44, No. 4 (1983), pp. 264

5151: 5094: 5009: 4543: 4341: 4293: 3448:(> 2,000 km) corresponds roughly to the distance between the center of India and Greece. 2300:

By contrast, in the rock edicts engraved in southern India in the newly conquered territories of

2169: 2133: 1915:

Edict which record Ashoka's visits and Buddhist dedications in the area corresponding to today's

121: 8319: 8300: 8273: 4099:

inscriptions), and the very act of engraving edicts on rocks and mountains (compare for example

3376:, as recipients of the Dharma, displaying a clear grasp of the political situation at the time. 1728:

version of Minor Rock Edict No.1 also, the name of Ashoka is used together with his full title:

12207: 12083: 11923: 11591: 11561: 11334: 11285: 11126: 11074: 11069: 10831: 10652: 10549: 10301: 10296: 10045: 7891: 7533: 6623: 6479: 6128: 5946: 5672:

India: An Archaeological History: Palaeolithic Beginnings to Early ... by Dilip K. Chakrabarty

5435: 4794: 4376: 4278: 3723: 3659: 3571: 3567: 3415: 3327: 2769: 2582: 2219: 2105: 1885: 1873: 1848: 10413: 9444: 9421: 9140: 9098: 9059: 9012: 8939: 8844: 8735: 8696: 8538: 8499: 8430: 8392: 8292: 8265: 8185: 8169: 8044: 8005: 7966: 7853: 7611: 7490: 7271: 7232: 7058: 6890: 6787: 6748: 6497: 6396: 6383: 6364: 5673: 5526: 5469: 5324: 4603:: 𑀤𑁂𑀯𑀸𑀦𑀁𑀧𑀺𑀬𑀲𑀅𑀲𑁄𑀓, "Beloved of the God", in the adjectival form -sa) and name of 3879: 3465:

param ca tena Atiyogena cature 4 rajani Tulamaye nama Amtekine nama Makā nama Alikasudaro nama

12088: 12058: 11639: 11571: 11404: 11319: 11314: 11238: 11233: 11151: 9681: 9306: 9284: 9264: 9203: 8657: 8618: 8579: 8404: 8355: 8227: 8086: 7751: 7695: 7653:

Thomas Mc Evilly "The shape of ancient thought", Allworth Press, New York, 2002, p. 383.

7584: 7451: 7440:

Thomas Mc Evilly "The shape of ancient thought", Allworth Press, New York, 2002, p. 368.

7193: 7019: 6964: 6543: 6326: 6244: 6225: 6187: 6148: 5886: 5831: 5802: 5710: 5611: 4246: 4190: 3754:

too mentioned the presence of Indians in Alexandria. A possible Buddhist gravestone from the

3751: 3028: 2436:(Ashoka), the beloved of the gods, as well as in the parts occupied by the faithful, such as 1949: 1744: 1667:, center of the top line) in conjunction with the title "Devanampriya" (Beloved-of-the-gods). 1388: 10704: 6496:

A Sourcebook of Indian Civilization published by Niharranjan Ray, Brajadulal Chattopadhyaya

6034: 12111: 12078: 12063: 11581: 11478: 11424: 11309: 11248: 11216: 11211: 11196: 11181: 11171: 11136: 11049: 10741: 10664: 9967: 9907: 9656: 9623: 9573: 4978: 4134: 4100: 3872: 3625: 3533: 3407: 3319: 2550:, caution and tolerance in the application of sentences, and regularly pardoned prisoners. 2301: 2235: 2195: 1979:

detail about his life. These edicts are preceded chronologically by the Minor Rock Edicts.

1684:

Chronologically, the first known edict, sometimes classified as a Minor Rock Edict, is the

735: 11951: 10566: 10435: 10361: 10237: 9975: 8978: 5660:

Roy Sourindranath, The Story of Indian Archaeology, 1784-1947, ASI, New Delhi, 1961, p.26.

3348:

of Ashoka. The word is part of the phrase "Amtiyako Yona Raja" (The Greek King Antiochus).

