Devanampriya Priyadarsi Chakravartin Samrat Ashoka Mahan

Ashoka the Great

Ashoka had almost been forgotten, but in the 19th century, James Prinsep contributed to the revelation of historical sources. After deciphering the Brahmi script, Prinsep had originally identified the "Priyadasi" of the inscriptions he found with the King of Ceylon Devanampiya Tissa. However, in 1837, George Turnour discovered an important Sri Lankan manuscript (Dipavamsa, or "Island Chronicle" ). In particular, the Sanskrit Ashokavadana ('Story of Ashoka'), written in the 2nd century, and the two Pali chronicles of Sri Lanka (the Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa) provide most of the currently known information about Ashoka. Additional information is contributed by the Edicts of Ashoka, whose authorship was finally attributed to the Ashoka. Hence, Ashoka the Great is immortal by his deed.

Great Mauryan Empire

Power Struggle

Greatest King in Indian History

Administration

Peaceful Days

Dhamma Religion

The Doomsday

DEATH OF ASHOKA

DEATH OF GREAT EMPEROR

Ashoka ruled for an estimated 36 years and died in 232 BCE. Legend states that during his cremation, his body burned for seven days and nights. After his death, the Mauryan dynasty lasted just fifty more years until his empire stretched over almost all of the Indian subcontinent. The reign of Ashoka Maurya might have disappeared into history as the ages passed by, had he not left behind records of his reign. These records are in the form of sculpted pillars and rocks inscribed with a variety of actions and teachings he wished to be published under his name. The language used for inscription was in one of the Prakrit "common" languages etched in a Brahmi script. In the year 185 BCE, about fifty years after Ashoka's death, the last Maurya ruler, Brihadratha, was assassinated by the commander-in-chief of the Mauryan armed forces, Pushyamitra Shunga, while he was taking the Guard of Honor of his forces. Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty (185-75 BCE) and ruled just a fragmented part of the Mauryan Empire.

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ASHOKA'S DHAMMA

DHAMMA

Dhamma is a key concept with multiple meanings in Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and others. The Dharma preached by Ashoka is explained mainly in term of moral precepts, based on the doing of good deeds, respect for others, generosity and purity. Dharma is good, but what constitutes Dharma? It includes little evil, much good, kindness, generosity, truthfulness and purity. Pilar Edict Nb2 (S. Dharmika). And noble deeds of Dharma and the practice of Dharma consist of having kindness, generosity, truthfulness, purity, gentleness and goodness increase among the people. Rock Pilar Nb7 (S. Dharmika).

Ashoka's Dharma meant that he used his power to try to make life better for his people and he also tried to change the way people thought and lived. He also thought that dharma meant doing the right thing. It is my desire that there should be uniformity in law and uniformity in sentencing. I even go this far, to grant a three-day stay for those in prison who have been tried and sentenced to death. During this time their relatives can make appeals to have the prisoners' lives spared. If there is none to appeal on their behalf, the prisoners can give gifts in order to make merit for the next world, or observe fasts. Pillar Edict Nb4 (S. Dhammika).

The Mauryan empire was the first Indian empire to unify the country and it had a clear-cut policy of exploiting as well as protecting natural resources with specific officials tasked with protection duty. He was perhaps the first ruler in history to advocate conservation measures for wildlife. Reference to these can be seen inscribed on the stone edicts.

Fall of Ashoka the Great

His appointment of Dharma-Mahamatras or the Superintendents of Morals also gave a blow to the supremacy of the Brahmins in religious matters and affected their hereditary rights. Similarly, Asoka’s principle of equality of all men before law and justice made the Brahmins angry. By his Vyavahara-Samata, Asoka wanted to regard all his subjects equal in Law. And, by his Danda-Samata he wanted ‘equality of punishment’ irrespective of caste and creed. Since the Brahmins enjoyed certain privileges in earlier times both in law and punishment, Asoka’s new regulations annoyed them greatly. But this thesis has been rejected by many historians as historically unsound. Asoka’s regulation against animal sacrifice was in the true line of Upanishadic philosophy of the Hindus. Asoka’s respect for the Brahmins as a class was deep-rooted.

Regarding Asoka’s pacifist policy, it is said that Asoka abandoned the royal tradition of fighting wars after his Kalinga War. By his pacifism, he silenced the war-drum or the Bheri-ghosha and practised the Call of Peace or Dharmaghosha. He even asked his successors to abstain from new conquests by bloody battles. As a result of this, it is said, the Maurya army and its generals lost their martial vigour and their desire for aggression. This weakened the army and prepared the path for the downfall of an extensive empire which chiefly rested on its military power. But he never meant to give up might in the larger interest of his people. He wanted all states to live in peace, instead of fighting wars. But it did not mean that any state would go down in internal turmoil.

