Edicts of Ashoka and Inscriptions for Famine Relief | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Major Pillar Edicts of Ashoka

• Topara: Located in Haryana. 
• Meerut: Found in Uttar Pradesh. 
• Kausambi: Also in Uttar Pradesh. 
• Sarnath: Situated in Uttar Pradesh. 
• Rampurva: Located in Champaran, Bihar. 
• Sanchi: Found in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Lauriya-Araraj: Situated in Champaran, Bihar. 
• Lauriya-Nandangarh: Also in Champaran, Bihar. 
• Sankissa: Located in Uttar Pradesh. 
• Rupandehi: Found in Nepal. 
• Nilgirva: Also located in Nepal. 

Minor Rock Edicts

• Bahapur: Located in South Delhi. 
• Gujarra: Found in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Saru Maru/ Panguraria: Also in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Udegolam: Situated in Karnataka. 
• Nittur: Located in Karnataka. 
• Maski: Found in Karnataka. 
• Siddapur: Situated in Karnataka. 
• Brahmagiri: Located in Karnataka. 
• Jatinga-Rameshwara: Found in Karnataka. 
• Palkigundu and Gavimath: Also in Karnataka. 
• Rajula Mandagiri: Located in Andhra Pradesh. 
• Yerragudi: Found in Andhra Pradesh. 
• Sasaram / Sahasram: Situated in Bihar. 
• Rupnath: Located in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Bairat: Found in Rajasthan. 
• Calcutta/Bairat: Located in Rajasthan. 
• Ahraura: Situated in Uttar Pradesh. 
• Ratampurwa: Found in Bihar. 

Minor Pillar Edicts

• Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
• Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
• Allahabad (Kosambi), Uttar Pradesh
• Rummindei/ Paderia, Nepal
• Nigali Sagar, Nepal

Shahbazgarhi

Shahbaz Garhi, located in the Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a site of historical significance where ancient rock inscriptions from the 3rd century BC were found. These inscriptions, cut into two large rock boulders and written in the Kharosthi script, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on January 30, 2004, in the Cultural category. 

• Location and Historical Significance. Shahbaz Garhi is positioned at the crossroads of three ancient routes: from Kabul to Pushkalavati (modern-day Charsadda), from Swat through Buner, and from Taxila through Hund along the Indus River. This strategic location highlights its historical importance as a junction of ancient trade and communication routes. 
• The Rock Inscriptions. The rock edicts found in Shahbaz Garhi were constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, specifically between 272 and 231 BC. They are inscribed in the Kharosthi script, an ancient writing system used in the region. 
• Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka. These edicts present aspects of Ashoka’s dharma, which refers to his principles of ethics and moral conduct. Ashoka was known for promoting Buddhism and implementing policies based on compassion and non-violence. 

Manshera

Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka:

• Mansehra, a city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, was once part of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya. 
• Ashoka governed this region as a prince before becoming emperor. 
• The Edicts of Ashoka, inscribed on three large boulders near Mansehra, record fourteen of Ashoka’s edicts, reflecting his principles of dharma or righteous law. 
• These inscriptions are among the earliest examples of deciphered writing in the subcontinent, dating to the middle of the third century BCE. They are written in the Kharosthi script from right to left. 

Kandahar

Location and Historical Significance:

• Kandahar is located in Afghanistan and is historically significant due to its strategic position. 
• It controls a major trade route that links the Indian subcontinent with the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf. 
• This strategic importance has made Kandahar a frequent target for conquest throughout history. 

Ancient Foundations:

• Old Kandahar is believed to have been founded in the 4th century BCE by Alexander the Great. 
• The city has been part of various empires throughout its history, including the Mauryans, Indo-Scythians, and Safavids. 

Greek Edicts of Ashoka:

• The Greek Edicts of Ashoka are among the Major Rock Edicts and were written in the Greek and Prakrit languages. 

Medieval Period Conflicts:

• During the medieval period, Kandahar was often contested by the Safavids and the Mughals due to its strategic importance. 

Kalsi

Rock Edicts of Khalsi:

• The Rock Edicts of Khalsi, located in Khalsi village near Dehradun, Uttarakhand, are ancient inscriptions made by Emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE. 
• These inscriptions include all 14 Major Rock Edicts, written in the Brahmi script and Pali language. 
• The edicts reflect Ashoka's compassionate approach to governance, his concern for the moral and spiritual well-being of his subjects, and his commitment to non-violence and the abandonment of warfare. 

Girnar

Location and Geological Significance:

• Mount Girnar is situated on Girnar Hill, near Junagadh in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat. 
• It is a prominent igneous plutonic complex that intruded into the basalts towards the end of the Deccan Trap period. 

Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka:

• The edicts are found on black granite rocks. 
• They were inscribed with an iron pen in Brahmi script. 
• Inscriptions in Sanskrit were added around 150 CE by Rudradaman I, a Saka ruler of Malwa. 
• These inscriptions are significant as they are among the earliest in Sanskrit. 
• One inscription mentions the renovation of Sudarshana Lake, originally built by Pusyagupta, a provincial governor under Chandragupta. 
• Another inscription dating from about 450 CE refers to Skandagupta, the last ruler of the Gupta Empire. 

Protective Building and Replicas:

• The protective structure around the edicts was constructed in 1900 by Nawab Rasool Khan of Junagadh State. 
• It underwent repairs and restoration in 1939 and 1941 by the rulers of Junagadh. 
• A smaller replica of the Girnar edicts is displayed outside the entrance of the National Museum in Delhi. 

Temples in Girnar:

• Girnar is home to numerous Jain and Hindu temples, adding to its cultural and religious significance. 

Sopara

In Thane district, Maharashtra.

• Known to Ptolemy and the author of the Periplus.
• Seaport and a centre of international trade. 
• Centre of artisanal activity which manufactured swords, shoes and other leather goods that were in great demand in the western world. 
• A major rock edict of Ashoka found.
• The relics of stupa found. 

Sannati

In Gulbarga District of Northern Karnataka:

• Discovery of the first inscribed portrait of Ashoka, named Raya Ashoka, was made in the stupa. 
• Buddhist Stupa was discovered. 
• Major Ashokan Rock Edict found. 
• Inscription in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. 
• Found separate Rock Edicts 1 and 2, along with fragments of Rock Edicts 13 and 14. 
• Area is famous for the Chandrala Parameshwari Temple. 

Yerragudi/ Erragudi

In Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
Major and Minor Rock Edict of Ashoka:

• Inscriptions in Brahmi Script and Prakrit language.
• Ashoka was referred to Piyadasi and the Beloved of Gods.
• Inscriptions contained on nine rocks advocated that: 
• one should be obedient to one’s parents, 
• one should likewise be obedient to one’s elders, 
• one should be kind to living beings, 
• one should speak truth, 
• one should propagate the attributes of dharma, 
• no-living being be slaughtered for sacrifices. 
• The rock edict also mention welfare work of Ashoka like planting of tress, digging wells for the enjoyment of animals and men. 

Dhauli

Rock Edicts of Ashoka in Puri District, Odisha:

• The Rock Edicts of Ashoka found in Puri District include Edicts I to X, XIV, and two separate Kalinga Edicts. 
• In Kalinga Edict VI, Ashoka expresses his concern for the “welfare of the whole world.” 
• The Dhauli elephant, which emerges from the rock above the inscription, is probably associated with the Buddha. 

Jaugada

In the Ganjam district of Orissa, there is an inscription that is part of the two Kalinga edicts, with the other located at Dhauli. These edicts are supplements to the series of fourteen Major Rock Edicts by Emperor Ashoka. The Kalinga edicts outline the principles for governing the newly conquered province of Kalinga.

Amaravati

Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Archaeological Significance:

• Presence of Megalithic, Black Red Ware (BRW), and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) sites. 
• Inscription in Maurya Brahmi discovered. 

Historical Importance:

• Dhanyakataka recognized as the capital of the Satavahanas. 
• Notable Buddhist stupas and Mahachaityas adorned with intricate marble and limestone sculptures depicting stories of Buddha. 
• Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited the area in the 7th century, highlighting its historical significance. 

Ancient School of Arts:

• Flourished for nearly six centuries, starting from 200-100 BC. 
• Initially patronized by the Satavahanas and later by the Ikshvakus. 
• Notable for Buddhist sculptures exhibiting Greco-Roman influence. 

Sanchi

Buddhist Stupa in Raisen District, MP:

• Original Commission: The stupa was initially commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. 
• Structure: It is a hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. 
• Pillar Edict:. polished sandstone pillar edict of Ashoka was erected at the site. 

Sunga Period:

• The stupa was expanded with stone slabs during this period. 
• It was enclosed by a stone balustrade featuring four toranas (gateway arches). 

Satavahana Period:

• Improvements were made to the gateways and the balustrade, including added color. 
• An inscription from this period records a gift made by artisans under the Satavahana king Satakarni. 

Stone Carving:

• During this period, the Buddha was not depicted as a human figure but represented by symbols such as a horse, his footprints, or a canopy under the bodhi tree. 
• The carvings were done in a style resembling woodwork. 
• The gateways were adorned with narrative sculptures depicting scenes from the Buddha's life interwoven with everyday events. 

Delhi-Meerut and Delhi-Topra

Pillar Edicts in Delhi
Delhi-Meerut Pillar on the Delhi ridge: 

• Features seven main inscriptions or edicts in Brahmi from Emperor Ashoka, along with some figures and minor inscriptions. 
• Conveys a message about the "code of dharma," emphasizing virtue, social cohesion, and piety, with a unique reference to taxation issues. 

Delhi-Topra Pillar in the grounds of Feroz Shah Kotla: 

• Inscription in Brahmi script, similar in message to other Ashokan Pillars. 
• Brought to Delhi by Firuz Shah Tughluq from Topra in Haryana. 

Both pillars were brought to Delhi by Firuz Shah Tughluq, with the Delhi-Meerut Pillar originating from Meerut and the Delhi-Topra Pillar from Topra, Haryana. 

Allahabad

In Allahabad, U.P.

• Pillar is an Ashoka Stambha.
• Contains Ashokan inscription in Brahmi containing the same six edicts that can be seen on the other pillars. 
• Also has later inscriptions of Samudragupta. 
• It is in Sanskrit, written in Gupta script (later version of Brahmi) by the poet and minister, Harishena. 
• Praising Samudragupta and lists the political and military achievements. 
• Also engraved on the stone are inscriptions by the Mughal emperor, Jahangir. 

Sarnath

• Sarnath is situated near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. 
• It is where Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment, making it one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, alongside Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini. 
• Sarnath is also the birthplace of the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and there is a temple dedicated to him. 
• The Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang visited Sarnath and noted the presence of monasteries and monks studying Hinayana Buddhism, as well as a stupa built by Ashoka. 
• The site was a center for the arts during the Gupta period, known as the Sarnath school, and is rich in Buddhist antiquities. 

Dhamek Stupa:

• The Dhamek Stupa is a solid cylinder made of bricks and stone. 
• Its walls are covered with carved figures of humans and birds, along with inscriptions in the Brahmi script. 
• An Ashoka pillar with an edict and a lion capital stands near the stupa. 

Beautiful Sculptures Found at Sarnath:

• A colossal image of a Bodhisattva 
• Several images of Buddha and Buddhist deities 
• Images of Hindu gods such as Shiva and Brahma 

Lion Capital on Ashokan Pillar:

• The lion capital is carved from a single block of polished sandstone. 
• It is mounted on an abacus with a frieze depicting high-relief sculptures of an elephant, a horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by spoked chariot wheels. 
• The wheel on the capital inspired the one on the Indian flag. 
• An inscription on the pillar, part of Ashoka's Edicts, reads, "No one shall cause division in the order of monks." 

Rummindei (Lumbini)

Lumbini: The Birthplace of Buddha

• Location: Rupandehi District, Nepal 
• Historical Significance: Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, in 563 BCE in Lumbini. 
• Ashoka's Visit:. pillar in Lumbini is believed to mark the spot where Emperor Ashoka visited. An inscription on this pillar mentions Ashoka exempting Lumbini from tax. 
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lumbini is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical significance. 

Lauria Nandangarh

Location: West Champaran district, Bihar Significance: Pillar Edicts of Ashoka, featuring six proclamations by Ashoka written in Brahmi and Prakrit. Engravings: The pillar is adorned with figures of peacocks. Capital: It has a single lion capital. 

Lauria Areraj

The Ashoka Pillar in East Champaran district, Bihar, is a remarkable historical monument. This pillar, made from a single block of sandstone, was established by Emperor Ashoka and features six edicts inscribed on it. Currently, the pillar stands without its original capital, but it still holds significant historical value. 

Rampurva

West Champaran District, Bihar:

• Ashokan Pillars: Two pillars were discovered in West Champaran.
• Bull Pillar: This pillar features a bull at the top. It is without inscriptions.
• Lion Pillar: The top of this pillar has a lion. It is inscribed with the Edicts of Ashoka.

Barabar Caves:

• Location: Situated in Jehanabad district, Bihar, these caves are among the oldest surviving rock-cut caves from the Maurya Empire.
• Historical Significance: The caves were donated to monks of the Buddhist and Ajivika sects by Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha, as indicated by inscriptions in Brahmi on the cave walls.
• Purpose: The caves served as residences for monks (Viharas) and assembly halls (Chaityas).
• Structure: Each cave consists of two chambers carved out of granite, featuring a polished internal surface.
• Main Caves: The primary caves are Lomas Rishi and Sudama Caves.
• Lomas Rishi Cave: This cave is known for its arch-like facade, which imitates wooden architecture.

Brahmagiri:

• Location: Chitradurg district, Karnataka.
• Period: Neolithic-Chalcolithic and Megalithic.
• Discoveries: Wattle-and-daub huts with post holes, polished stone tools, microlithic blades, and handmade grey pottery.
• Later Period: Copper-bronze objects.
• Burials: Extended burials of adults and urn burials of children. Megalithic monuments have also been found.
• Agriculture: Evidence of agriculture and domestication of animals, including draft animals.
• Ashokan Edicts: Indicate the southernmost extent of the Mauryan Empire.

Maski:

• Location: Raichur district, Karnataka.
• Period: Neolithic-Chalcolithic and Megalithic cultures.
• Discoveries: Minor Rock Edict of Emperor Ashoka, polished stone tools, microlithic blades, copper rod, and various beads (carnelian, agate, chalcedony, shell, coral, glass, and paste). Pottery includes red ware, BRW, and incised designs. Animal bones and rock paintings were also found.
• Subsistence: Agriculture, animal domestication, and hunting.

Ashoka’s Inscriptions for Famine Relief

Sohgaura

Inscriptions from Sohgaura Village, Gorakhpur District, Uttar Pradesh:

•  A small bronze plate with an inscription was discovered in Sohgaura village, located in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. 
•  The inscription is written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script. 
•  This inscription consists of four lines and documents an order issued from Manavasti by officials in Shravasti concerning famine relief efforts. 
•  Scholars have proposed different dates for this inscription. Some suggest it is from before the time of Ashoka, while others believe it dates to after the Mauryan period. 

Mahasthan

Mahasthan Inscription:

•  The Mahasthan inscription is carved on a piece of limestone and was found in Mahasthangarh village, located in the Bogura district of Bangladesh. 
•  The script and language used in this seven-line inscription are similar to those found in Ashokan inscriptions, but scholars have different opinions about its age. 
•  The inscription seems to be an order from a ruler to a mahamatra (a senior official) stationed at Pundranagara (modern-day Mahasthangarh village) concerning famine relief. 
•  It outlines measures to be taken during a famine, such as distributing paddy (rice) and providing loans.