1822: 1391:

to correctly and securely identify several Brahmi letters. The task was then completed by

8: 11918: 11797: 11631: 11606: 11596: 11556: 11533: 11416: 11389: 11349: 11268: 11258: 11186: 11113: 10544: 10401: 10182: 10160: 10112: 9932: 9732: 9588: 9568: 6298:

Irwin, John (1975). "'Aśokan' Pillars: A Re-Assessment of the Evidence - III: Capitals".

5085: 5075: 4945: 4700: 4696: 4681: 4638: 4626: 4561: 4529: 4520: 4482: 4345: 3606: 3511: 3361: 3315: 3177: 2750: 2681:(1st century CE). The identification with Ashoka is confirmed by the similar relief from 2317: 2081: 2038: 1869: 1858: 1812: 1606: 1594: 1563: 1534: 1494: 1229: 1222: 1163: 1106: 1096: 1051: 1040: 9892: 9819: 9330: 7824: 3722:(XII, 1st paragraph), also states that in the 17th year of his reign, at the end of the 3463:(lit. "The Greek king by the name of Antiokos"), beyond whom live the four other kings: 1364:(which were discovered only in the 20th century), the Edicts were mostly written in the 11981: 11886: 11728: 11691: 11686: 11616: 11566: 11513: 11508: 11379: 11374: 11369: 11359: 11344: 11329: 11324: 11263: 11243: 11206: 11131: 10936: 10637: 10561: 10439: 10381: 10222: 10122: 10050: 10025: 9671: 9601: 7947: 7812: 7330: 6307: 6280: 6012: 5746: 5166: 5097: 4989: 4372: 4316:

inscriptions, although Prakrit is considered as a descendant of the Sanskrit language.

4283: 4076: 3936: 3860: 3837: 3814: 3802: 3591: 3519: 3485: 3311: 2979: 2942: 2918: 2832: 2807:

on the subject of false speech - these sermons on the Dhamma, Sirs, I desire that many

2733: 2586: 2461: 2410: 2323:

Ashoka's edicts were the first written inscriptions in India after the ancient city of

1903:

The Minor Pillar Edicts are the Schism Edict, warning of punishment for dissent in the

1396: 671: 36: 11780: 8698:

Taming the Unknown: A History of Algebra from Antiquity to the Early Twentieth Century

6035:"Les maximes delphiques d'Aï Khanoum et la formation de la doctrine du dhamma d'Asoka" 5279: 12159: 12121: 11817: 11802: 11765: 11750: 11523: 11439: 11354: 11191: 11156: 11141: 10868: 10858: 10539: 10386: 10371: 10242: 10165: 10085: 10020: 9952: 9839: 9596: 9472: 9450: 9429: 9426:

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century

9394: 9355: 9341: 9146: 9104: 9065: 9018: 8945: 8879: 8741: 8702: 8663: 8624: 8544: 8505: 8436: 8361: 8233: 8191: 8092: 8050: 8011: 7972: 7859: 7757: 7701: 7617: 7590: 7496: 7457: 7322: 7277: 7238: 7199: 7064: 7025: 6970: 6896: 6793: 6754: 6750:

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century

6549: 6402: 6332: 6193: 6154: 5837: 5617: 5475: 5330: 5326:

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century

5156: 5146: 5103: 5016: 4964: 4854: 4804: 4758: 4677: 4642: 4577: 4565: 4547: 4510: 4472: 4194: 4092: 4088: 4084: 3894:, which was so quickly and so powerfully to conquer a very large part of the world." 3735: 3677: 3515: 3452: 3159: 2754: 2746: 2227: 2175:

The Major Pillar Edicts (excluding the two fragments of translations found in modern

2141: 2117: 2085: 1971: 1928: 1894: 1890: 1862: 1689: 1674: 1618: 1590: 1551: 1516: 1476: 1427: 1369: 1251: 1151: 1101: 1091: 1029: 1011: 834: 11103: 9897: 9797: 9340:, The Wheel Publication No. 386/387, Kandy Sri Lanka: Buddhist Publication Society, 7395: 5712:

Les maximes delphiques d'Aï Khanoum et la formation de la doctrine du dharma d'Asoka

