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Ashoka Edicts & Inscriptions

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Ashokan Edicts and Inscriptions

(By IAS PCS Pathshala)

Ashoka (3rd monarch of the Maurya dynasty) converted to Buddhism after


witnessing the horri c effects of war in Kalinga. He erected pillars and edicts
all over the subcontinent and even in modern-day Afghanistan, Nepal,
Bangladesh and Pakistan to spread the Buddha’s word.

• Devanampiya (which means Beloved of the Gods) and Priyadarsi


were his other names.
• Ashoka's name is only used in four of these locations:
◦ Maski (Karnataka)
◦ Brahmagiri (Karnataka)
◦ Gujjara (MP)
◦ Nettur (AP)

• There are 33 inscriptions in all, which are broadly grouped as follows:


◦ Major rock edicts
◦ Minor rock edicts
◦ Separate rock edicts
◦ Major pillar edicts
◦ Minor pillar edicts
• Minor rock edicts are found on 15 rocks across the country and in
Afghanistan also.

Languages used in Ashoka Inscription


• In eastern part Mauryan empire, Magadhi language in Brahmi script is
used. (Magadhi is the dialect of Prakrit found in Magadha).
• In western parts, Prakrit in Kharoshti script is used.
• Major Rock Edict XIII contains an extract in Greek and Aramaic as
well.

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