Romila Thapar stated that the Ashokan Administration was highly centralised.


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PEACEFUL DAYS OF ASHOKA

PEACEFUL DAYS

As a Buddhist emperor, Ashoka believed that Buddhism is beneficial for all human beings as well as animals and plants, so he built a number of stupas, Sangharama, viharas, chaitya, and residences for Buddhist monks all over South Asia and Central Asia. He ordered the construction of 84,000 stupas to house the Buddha's relics. He sent his only daughter Sanghamitra and son Mahendra to spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka. At the end of the Third Buddhist Council, Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to nine parts of the world to propagate Buddhism. Ashoka helped to construct Sanchi and Mahabodhi Temple.

Edicts

List of Stupas made by Ashoka the Great

• 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
• Taxila University (some portions like Dharmarajika Stupa and Kunala Stupa), Taxila, Pakistan
• Bhir Mound (reconstructed), Taxila, Pakistan
• Bharhut stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Deorkothar Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Butkara Stupa, Swat, Pakistan
• Sannati Stupa, Karnataka, India: the only known sculptural depiction of Ashoka
• Mir Rukun Stupa, Nawabshah, Pakistan


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ASHOKAN EDICTS

Edicts

The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka as well as boulders and cave walls made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire during his reign from 269 BCE to 232 BCE. These inscriptions were dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan and provide the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. The edicts describe in detail Ashoka's view about dhamma. The Edicts are divided into:
1 - Minor Rock Edicts: Edicts inscribed at the beginning of Ashoka's reign.
2 - Minor Pillar Edicts: Schism Edict, Queen's Edict, Rummindei Edict, Nigali Sagar Edict.
3 - Major Rock Edicts: 14 Edicts (termed 1st to 14th) and 2 separate ones found in Odisha.
4 - Major Pillar Edicts: 7 Edicts, inscribed at the end of Ashoka's reign.
These inscriptions proclaim Ashoka's adherence to the Buddhist philosophy which, as in Hinduism is called dharma, "Law". The inscriptions show his efforts to develop the Buddhist dharma throughout his kingdom. Although Buddhism and the Gautama Buddha are mentioned, the edicts focus on social and moral precepts rather than specific religious practices or the philosophical dimension of Buddhism. These were located in public places and were meant for people to read. In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to himself as "Beloved servant of the Gods" (Devanampiyadasi). The inscriptions revolve around a few recurring themes: Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism, the description of his efforts to spread Buddhism, his moral and religious precepts, and his social and animal welfare program. The edicts were based on Ashoka's ideas on administration and behaviour of people towards one another and religion.

Rock Edict I- Prohibits animal slaughter. Bans festive gatherings and killings of animals. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well.
Rock Edict II - Provides for care for man and animals, describes Chola, Pandyas, Satyapura and Keralputra Kingdoms of South India.
Rock Edict III - Generosity to Brahmans. Issued after 12 years of Asoka’s coronation. It says that the Yuktas (subordinate officers and Pradesikas (district Heads) along with Rajukas (Rural officers ) shall go to all areas of the kingdom every five years and spread the Dhamma Policy of Asoka.
Rock Edict IV- Dhammaghosa is ideal to mankind and not the Bherighosa. Impact of Dhamma on society.
Rock Edict V - concerns about the policy towards slaves. He mentions in this rock edict "Every Human is my child". Appointment of Dhammamahamatras is mentioned in this edict.
Rock Edict VI - Describes King’s desire to get informed about the conditions of the people constantly. Talks about welfare measures.
Rock Edict VII - Requests tolerance for all religions - "To foster one’s own sect, depreciating the others out of affection for one’s own, to exalt its merit, is to do the worst harm to one’s own sect.“
Rock Edict VIII - Describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya & Bodhi Tree.
Rock Edict IX - Condemns popular ceremonies. Stress in ceremonies of Dhamma.
Rock Edict X - Condemns the desire for fame and glory. Stresses on the popularity of Dhamma.
Rock Edict XI- Elaborates Dhamma.
Rock Edict XII - Directed and determined the request for tolerance among different religious sects.
Rock Edict XIII - It is the largest inscription from the edict. King considered the victory by “Dhamma” to be the foremost victory; mentions the victory of “Dhamma”.
Rock Edict XIV- Describes engraving of inscriptions in different parts of the country.

The Ashoka Chakra (the wheel of Ashoka) is a depiction of the Dharmachakra (the Wheel of Dharma). The wheel has 24 spokes which represent the 12 Laws of Dependent Origination and the 12 Laws of Dependent Termination. The Ashoka Chakra has been widely inscribed on many relics of the Mauryan Emperor, most prominent among which is the Lion Capital of Sarnath and The Ashoka Pillar. The most visible use of the Ashoka Chakra today is at the centre of the National flag of the Republic of India (adopted on 22 July 1947), where it is rendered in a Navy-blue colour on a White background, by replacing the symbol of Charkha (Spinning wheel) of the pre-independence versions of the flag. The Ashoka Chakra can also be seen on the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka which has been adopted as the National Emblem of India.
The four animals in the Sarnath capital are believed to symbolise different steps of Lord Buddha's life. The Elephant represents the Buddha's idea in reference to the dream of Queen Maya of a white elephant entering her womb. The Bull represents desire during the life of the Buddha as a prince. The Horse represents Buddha's departure from palatial life. The Lion represents the accomplishment of Buddha.

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ASHOKAN ADMINISTRATION

ADMINISTRATION

Ashoka's military power was strong but after his conversion to Buddhism, he maintained friendly relations with three major Tamil kingdoms in the South—namely, Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas. Ashoka's rock edicts declare that injuring living things is not good, and no animal should be sacrificed for slaughter. He imposed a ban on the killing of "all four-footed creatures that are neither useful nor edible", and of specific animal species including several birds, certain types of fish and bulls among others. He also banned the killing of female goats, sheep and pigs that were nursing their young; as well as their young ones up to the age of six months. Ashoka also abolished the royal hunting of animals and restricted the slaying of animals for food in the royal residence. Ashoka has been described as "one of the very few instances in the world history of a government treating its animals as citizens who are as deserving of its protection as the human residents." The establishment of the Mauryan empire in contrast to the earlier smaller kingdoms ushered in a new form of government, that of a centralized empire. The council of ministers or Mantri-Parishad advised the king and at times may have acted as a political check. But the powers of the council were limited owing to the fact that it was the king who appointed the ministers in the first instance. Three qualities of a minister that the Arthasastra stresses are those of birth, integrity and intelligence. The Arthasastra lists the Chief Minister or the Mahamantri and also distinguishes between the ministers and the assembly of ministers. members included the Purohita, Senapati (Commander-in-chief), the Mahamantri and the Yuvaraja. Amatyas was some sort of administrative personnel or civil serva0nts who filled the highest administrative and judicial appointments. Their pay scales, service rules and method of payment were clearly laid down. Adhyakshas or Superintendent who looked after various departments. Kautilya in the second book of his Arthasastra, Adhyakshaprachara, gives an account of the working of nearly 27 adhyaksas.

The army was often led by the king himself. It was only in the days of the last Maurya that we find a Senapati overshadowing the king and transferring the allegiance of the troops to himself. The army of Chandragupta, according to Pliny, included 6, 00,000-foot soldiers, 30,000 cavalry and 9,000 elephants, besides chariots. It was under the control of the Senapati under whom there were several adhyakshas of different wings and units of the army such as those of infantry (Padadhyaksha), cavalry (asvadhyaksha), war elephants (hastyadhyaksha), navy (navadhyaksha), chariots (ratha0dhyaksha), an armoury (ayudhagaradhyaksha). Kautilya classifies troops into the hereditary ones (Maula), the hired troops (bhritakas), troops supplied by forest tribes (atavivala), and those furnished by the allies (mitravala). The first was of primary importance and constituted the standing army of the king. Megasthenes describes the administration of the armed forces as comprising of six committees with five members on each. The first committee was concerned with naval warfare, the second equivalent to the modern commissariat supervising the transport of war materials, third supervising the infantry, the fourth supervising cavalry, the fifth was concerned with chariots and the sixth supervised the elephant corps.

