ASHOKAN DHAMMA
1. Context
In the heart of South Delhi, near Kalkaji temple in East of Kailash, one can find a piece of history that pre-dates the Chahamanas, Lodhis, and Khiljis, by several centuries. The rock edict, one among several scattered in different parts of the country, narrates emperor Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma, which he began to disseminate after embracing Buddhism and ahimsa (non-violence) following his conquest in the bloody battle for Kalinga
2. Edicts and inscriptions of Ashoka
The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on pillars, rocks, and caves, attributed to Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire who reigned from 268 BCE to 232 BCE. The inscriptions were written in Prakrit, the lingua franca of the Indian subcontinent at the time, and in the Brahmi script
The Edicts of Ashoka are divided into following categories:
- Major Rock Edicts: There are 14 Major Rock Edicts, which are inscribed on large rocks. These edicts are located throughout the Mauryan Empire, from present-day Afghanistan to Bangladesh.
- Minor Rock Edicts: There are 7 Minor Rock Edicts, which are inscribed on smaller rocks. These edicts are located in the heartland of the Mauryan Empire, in modern-day Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
- Pillar Edicts: There are 6 Pillar Edicts, which are inscribed on pillars. These pillars are located throughout the Mauryan Empire, and some of them are decorated with sculptures of animals.
- Cave Edicts: There are 2 Cave Edicts, which are inscribed on the walls of caves. These caves are located in the Barabar and Nagarjunakonda hills in India.
- Greek and Aramaic Edicts: There are 3 Greek and Aramaic Edicts, which are inscribed in Greek and Aramaic, respectively. These edicts are located in Kandahar, Afghanistan
3.Topics covered in the edicts of Ashoka
The Edicts of Ashoka cover a wide range of topics, including:
- The importance of dhamma (righteousness)
- The need for non-violence and compassion
- The importance of education and welfare
- The need to respect all living beings
- The importance of spreading Buddhism
The Edicts of Ashoka are a valuable source of information about the Mauryan Empire, the history of Buddhism, and the development of Indian thought. They are also a testament to the Ashoka's commitment to promoting peace and harmony
4. Court Art vs Popular Art
Court art and popular art are two broad categories of art that can be distinguished by their intended audience, their subject matter, and their style.
- Court art is created for the elite, usually by royal or aristocratic patrons. It is often commissioned to celebrate the power and prestige of the patron, and it may be used to promote a particular ideology or message. Court art is typically characterized by its high quality, its use of expensive materials, and its complex symbolism.
- Popular art is created for the masses, usually by anonymous artists. It is often concerned with everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people. Popular art is typically characterized by its simplicity, its use of everyday materials, and its direct appeal to the emotions.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between court art and popular art:
| Characteristic | Court Art | Popular Art |
|---|---|---|
| Intended audience | Elite | Masses |
| Subject matter | Power, prestige, ideology | Everyday life, ordinary people |
| Style | High quality, complex symbolism | Simple, direct appeal to emotions |
| Materials | Expensive | Everyday |
| Patronage | Royal or aristocratic | Anonymous artists |
5. Ashoka's Policy of Dhamma
- According to Historians, the principles of Dhamma were so formulated as to be acceptable to people belonging to different communities and following any religious sect
- Dhamma was not given any formal definition or structure, It emphasised toleration and general behaviour
- Dhamma stressed dual toleration-it emphasised on toleration of people themselves and also the toleration of their various beliefs and ideas
- There is a stress on the notion of showing consideration towards slaves and servants; there is stress also on obedience to elders; generosity towards the needy, Brahmanas and Sramanas, etc
- Asoka also pleaded for tolerance of different religious sects in an attempt to create a sense of harmony.
- The policy of Dhamma also laid stress on non-violence. Non-violence was to be practised by giving up war and conquests and also as a restraint on the killing of animals
- The policy of Dhamma also included certain welfare measures, like planting of trees, digging of wells, etc
The following are the basic features of Dhamma:
Dhamma: The concept of dhamma is central to the Edicts of Ashoka. It is often translated as "righteousness" or "virtue," but it has a broader meaning that encompasses ethical behavior, social responsibility, and spiritual well-being.
Non-violence: Ashoka strongly advocated for non-violence, both in his personal life and in the way he ruled his empire. He believed that violence was never justified, and that it was always better to resolve conflict through peaceful means.
Compassion: Ashoka also emphasized the importance of compassion, or metta in Pali. This is the quality of wishing happiness for all beings. Ashoka believed that compassion was the foundation of a happy and prosperous society.
Education and welfare: Ashoka was also concerned with the education and welfare of his subjects. He established schools and hospitals throughout the empire, and he encouraged people to live simple and virtuous lives.
Respect for all living beings: Ashoka believed that all living beings are worthy of respect, regardless of their species. He prohibited animal sacrifice and encouraged people to be kind to animals.
Spreading Buddhism: Ashoka was a devout Buddhist, and he believed that Buddhism was the best way to achieve dhamma. He sent Buddhist missionaries to all parts of the empire, and he encouraged people to study and practice Buddhism.
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For Prelims: Ashokas Dhamma, Rock edicts, inscriptions
For Mains: 1.Discuss the key principles and teachings of Ashoka's Dhamma. How did these principles influence the policies and governance of the Mauryan Empire?
2.Assess the significance of the Edicts of Ashoka in understanding the nature of his Dhamma and the socio-political context of the Mauryan Empire. How did these edicts contribute to the administration and welfare measures of the empire?
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Previous Year Questions
1. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?
“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” (UPSC GS1, 2020) (a) Ashoka (b) Samudragupta (c) Harshavardhana (a) Krishnadeva Raya Answer (a)
2. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (UPSC GS1, 2019)
(a) Kanganahalli (b) Sanchi I (c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Sohgaura Answer (a)
1.The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (UPSC GS1, 2020) 2.Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (UPSC GS1, 2020) |
Source: indianexpress
