Ashoka The Great
- Born: Pataliputra
- Died: 232 BC, Pataliputra
- Spouse: Maharani Devi (m. 286 BC),Asandhimitra (m. 270 BC–240 BC), Tishyaraksha
- Full name: Ashoka Maurya
- Children: Sanghamitra,Kunala, Charumati, jaluka, Tivala Mahinda
- Parents: Bindusara, Subhadrangi
- Grandparents: Chandragupta Maurya
Names and Titles of Ashoka
- Devanamiyasa Ashoka in the MAski Edict of Ashoka.
- The name of Ashoka in the Maski Rock Edict.
- Ashoka title “Devanampiyyena Piyadasi”in Lumbini Minor Pillar edict.
Construction of following stupas and viharas is credited to Ashoka:
- Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Dhamek Stupa,Sarnath,Uttar Pradesh, India
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar, India
- Barabar Caves, Bihar, India
- Nalanda Mahavihara (some portions like Sariputta Stupa), Bihar, India
- Takshashila University (some portions like Dharmarajika Stupa and Kunala Stupa), Takshashila, Pakistan
- Bhir Mound (reconstructed), Takshashila, Pakistan
- Bharhut stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India
- deokothar Stupa, MP, India
- butkara Stupa, swat,Pakistan
- sannati Stupa, KN, India
- Mir Rukun Stupa, Nawabshah, Pakistan
Ashoka Inscription
List of Major Rock Edicts:
| Rock Edict | Description |
| Rock Edict I | Declards prohibition of animal sacrifice and holidays of festive gatherings. |
| Rock Edict II | It mentions social welfare under Dhamma, like medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells, tree planting, etc. Mentions Pandyas, Satyaputras and Keralaputras of South India. |
| Rock Edict III | declares that respect for parents and for all living things, including Brahmanas and Sramanas, is a virtue. |
| Rock Edict IV | Consideration and non-violence to animals and courtesy to relations. |
| Rock Edict V | Refers to the appointment of Dhamma mahamattas. These special officers were appointed to look after the interests of all sects and religions and spread the message of Dhamma in society. |
| Rock Edict VI | Instruction to Dhamma-mahamattas. They were told that they could bring their reports to the king at any time, irrespective of whatever activity he may be engaged in. The second part deals with speedy administration and transaction of smooth business. |
| Rock Edict VII | It is an appeal for tolerance between all sects. |
| Rock Edict VIII | States that Dhamma yatras (tours) would be undertaken by the emperor. The earlier practice of the emperor of going out on hunting expeditions was given up. It describes Ashoka’s first visit to Bodh Gaya. |
| Rock Edict IX | He attacked ceremonies performed after birth, illness, marriage and before setting out for a journey. Ceremonies carried out by mothers and wives are condemned. |
| Rock Edict X | Denounced fame and glory and reasserted the merits of following the policy of Dhamma. |
| Rock Edict XI | Additional clarification of the Dhamma’s principles. Emphasis is on respect for elders, abstaining from killing animals, and liberality towards friends. |
| Rock Edict XII | An appeal towards toleration among sects. |
| Rock Edict XIII | It is crucial for comprehending the Ashokan Dhamma policy. The Rock Edict pleads for conquest by Dhamma instead of War. It mentions Ashoka’s victory over Kalinga. |
| Rock Edict XIV | This Dhamma-related record has been written down in an abbreviated or enlarged manner so that people can act appropriately. |
Ashoka’s Policy of Dhamma
Ashoka’s Dhamma was not a distinct religious creed, nor was it a randomly framed royal doctrine. Rather, it was a sincere and thoughtful effort by Ashoka to address the social problems of his time and to promote harmony, ethical conduct, and tolerance among his subjects with the least possible use of force. Although the Kalinga War deeply shocked him and awakened his conscience, the formulation of Dhamma was essentially Ashoka’s own initiative, shaped by his desire to transform society through moral persuasion rather than coercion.