The espionage department was manned by guddhapurushas (secret agents) under the control of mahamatyapasarpa, both stationary (Samsthan) and wandering (Sanchari). Officials formed the personnel of this cadre. Sannidhata: The treasurer was responsible for the storage of royal treasure, and of the state income both in cash and kind. Samaharta: He was in charge of the collection of revenue from various parts of the kingdom and looked after the income and expenditure by supervising the works of the akshapataladhyaksha (Accountant General). The Accountant-General kept the accounts both of the kingdom and the royal household. He was assisted by a body of clerks (Karmikas).The chief source of revenue was the land tax which was one-sixth to one-fourth of the produce and was collected by the revenue officer, agronomic, who measured the land, levied the tax and collected it. The second major source of income was toll- a tax which was imposed on all articles (except grain, cattle and a few other items). This tax was approximately 10 per cent. Shudras, artisans and others who survived on manual labour had to work free for one day in each month. Strabo mentions that craftsmen (except royal craftsmen), herdsmen and husbands men all paid taxes. The king’s own estate or royal lands yielded income called sita. Two kinds of taxes, bali and bhaga, are referred to in the Ashokan edicts.

The King was the head of justice – the fountain head of law and all matters of grave consequences were decided by him. Kautilya refers to the existence of two kinds of courts – dharmasthiyas (dealing with civil matters) and kantakasodhanas (dealing criminal cases). There were special courts in the cities and villages presided over by the pradesika, mahamatras and rajukas. Kautilya mentions the four sources of law.Police headquarters were found in all principal centres.

The empire was divided into four provinces, each under a prince or member of the royal family (Kumara and Aryaputra). Under Asoka, there were four provinces: the Northern Province (Uttarapatha) with the capital at Taxila, western province (Avantiratha) with the headquarters at Ujjain, eastern province (Prachyapatha) with the centre at Tosali and the southern province (Dakshinapatha) with its capital as Suvarnagiri. The central province Magadha, with its capital at Pataliputra was also the headquarters of the entire kingdom. The viceroy had the power to appoint some of his officials such as the Mahamattas, who went on tour every five years. The three major officials of the provinces were thepradesika, the rajuka and the yukta. The pradesika was in charge of the overall administration of a district – supervising the collection of revenue and of maintaining law and order both in the rural areas and in the towns within his district. The rajuka was responsible for surveying and assessing the land. There was an intermediate level of administration between the district level and that of the village. The unit here was formed by a group of five or ten villages.

There was an intermediate level of administration between the district level and that of the village. The unit here was formed by a group of five or ten villages. The gopa worked as an accountant to the unit. His duties included the setting up of village boundaries, keeping a census of the population of each village according to their tax-paying capacity, their professions and their age, noting the live-stock of each village, etc. The tax was collected by the sthanika who worked directly under the Pradesika. Village (grama) was the smallest unit of administration and enjoyed autonomy to a great extent. Individual villages must have had their own set of officials who were directly responsible to the gopas. The Arthasastra mentions the nagaraka or city superintendent who was responsible for the main-tenance of law and order in the city. He was assisted by two subordinate officials, the gopa and the sthanika.

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GREATEST KING IN INDIAN HISTORY

Ascending the throne, Ashoka expanded his empire over the next eight years, from the present-day Assam in the East to Balochistan in the West; from the Pamir Knot in Afghanistan in the north to the peninsula of southern India except for present-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala which were ruled by the three ancient Tamil Kingdoms.

Kalinga War changed the life of Ashoka forever.

Ashoka is believed to have had five wives. They were named Devi (or Vedisa-Mahadevi-Shakyakumari), the second queen, Karuvaki, Asandhimitra(designated agramahisi or "chief queen"), Padmavati, and Tishyarakshita. He is similarly believed to have had four sons: Mahinda, Tivara, Kunala and Jalauka and two daughters: Sanghamitra and Charumati.

While the early part of Ashoka's reign was apparently quite bloodthirsty, he became a follower of the Buddha's teachings after his conquest of the Kalinga. Kalinga was a state that prided itself on its sovereignty and democracy. With its monarchical parliamentary democracy, it was quite an exception in ancient Bharata where there existed the concept of Rajdharma. Rajdharma means the duty of the rulers, which was intrinsically entwined with the concept of bravery and dharma. From his 13th inscription, we come to know that the battle was a massive one and caused the deaths of more than 100,000 soldiers and many civilians who rose up in defence; over 150,000 were deported. Nevertheless, his patronage led to the expansion of Buddhism in the Mauryan empire and other kingdoms during his rule, and worldwide from about 250 BCE. After Ashoka's accession, Mahendra headed a Buddhist mission, sent probably under the auspices of the Emperor, to Sri Lanka.

Ashoka before Kalinga War was called Chanda Ashoka & after the Kalinga War was called Dhamma Ashoka.



Dhamma Ashoka (Left) and Chanda Ashoka (Right)






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