3836:("equanimity") away from the sorrows of life. The positions of philosophers such as 30: 11807: 11760: 11755: 11611: 11576: 11551: 11546: 11297: 11253: 11166: 10841: 10497: 10490: 10274: 10264: 10150: 9814: 9686: 9505:

Ashoka Library in Bibliotheca Polyglotta with all inscriptions, Māgadhī and English

9377: 8181: 7937: 7802: 6272: 6106: 6077:"This excerpt from a new book demolishes Emperor Ashoka's reputation as a pacifist" 6046: 6004: 5506: 5091: 5052: 4778: 4666: 4356: 4265: 4253:

inscriptions (2nd century CE), to acquire designs which are largely similar to the

4223: 4158: 4096: 4059: 3932: 3755: 3436: 3345: 3307: 2983: 2758: 2365: 2258: 2223: 2125: 2109: 1991: 1868:

The inscription technique is generally very poor compared for example to the later

1844: 1498: 1439: 1400: 1380: 1361: 1255: 591: 10886: 8774:

The Universal History of Numbers: From Prehistory to the Invention of the Computer

5567:"Further elucidation of the lat or Silasthambha inscriptions from various sources" 3844:, his ideas recalling the Buddhist doctrine of suffering: he lived in the city of 1795:, and are especially numerous in the southern, newly conquered, frontier areas of 1286:. The inscriptions found in the central and eastern part of India were written in 886: 12171: 12116: 12068: 11996: 11866: 11664: 11644: 11586: 11498: 11161: 11059: 10906: 10642: 10625: 10610: 10588: 10140: 10010: 9844: 9824: 9388: 9313: 9291: 9271: 8873: 8605: 8586: 8470: 8399: 8326: 8307: 8280: 7540: 7402: 6504: 6485: 6440: 6371: 6251: 6232: 6134: 5980: 5893: 5774: 5719: 5680: 5513: 5392: 5286: 4670: 4615: 4368: 4238: 3849: 3759: 3644: 3547: 3489: 3411: 3323: 3281: 2285: 2266: 2211: 2101: 2093: 2003: 1287: 10916: 10070: 10060: 6825: 12126: 11829: 11679: 11461: 11041: 11021: 10941: 10630: 10620: 10554: 10391: 9877: 9740: 5531:. Calcutta : Printed at the Baptist Mission Press 1838. pp. 219–285. 5171: 5106: 4817: 4782: 4584:

Minor Pillar Edict) are more characteristic of the "Normative Buddhism" of the

4186: 3783: 3743: 3500:

in the east from 305 to 250 BCE, and was therefore a direct neighbor of Ashoka.

3493: 3369: 2910: 2457: 2390: 2254: 2215: 2137: 1987: 1957: 1800: 1649: 1528: 1484: 1420: 1399:, who was able to identify the rest of the Brahmi characters, with the help of 1357: 1322: 1303: 1275: 1271: 1233: 917: 902: 587: 44: 8799: 8598: 7942: 7807: 2297:

BCE. This suggests a highly cultured Greek presence in Kandahar at that time.

1712:

inferior to the pillar edicts dated to the years 26 and 27 of Ashoka's reign.

12186: 11896: 11745: 11054: 10956: 10814: 10615: 10593: 10529: 10200: 9995: 9990: 9882: 9551: 8776:

transl. David Bellos et al. London: The Harvill Press (1998): 395, Fig. 24.66

7326: 5779: 5232: 4985: 4974: 4929: 4876: 4689: 4608: 4600: 4589: 4573: 4391: 4383: 4353: 4349: 4325: 4218: 4068: 4032: 4000: 3948: 3931:), and in some of the other areas in the northwestern Indian subcontinent in 3845: 3710: 3419: 3357: 3146: 3131: 3012: 3000: 2991: 2878:, as well as for the Buddhists, illustrating his respect for several faiths. 2871: 2762: 2722: 2682: 2642: 2507: 2467: 2437: 2398: 2386: 2246: 2241: 2180: 1785: 1774: 1583: 1447: 1435: 1408: 1407:, a "virtually perfect" rendering of the full Brahmi alphabet. The edicts in 1392: 1376: 1365: 1345: 1337: 1315: 1291: 1267: 1178: 1169: 1159: 392: 357: 10354: 10344: 9716: 7553: 4210: 3989: 2424:

The initial translation of this Edict by James Prinsep differs from that of

2048: 508: 11986: 11971: 11941: 11891: 11881: 11723: 11518: 11011: 10846: 10724: 10512: 10507: 10334: 10205: 10080: 9541: 5255: 5238: 5218: 5062: 4630: 4581: 4395: 4040: 3916: 3887: 3876: 3829: 3779: 3763: 3480: 3399: 3373: 3191: 3104: 3024: 2836: 2714: 2706: 2097: 1912: 1750: 1730: 1721: 1693: 1575: 1506: 1467:, in Greek and in Aramaic, written in the 10th year of his reign (260 BCE). 1412: 819: 803: 719: 10769: 10754: 10714: 10411: 10075: 9651: 6050: 1663: 1240:

In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to himself as "Beloved of the Gods" (

11956: 11785: 10926: 10911: 10694: 10502: 10430: 10210: 10040: 9942: 9789: 9661: 9494: 5217:

For example, according to Hultzsch, the first line of the First Edict at

4742: 4556: 4498: 4460: 4414:

On the surface of this pillar is an inscription to the following effect:

4333: 4250: 4138: 4118: 3964: 3944: 3928: 3864: 3353: 3271: 2958: 2879: 2574: 2511: 2449: 2445: 2425: 2417: 2394: 2278: 2176: 2161: 2129: 2084:

of Ashoka refer to seven separate major Edicts inscribed on columns, the

2067: 1708: 1703:

Ashoka then made the first edicts in the Indian language, written in the

1697: 1603: 1416: 1311: 1242: 1206: 973: 687: 91: 11946: 10406: 8659:

The Britannica Guide to Theories and Ideas That Changed the Modern World

7951: 7816: 7334: 7310: 5750: 3230:𑀲𑀺𑀮𑀸𑀯𑀺𑀕𑀥𑀪𑀺𑀘𑀸𑀓𑀸𑀳𑀸𑀧𑀺𑀢 𑀲𑀺𑀮𑀸𑀣𑀪𑁂𑀘 𑀉𑀲𑀧𑀸𑀧𑀺𑀢𑁂 1861:

of Ashoka refer to five separate minor Edicts inscribed on columns, the

11901: 11859: 11735: 11541: 11466: 11080: 11064: 11026: 11006: 10901: 10876: 10784: 10719: 10699: 10445: 10376: 10247: 10130: 10100: 10035: 9985: 9643: 9633: 9606: 9499: 6284: 6016: 5251: 4970: 4769: 4595: 4569: 4289: 4198: 4174: 4154: 4051: 4045: 3868: 3739: 3702: 3610: 3427: 3403: 3060: 3046: 3016: 2866: 2773: 2670: 2650: 2453: 2402: 2250: 2011: 1792: 1571: 1443: 1384: 1341: 1299: 1198: 951: 95: 10921: 9917: 8007:

A Comparative History of World Philosophy: From the Upanishads to Kant

7892:"Compareti - Buddhist Activity in Pre-Islamic Persia - Transoxiana 12" 6311: 11876: 11849: 11016: 10891: 10603: 10519: 10396: 10286: 10259: 10252: 10215: 10172: 10135: 9902: 9867: 9834: 9809: 9764: 9333:, Calcutta : Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing 8904: 4860: 4773: 4662: 4622: 4551: 4533: 4455: 4337: 4114: 4036: 3924: 3920: 3825: 3809:: Possible wheel and trisula symbol on Ptolemaic tombstones in Egypt. 3771: 3718: 3551: 3217: 3195: 3173: 3072: 2887: 2730: 2674: 2590: 2515: 2484: 2433: 2270: 2187: 2149: 2007: 1908: 1796: 1788:

are also sometimes classified among the Minor Rock Edicts of Ashoka.

1753: 1733: 1502: 1281: 1259: 436: 158: 11649: 10485: 10339: 10105: 9887: 9756: 9748: 9231: 9179: 9142: