Ashokan Inscriptions Meaning Its Language, Types, and Nature!

Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty issued a number of decrees in the third century BCE that are collected in the Ashokan Inscriptions. All throughout the Indian subcontinent, they can be seen engraved on pillars, rocks, and caverns. These inscriptions conveyed ideas of morality, peace, and responsible leadership and were composed in a variety of languages and scripts, including Prakrit, Greek, and Brahmi. They show Ashoka's change following the Kalinga War and are among the first written chronicles of Indian history.

In this article, we will look into the history of Ashokan inscriptions, their language and their location for the UGC NET History Exam.

In this article the readers will be able to know about the following:

• The Discovery of Ashokan Inscriptions
• Ashokan Inscriptions- Rock Edicts
• Scripts and Languages of the Ashokan Inscriptions
• Types of Ashokan Inscriptions
• Nature of Ashokan Inscriptions

The Discovery of Ashokan Inscriptions

The Ashokan Inscriptions were deciphered by James Prinsep, a British antiquary and colonial administrator in 1837. Initially, James Prinsep was unable to understand which ruler was being referenced when he was able to read Ashoka's Brahmi edicts. This was because most of them refer to Ashoka using variations of the names Devanampiya (beloved of the gods) and Piyadasi (he who looks on auspiciousness). The important pieces of information for solving the mystery came from the Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, which referred to Ashoka by these epithets.

Later, in Maski, Udegolam, Nittur, and Gujjara, variants of Minor Rock Edict I that included the king's given name, Ashoka, were discovered.

Throughout his empire in the third century BCE, Ashoka carved a series of official messages on the surface of natural rocks known as the Rock Edicts. Emperor Ashoka's policies, moral teachings, and commitment to dharma (righteousness) following his conversion to Buddhism are all reflected in these edicts.

Edicts of Major Rock

The welfare of his people, respect for all religions, administrative reforms, and the encouragement of non-violence were the main topics of Ashoka's fourteen significant rock edicts. These decrees, which were dispersed throughout India, sought to teach the populace about moral conduct, fairness, and caring leadership. They draw attention to Ashoka's emphasis on moral behavior, deference to elders, compassion for animals, and civic duty.

Edicts of Minor Rocks

The Minor Rock Edicts tend to be more intimate and contain shorter messages. They show how Ashoka changed following the Kalinga War and how dedicated he was to promoting Buddhist principles. Some of these decrees specifically call Ashoka by name and exhort his subjects to practice self-discipline, honesty, and spiritual development.

Rock Edict Locations

Many locations on the Indian subcontinent, including present-day India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, have Ashokan Rock Edicts. Important locations include Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan), Kalsi (Uttarakhand), Dhauli and Jaugada (Odisha), and Girnar (Gujarat). The numerous sites demonstrate Ashoka's empire's size and his desire to interact with people from many cultures and geographical areas.

Scripts and Languages of the Ashokan Inscriptions

To reach people throughout the vast Mauryan Empire, the Ashokan Inscriptions were composed in a variety of scripts and languages. Ashoka's attempts to reach people from diverse cultures and geographical areas with his teachings of dharma, peace, and moral leadership are demonstrated by the use of multiple scripts and languages.

• The Ashokan Edicts are discovered in several languages and scripts. Brahmi script and Prakrit were the languages of Ashokan Inscriptions. 
• On the other hand, Prakrit and the Kharoshthi script are used in those at Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi. Other than edicts in Indian scripts and languages, inscriptions in foreign languages are present too. 
• A few inscriptions are found in Greek and Aramaic. For example, at Taxila and Laghman (in eastern Afghanistan), two Aramaic inscriptions were discovered. 
• Another interesting feature of Ashokan edicts was bilingual inscriptions. 
• Many bilingual Ashokan Inscriptions were discovered in and outside the Indian subcontinent. 
• In southern-eastern Afghanistan, at Shar-i-Kuna not far from Kandahar, a bilingual Greek-Aramaic inscription was discovered. 
• Another such discovery was at Lampaka and Kandahar, where separate bilingual inscriptions in Prakrit and Aramaic were discovered.

Fig: Ashokan Inscriptions

Types of Ashokan Inscriptions

Ashoka designated his edicts as Dhammalipi (Edicts of Piety) and these edicts are of various types. Let’s look into a consolidated list of the Ashokan Inscriptions.

• Fourteen Major Rock Edicts
• Two Minor Rock Edicts
• Seven Major Pillar Edicts
• Minor Pillar Edict
• Inscriptions on the Barbara Hills
• Commemorative inscriptions

The 14 major rock edicts and the six (and occasionally seven) pillar edicts make up the two primary categories. The sets of inscriptions known as the rock and pillar edicts can be found in many locations with minor changes. The minor rock edicts are regarded as some of the earliest inscriptions, followed by the major rock edicts and then the pillar edicts.

Some inscriptions refer to events based on how many years had passed since Ashoka's abhisheka (consecration ceremony). Ashokan inscriptions are distinctive because they convey the king's voice and thoughts, in contrast to later royal inscriptions that were authoritative and not conversational.

Minor Rock Edicts

The earliest portion of the Edicts of Ashoka are the Minor Rock Edicts of Ashoka (r. 269-233 BCE), which are rock inscriptions. They are older than the Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka.

The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, written in Greek and Aramaic in the 10th year of his reign (260 BCE), in the city of Old Kandahar in contemporary Afghanistan, is often referred to as Ashoka’s first known edict.

The engravings' technical quality is typically relatively low, and the texts of the inscriptions are frequently much shorter than those of the pillar edicts from Ashoka's reign's years 26 and 27. Depending on the area, there are a number of minor differences in the content of these Ashokan inscriptions, but Devanampiya or Piyadasi for Ashoka is typically used.

A few important Minor Rock edicts and their content can be mentioned:

• The Maski version of Minor Rock Edict No. 1 is historically significant because it proved the link between the title "Devanampriya" and the name "Ashoka," identifying Ashoka as the true author of all of these inscriptions.
• The name of Ashoka is used along with his complete title in Minor Rock Edict No. 1 in Gujjara as well: Devanampiya Piyadasi Asokaraja.
• A special Minor Rock Edict No. 3 for the Buddhist clergy was also found nearby Bairat Temple, and it contains a list of Buddhist scriptures that the clergy should frequently study.

Minor Pillar Edicts

The five distinct minor Edicts written on Ashoka's columns, known as the Pillars, are referred to as the Minor Pillar Edicts. The Minor Rock Edicts came first in terms of time, and it's possible that they were issued concurrently with the Major Rock Edicts.

Minor Pillar Edicts are frequently associated with some of the most artistically accomplished pillar capitals of Ashoka, such as the renowned Lion Capital of Ashoka or the very similar, Sanchi lion capital.

Minor Pillar Edicts are most likely dated to the first year of Ashoka's reign (which lasted from 268 to 232 BCE), or from year 12 of his reign, or 256 BCE.

The Minor Pillar Edicts are a small group of pillars, which includes the pillars of Sanchi, Sarnath, Rummindei, and Nigali Sagar with only relatively brief inscriptions (the "Schism Edicts," "Queen's Edict," "Rummindei Edict," and "Nigali Sagar Edict").

Regarding the minor pillar inscriptions, copies of the schism edict have been discovered at Sanchi (Raisen district, MP), Sarnath (Varanasi district, UP), and Kaushambi (Allahabad district, UP).

Major Rock Edicts

The Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka are fourteen in number, They are distinct in content and nature, extremely comprehensive, and lengthy. They were preceded by Minor Rock Edicts. 

These Edicts dealt with practical advice for governing the state, such as the layout of irrigation systems and explanations of Ashoka's ideals of moral peace. They are a source of information regarding the Mauryan Empire's governance and economy.

Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic were the three frequently used languages in Ashokan Inscriptions. The inscriptions were written in irregular and ancient varieties of Prakrit. The Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts were used to write the Prakrit inscriptions, which enabled even the ordinary citizen to read and understand the direct message from the king.

Let us discuss some of the Ashokan Inscriptions and their content to get a better understanding of Ashoka’s ideas and policies of the Mauryan Empire.

• Major Rock Edict I: Major Rock Edict I prohibits the killing of animals. Ashoka mentions that in his kitchen, two peacocks and one deer were killed and he discouraged doing so. He prohibits animal cruelty and gatherings for festive celebrations as he considers them useful. 
• Major Rock Edict II: Descriptions of South Indian kingdoms like the Chola, Pandya, Satyapura, and Keralaputra can be found in this rock edict. It also offers care for both people and animals. Ashoka ordered the digging of wells, the growing of medicinal plants and fruits, and providing medical care to people and animals.
• Major Rock Edict III: It was created 12 years after Asoka's coronation. It states that the Yuktas (subordinate officers) and Pradesikas (district Heads) along with Rajukas (Rural officers) will travel to all areas of the kingdom every five years and propagate the Dhamma Policy of Asoka. It also talks about respecting the Brahmins and Sharmans.
• Major Rock Edict IV: Ashoka mentions that Dhammaghosa (sound of Dhamma), not Bherighosa (sound of war), is ideal for humanity. He also mentions Dhamma's effects on society.
• Major Rock Edict V: In his Major Rock Edict V Ashoka shows concerns regarding the treatment of slaves and mentions that they should be treated with respect, and the appointment of Dhammamahamatras is mentioned. Additionally, showing his paternalistic attitude, Ashoka states that "Every Human is My Child" in this rock edict.
• Major Rock Edict VI: It highlights Ashoka's persistent desire to learn about people's circumstances and care about them, just as a father does. It also discusses welfare policies laid down by Ashoka.
• Major Rock Edict VII: Ashoka in his inscription requests tolerance for all religions: "The worst disservice one can do to one's own sect is to develop one's own sect, demeaning the others out of a passion for one's own, exalting its merit."
• Major Rock Edict VIII: Ashoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and the Bodhi Tree is described.
• Major Rock Edict IX: Ashoka condemns well-known rituals and questions their needs. He stresses the rituals related to Dhamma.
• Major Rock Edict X: Ashoka denounces the pursuit of fame and glory. He asks his subjects to focus on the Dhamma's popularity.
• Major Rock Edict XI: Major Rock Edict XI emphasised the need of showing respect for elders, refrain from animal cruelty, and be kind to friends while outlining the Dhamma's guiding principles.
• Major Rock Edict XII: Major Rock Edict XII presents a focused and determined appeal for tolerance amongst various religious groups. The Kandahar Greek Edict of Ashoka contains the same text but in Greek.
• Major Rock Edict XIII: This edict is of paramount importance. It discusses Ashoka's triumph against Kalinga and the significant number of losses sustained during that war. The victory of "Dhamma" (Dhammavijaya) over Amtiyoga or Amtiyaka, identified as Antiochus II Theos of the Seleucid Empire, Ptolemy III Euergetes of Egypt, Antigonus Gonatus of Macedonia, Maka (identified as Magas of Cyrene), and Alikyashudala is mentioned by the king. The victory of Dhamma over the Cholas and Pandyas throughout southern India, all the way to Ceylon, is also mentioned.
• Major Rock Edict XIV: It describes the engraving of inscriptions across the kingdom.

