Ashoka's Inscriptions: Edicts, Reforms, and Buddhist Faith

Introduction: Purpose and Scope of Ashoka's Inscriptions

Dhammika (1993) and the University (2010) concur that Ashoka's inscriptions proclaim the reforms in his policies and the promulgation of his advice to his subjects. After committing frightful atrocities in the Kalinga war, Ashoka repented of the bloodshed and converted his religion. Both sources also concur that Ashoka openly declared his faith in the Three Jewels of Buddhism in the Bhabru Edict, and that he went on a pilgrimage to the holy places associated with the Buddha. Ashoka had his Dharma — that is, the Law of Piety — engraved on rocks and pillars in order to spread Buddhism.

Consequently, the University (2010) claims that the inscriptions contained the fundamental principles of mastery of the senses; purity of thought; gratitude and steadfastness of devotion; kindness; charity; purity; truthfulness; service; support; and reverence.

Physical Characteristics of the Edicts and Pillars

The University (2010) claims that the average height of these edicts is between 40 and 50 feet, and that each weighs up to fifty tons. All the pillars were quarried at Chunar, just south of Varanasi, and were dragged to the places where they were erected. Each pillar was originally capped by a capital featuring a roaring lion, a noble bull, or a spirited horse, and the few capitals that survive are widely recognized as masterpieces of Indian art.

Dhammika (1993) also notes that both the pillars and the capitals exhibit a remarkable mirror-like polish that was the unique feature of Mauryan art, and which has survived despite centuries of exposure to the elements.

Content, Tone, and Moral Principles

Dhammika (1993) declares that Ashoka's edicts are mainly concerned with the reforms he instituted and the moral principles he recommended in his attempt to create a just and humane society, although they give little information about his personal life. In addition, Dhammika (1993) claims that there is little doubt that Ashoka's edicts were written in his own words, rather than in the stylistic language in which royal edicts or proclamations in the ancient world were usually composed. Their distinctly personal tone gives us a unique glimpse into the personality of this complex and remarkable man.

The University (2010) claims that Ashoka's style tends to be somewhat repetitious and methodical, as if explaining something to one who has difficulty understanding. Ashoka frequently refers to the good works he has done — not in a boastful way, but more, it seems, to convince the reader of his sincerity. An anxiousness to be thought of as a sincere person and a good administrator is present in nearly every edict.

Dhammika (1993) declares that Ashoka tells his subjects he looked upon them as his children, that their welfare is his main concern. He apologizes for the Kalinga war and reassures the people beyond the borders of his empire that he has no expansionist intentions toward them. Mixed with this sincerity, there is a definite puritanical streak in Ashoka's character, suggested by his disapproval of festivals and of religious rituals — many of which, while being of little value, were nonetheless harmless.

Ashoka's Reforms and Governance

Dhammika (1993) claims that the contents of Ashoka's edicts make it clear that all the legends about his wise and humane rule are more than justified, and that they qualify him to be ranked as one of the greatest rulers. The Mauryan state under Ashoka gave up the predatory foreign policy that had previously characterized the empire and replaced it with a policy of peaceful co-existence.

The judicial system was reformed to make it fairer, less harsh, and less open to abuse. Those sentenced to death were given a stay of execution to prepare appeals, and regular amnesties were granted to prisoners. State resources were used for useful public works, including the importation and cultivation of medicinal herbs, the building of rest houses, the digging of wells at regular intervals along main roads, and the planting of fruit and shade trees.

To ensure that these reforms and projects were carried out, Ashoka made himself more accessible to his subjects by going on frequent inspection tours, and he expected his district officers to follow his example. To the same end, he gave orders that important state business or petitions were never to be kept from him, regardless of what he was doing at the time.