Administration of Ashoka
Ashoka maintained a highly centralized system of administration, with the emperor himself occupying the supreme position. He exercised direct control over the functioning of the state and closely supervised administrative affairs.
Council of Ministers
Rock Edicts III and IV indicate that Ashoka regularly consulted his ministers (mantrins) on matters of general governance as well as during emergencies, reflecting a consultative administrative framework.
Legal Reforms
Ashoka introduced significant legal reforms to humanize the justice system. Measures such as Danda Samahara (reduction in the severity of punishments) and Vyavahara Samahara (simplification of judicial procedures) were implemented to ensure fairness and compassion.
Provincial Administration
While retaining the traditional provincial divisions of the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka reorganized the provinces into smaller administrative units known as Aharas or Vishayas, which were further subdivided into villages for efficient governance.
Judicial Administration
The system of granting pardons was introduced during Ashoka’s reign, highlighting his emphasis on mercy and justice. Ashokan edicts also make references to prisons and jail officials, indicating an organized penal system.
Administrative Officials
Several categories of officials were appointed to ensure effective governance and the welfare of the people:
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Mahattas: Senior officials responsible for promoting Dhamma, supervising administration, and ensuring public welfare.
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Dhamma Mahattas: Appointed to promote moral values and oversee the spiritual well-being of the people.
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Adhyaksha Mahattas: Entrusted with the welfare of women.
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Anta Mahattas: Responsible for the administration of frontier regions.
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Nagar Mahattas: In charge of urban administration.
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Rajukas: Implemented administrative policies and welfare measures at the local level.
Society and Religion under Ashoka
Ashoka’s social and religious policies were deeply rooted in the principles of Dhamma, emphasizing benevolence, tolerance, and equality. He extended patronage to both orthodox and heterodox religious traditions of his time. Donations were made to Brahmins and Ajivika sects, while Buddhism received special encouragement.
Promotion of Buddhism
Under Ashoka’s patronage, Buddhism flourished significantly. He constructed numerous stupas and monasteries, notable examples being the stupas at Sanchi and Bharhut.
Symbols and Motifs
The symbols and motifs used in Ashokan architecture and administrative structures were closely associated with Buddhism and events from the life of the Buddha.
Pilgrimages
Ashoka undertook pilgrimages to important Buddhist sites. He visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, in 241 B.C., along with other sacred places such as Sarnath, Sravasti, and Kusinagara.
Buddhist Missionary Activities
Ashoka actively promoted Buddhism beyond India. A major mission was sent to Sri Lanka under his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra. Buddhist missionaries were also dispatched to regions such as Burma and Central Asia.
Third Buddhist Council
To strengthen the Buddhist Sangha and eliminate doctrinal differences, Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council in 250 B.C. at Pataliputra. The council was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa and aimed at purifying Buddhism and reinforcing the Hinayana tradition.
Economy under Ashoka
The Mauryan economy reached remarkable prosperity during Ashoka’s reign. Agriculture expanded, population and settlements increased, crafts became more specialized, and both internal and external trade witnessed significant growth. At its peak, the Mauryan Empire is estimated to have accounted for nearly one-third of the world’s GDP.
Land Revenue
Land tax formed the backbone of state revenue. The Samaharta was the chief official responsible for the assessment and collection of land revenue.
Trade and Commerce
Owing to its strategic location at the junction of the northern trade route (Uttarapatha) and the southern trade route, commerce flourished during Ashoka’s reign. His efforts in developing the northern trade route later contributed to the formation of the Grand Trunk Road under Sher Shah Suri.
State Regulation of Trade
The state actively regulated trade and production to improve efficiency. The Samsthadhyaksha was appointed to supervise markets and prevent unfair trade practices.
Guild System
Merchants and artisans were organized into guilds (srenis), which played a vital role in economic organization and urban development.
Urban Economy
With the expansion of trade and commerce, urban centers emerged as hubs of economic activity, contributing to the overall prosperity of the empire.
