Nitin Singhania Summary: Edicts and Inscriptions | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Importance of Inscriptions

• Early inscriptions and epigraphy are vital for historical documentation.
• They offer insights into events, social structures, and economic activities of the time.
• Valuable information about civilizations, including food habits, trade, science, technology, and religion, is preserved in inscriptions.
• Considered the most accurate and authentic sources for historians.
• Provide a detailed understanding of major transitions in ancient and medieval history.

Stone Inscriptions

• Inscriptions were written in various languages during different dynasties.
• Reflect the linguistic diversity of historical periods.
• Abundance of inscriptions in India, especially recording on copper plates, indicates a deliberate effort to preserve records.
• Contribute to understanding cultural aspects, traditions, and societal norms of specific historical periods.

Pre-Ashokan Inscriptions

Boghaz Koi Inscription (14th century BC) - North-Eastern Syria

• Mentions deities such as Indara (Indra), Mitras (Mitra), Nasatia (Nasitya or the Ashvins), and Uruvanass (Varuna).
• These deities are also found in the Rig Veda.

Piprahwa Relic Casket Inscription (3rd or 2nd century BC) - Uttar Pradesh

• The language in the casket's inscription is a mix of Magadhi and Pali.
• The relics were believed to be stored in the casket.

Barli Pillar Inscription (perhaps the 5th-4th century BC) - Rajasthan

• Possibly the earliest Jain inscription.
• Written in Brahmi script and the Prakrit language.

Barli Pillar Inscription

Bhattiprolu Relic Casket Inscription (3rd-1st century BC) - Andhra Pradesh

• The Bhattiprolu script, a variant of Brahmi, was discovered in the flourishing Buddhist town of Bhattiprolu in the present Guntur district.

Sohgaura Copper Plate Inscription (3rd century BC) - Uttar Pradesh

• The earliest known copper plate, known as the Sohgaura copper plate.
• Records famine relief efforts, mentioning the establishment of two grain depots (Kosthagara) to combat famine.
• Discovered in the Gorakhpur district, it is one of the few pre-Ashokan Brahmi inscriptions written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script.

Mahasthangarh Brahmi Inscription (around the 3rd century BC) - present-day Bangladesh

• Mahasthangarh was a significant city under the Mauryan Empire.
• The inscription on a limestone slab consists of six lines in the Prakrit language and in Brahmi script, recording a land grant.

Edicts of Ashoka on Rocks and Pillars

The Edicts of Ashoka comprise approximately 33 inscriptions found on pillars, boulders, and cave walls, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire during his rule from 268 BC to 232 BC. Dispersed across the country, these inscriptions serve as the earliest tangible evidence of Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka, in response to the intricate issues facing society, detailed his views on Dhamma in the edicts. James Prinsep was the first to decipher these edicts.

Rocks Edicts, AshokaThe Ashokan Edicts are categorized as follows:

• Minor Rock Edicts (3)
• Major Rock Edicts (14 edicts and 2 separate ones found in Odisha)
• Minor Pillar Edicts (5)
• Major Pillar Edicts (6, and in one case 7)

An additional noteworthy mention is the Bilingual Rock Inscription located in present-day Afghanistan, specifically in Kandahar. Dating back to the 10th year of Ashoka's reign (260 BC), this inscription is the first known instance of Ashoka's writing in Greek and Aramaic script, providing further historical significance.

Minor Rock Edicts of Ashoka

The Minor Rock Edicts, forming the earliest part of Ashoka's inscriptions, predate his major Rock Edicts and were written in the early years of his reign, specifically in the 11th year. These inscriptions exhibit slight variations across various known locations, including:

1. Bahapur (New Delhi)
2. Ahraura (Uttar Pradesh)
3. Gujjara (Madhya Pradesh)
4. Rupnath (Madhya Pradesh)
5. Maski (Karnataka)
6. Gavimath (Karnataka)
7. Palkigundu (Karnataka)
8. Nittur (Karnataka)
9. Panguraria (Madhya Pradesh)
10. Sasaram (Bihar)
11. Bairat (Rajasthan)
12. Yerragudi (Andhra Pradesh)
13. Rajula Mandagiri (Andhra Pradesh)
14. Udegolam (Karnataka)
15. Brahmagiri (Karnataka)
16. Siddagiri (Karnataka)
17. Jatinga Rameshwara (Karnataka)

Devanampiya PiyadasiThe third edict is exclusively found in the Calcutta-Bairat edict, known as the Bhabru Edict, where Ashoka expresses full reverence and faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.

In addition to these locations, inscriptions such as the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription (written in Greek and Aramaic script), Aramaic Inscription of Laghman, Aramaic Inscription of Taxila, and Barabar Caves Inscription are sometimes considered part of the Minor Rock Edicts of Ashoka.

Specifically addressing two notable Minor Rock Edicts:

• Gujjara Minor Rock Edict (Madhya Pradesh): Inscribed with Minor Rock Edict 1, using Ashoka's full title 'Devanampiya Piyadasi Asokaraja.'
• Maski Minor Rock Edict (Karnataka): Located on the bank of the Maski River, this inscription remains a dharma shasana, urging people to follow the tenets of Buddhism. It also suggests the spread of Mauryan rule up to the Krishna Valley in North-eastern Karnataka. This edict is historically crucial as it is the first to contain the name Ashoka instead of the earlier reference to Devanampiya Piyadasi, confirming the association of the title 'Devanampiya' with Ashoka.

Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka