Name: ____________________
In the wake of Alexander the Great’s conquest of Northern India, the Mauryan Dynasty established a
large empire that covered much of the Indian sub-continent. One of the Mauryan Emperors was
Ashoka. Here is what the Flow of History says about him:
“One of the most remarkable rulers in history was Ashoka (269-232 B.C.E). A bloody struggle for the
throne and the even bloodier conquest of Kalinga in 261 B.C.E upset him so much that he embraced the
Buddhist concept of non-violence and renounced war, gave up the hunt, and outlawed the killing of any
animals not used or eaten. Throughout his reign, Ashoka continued to rule in the spirit of Buddhism
(which he may also have seen as a unifying force for his empire). He sent out officers of righteousness
to ensure the just rule by his officials. He codified Buddhist laws and principles. And he worked for the
welfare of his subjects by digging wells, building rest houses and planting banyan trees for shade,
medicinal herbs, and mango trees. Unfortunately, Ashoka’s policy of non-violence also undermined his
army's efficiency, which allowed revolts, invasions, and the fall of the Mauryan Empire by 185 B.C.E.”
Ashoka also published Edicts on Rock Pillars throughout his domain. This has left historians invaluable
evidence about the nature of his rule—or, more accurately, the messages Ashoka wished to send about
his rule. Here are some excerpts of what Ashoka wrote in those edicts.
Read the Excerpts and answer the following questions of a separate piece of paper.
1.
2.
3.
4.
According to the edicts, how should Mauryan Officials/Bureaucrats behave?
What evidence of Buddhist influence can you find in these edicts?
What are some of the virtuous behaviors that Ashoka is trying to promote among his subjects?
How does Ashoka view his relationship to his subjects?
“Concerning this, Beloved-of-the-Gods1 says: Wherever there are stone pillars or stone slabs, there this
Dhamma2 edict is to be engraved so that it may long endure. It has been engraved so that it may endure
as long as my sons and great-grandsons live and as long as the sun and the moon shine, and so that
people may practice it as instructed. For by practicing it happiness will be attained in this world and the
next.”
“Beloved-of-the-Gods says that the Mahamatras of Tosali who are judicial officers in the city are to be
told this. I wish to see that everything I consider to be proper is carried out in the right way. And I
consider instructing you to be the best way of accomplishing this. I have placed you over many thousands
of people that you may win the people's affection.”
“You must attend to this matter. While being completely law-abiding, some people are imprisoned,
treated harshly and even killed without cause so that many people suffer. Therefore your aim should be
1
2
This refers to Ashoka
Dhamma is the truth revealed by Buddha.
to act with impartiality…Great fruit will result from doing your duty, while failing in it will result in
gaining neither heaven nor the king's pleasure. Failure in duty on your part will not please me. But done
properly, it will win you heaven and you will be discharging your debts to me.”
“Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi3, has caused this Dhamma edict to be written.[1] Here (in my
domain) no living beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice. Nor should festivals be held, for
Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, sees much to object to in such festivals, although there are some
festivals that Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, does approve of.”
“Whatever good I have done has indeed been accomplished for the progress and welfare of the world.
By these shall grow virtues namely: proper support of mother and father, regard for preceptors and
elders, proper treatment of Brahmans and ascetics, of the poor and the destitute, slaves and servants.”
“The dharma is excellent. But wherein consists the dharma? In these things: little impiety, many good
deeds, compassion, liberality, truthfulness, and purity”
“All men are my children. What I desire for my own children, and I desire their welfare and happiness
both in this world and the next, that I desire for all men. You do not understand to what extent I desire
this, and if some of you do understand, you do not understand the full extent of my desire.
Therefore acting in this way, you (government officials) should perform your duties and assure them (the
people beyond the borders) that: "The king is like a father. He feels towards us as he feels towards
himself. We are to him like his own children."
3
“One who looks with kindness on everything.” This was another nickname of Ashoka.