Rock and Pillar Edicts
Royal inscriptions, not a book: public statements of policy and ethical purpose.
Ashoka
Mauryan kingship · Buddhist ethical commitment
The person behind the ideas
Ashoka was a third-century BCE Mauryan ruler. In inscriptions placed across his territories, he described remorse over Kalinga and urged ethical conduct, welfare and respect for different religious communities. His edicts are important evidence of how he wished kingship to be understood.
Biography sources
Biography reference →At a glance
- Era
- Third century BCE
- Notable works
- Rock and Pillar Edicts
- Tradition
- Mauryan kingship · Buddhist ethical commitment
Ideas and outlook
Ashoka’s inscriptions connect rulership with welfare, restraint and respect between religious communities. They describe the values he wanted his government and subjects to practise.
About the works
Life milestones
- Third century BCE
The Kalinga war and its aftermath form a turning point in the account given by his edicts.
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Other quotes across journeys
Across India
One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others.
Major Rock Edict XII · excerpt
Visit this journey →Source details
Major Rock Edict XII · excerpt
The edict advocates restraint in religious speech and learning about other traditions. It does not state that all teachings are identical.
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