India stands as a testament to the richness of human history and culture, with its tapestry woven from countless threads of tradition and legacy. Among the many luminaries that adorn its historical landscape, Emperor Ashoka shines brightly, his reign a beacon of enlightenment and compassion in ancient times.

Emperor Ashoka, a Mauryan ruler who held sway over the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BCE, is a figure revered for his profound impact on the course of history. His legacy, embodied in the Edicts of Ashoka and the monumental Dhauli Stupa, continues to resonate through the ages, offering insights into his visionary governance and enduring values.

There was a discussion with my friends on ancient scripts and I was telling them about the edicts of Ashoka. The Rock Edicts of Ashoka were significant in ancient India as they helped spread his ideas and policies across the Mauryan Empire and beyond. These inscriptions were dispersed throughout modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to the edicts, the extent of Buddhist proselytism during this period reached as far as the Mediterranean and many Buddhist monuments were created.

I remember having seen the Edicts of Emperor Ashoka near Dhauli Stupa on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Odisha state in December 2019, when we went to Bhubaneswar and Puri. I, somehow, missed to blog on these then. So, I am blogging about these today.

The Edicts The Edicts of Ashoka stand as enduring testaments to the emperor’s commitment to governance guided by principles of morality, compassion, and social welfare. Engraved in stone across the expanse of his empire, these proclamations articulated his vision for a just and harmonious society. Written in ancient Indian scripts such as Brahmi and Prakrit, they conveyed Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism and his advocacy for religious tolerance and non-violence.

These edicts, dispersed far and wide across modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, served as conduits for the propagation of Buddhist ideals, reaching even the shores of the Mediterranean. Through them, Ashoka sought to foster a culture of ethical conduct and societal harmony, laying the groundwork for a more enlightened civilization.

Besides a few inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic (which were discovered only in the 20th century), the Edicts were mostly written in the Brahmi script and sometimes in the Kharoshthi script 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.

The Edicts of Ashoka are a series of inscriptions or proclamations issued by Emperor Ashoka during his reign. These edicts were written in various ancient Indian languages and scripts, including Brahmi and Prakrit, and were engraved on rocks and pillars throughout his empire. The purpose of these edicts was to communicate Ashoka’s policies and principles of governance to his subjects.

The edicts cover a wide range of topics, including social and moral ethics, religious tolerance, non-violence, the welfare of his subjects, and the promotion of Dhamma (an ethical and spiritual doctrine). Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism played a significant role in shaping the content of these edicts. They emphasize the importance of compassion, truthfulness, and respect for all forms of life.

The edicts also highlight Ashoka’s efforts to establish a just and compassionate administration, with the welfare of his people at the forefront. They provide insights into the early governance practices in ancient India and reflect Ashoka’s vision of a harmonious and righteous society.

Among the most poignant of Ashoka’s legacies is the Dhauli Stupa, nestled near Bhubaneswar, where the emperor is said to have undergone a profound transformation. Built in the aftermath of the Kalinga War (3rd century BCE), this sacred monument marks the site of Ashoka’s renunciation of violence and embrace of Buddhism. The serene ambience of the stupa belies its tumultuous past, serving as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of human conflict and the enduring power of compassion.

The Dhauli Stupa, coupled with the nearby rock edicts, encapsulates the essence of Ashoka’s spiritual awakening and his subsequent commitment to peace and moral rectitude. Here, amidst the tranquil environs of Dhauligiri, one can glimpse the inner journey of a ruler torn between the trappings of power and the call of conscience. It is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and the potential for redemption in the human soul.

Today, the Dhauli Stupa remains an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a significant historical landmark for visitors interested in Ashoka’s reign and his contributions to Buddhism and the Mauryan Empire.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Emperor Ashoka, we are reminded of the timeless relevance of his teachings in our contemporary world. In an age marked by strife and discord, his message of tolerance and compassion resonates with renewed urgency, offering a blueprint for a more equitable and compassionate society. The Edicts of Ashoka and the Dhauli Stupa stand as beacons of hope in a world yearning for enlightenment, guiding us towards a future imbued with the spirit of peace and understanding.

In the embrace of these ancient relics, we find solace in the enduring power of human goodness and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. For in the words of Ashoka himself, “Conquer by Dhamma, never by force.”