Major Pillar Edicts

The term "Main Pillar Edicts of Ashoka" refers to seven distinct major Edicts that are inscribed on Ashoka's columns and are extremely elaborate and extensive.

The Major Pillar Edicts together make up Ashoka's most artistically beautiful inscriptions. They were produced in the final years of his rule, from 237 to 236 BCE, which corresponds to years 26 and 27 of his reign.

In contrast to the Major Rock Edicts, which only exist near the frontiers of the Maurya Empire, all of the Major Pillar Edicts are found in the Gangetic Plain (apart from the two translation pieces discovered in contemporary Afghanistan).

In comparison to previous capitals, like those of Sanchi or Sarnath, the pillars dated to the end of Ashoka's reign are connected with pillar capitals that are often more solemn and less artistic.

The Major Pillar Edicts of Ashoka are only inscribed on the Pillars of Ashoka or their pieces, though many pillars lack inscriptions, including the bull pillar of Rampurva and the pillar of Vaishali.

To understand better, let’s have a glance at the contents of these major pillar edicts:

• Pillar Edict I: It describes that protecting his subjects is central to Asoka's philosophy.
• Pillar Edict II: It characterises dhamma as having numerous virtues, compassion, generosity, sincerity, and purity, together with a reduced level of sins.
• Pillar Edict III: Pillar Edict III claims that the sins of harshness, brutality, rage, pride, etc. should be renounced
• Pillar Edict IV: Pillar Edict IV focuses on Rajukas' responsibilities
• Pillar Edict V: It mentions the lists of animals and birds that should not be killed on particular days, as well as another list of species that should never be killed. It also explains that Ashoka released 25 inmates.
• Pillar Edict VI: One of the most important of the sources, mentions the Dhamma Policy.
• Pillar Edict VII: It mentions Asoka's contributions to the Dhamma Policy. He claims that all sects should strive for both restraint and mental purity.

Nature of Ashokan Inscriptions

Ashoka explained Dhamma's governing principles through his edicts. These edicts were written by Ashoka and contained his opinions on the Dhamma, intended for readers from diverse regions. Ashoka was attempting to get in touch with his people directly by doing this. These inscriptions were inscribed throughout his reign, in various years.

Locations for all Ashokan Inscriptions were selected with care to guarantee that a large audience could visit them. So, as has been noted, these edicts could be seen as general public proclamations.

A close reading of the Ashokan Inscriptions would indicate that Ashoka attempted to teach the value of social responsibility and tolerance among various social groups through the Dhamma, while also publicly declaring his affiliation with the Buddhist order.

Conclusion

The exact number of inscriptions Ashoka left behind in the various regions of his empire is unknown. Faxian and Xuanzang mention seeing pillars where none exist at the moment.

The inscriptions were found near historic trade and migratory routes. Some of them, like the one in Sanchi, were found in prominent Buddhist monastic settings.

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Major Takeaways for UGC NET Aspirants In the 19th century, British archaeologists rediscovered the Ashokan Inscriptions, and James Prinsep was instrumental in deciphering the Brahmi script. Ashokan Inscriptions – Rock Edicts**: Ashoka's Rock Edicts are inscriptions on natural rocks that spread moral principles, dharma, and administrative guidelines throughout his empire. The Ashoka empire's linguistic diversity was reflected in the inscriptions' use of Brahmi, Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic scripts. Types of Ashokan Inscriptions: Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts, and Cave Inscriptions are the four main categories of Ashokan inscriptions. Character of Ashokan Inscriptions: The inscriptions are religious, administrative, and moral in nature, with the goal of promoting moral behavior and responsible leadership.

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