{"id":15242,"date":"2023-11-08T07:51:51","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T07:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=15242"},"modified":"2024-01-20T07:34:37","modified_gmt":"2024-01-20T07:34:37","slug":"ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Ancient Inscriptions and Edicts &#8211; UPSC Art &#038; Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-history?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=History\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ancient inscriptions and edicts provide a captivating glimpse into the history, culture, and governance of civilizations long past. These carefully crafted engravings, often carved into stone or other durable materials, have withstood the test of time, preserving the thoughts, laws, and beliefs of ancient societies. From the famous Rosetta Stone that unlocked the mysteries of hieroglyphs to the rock edicts of Ashoka that conveyed the teachings of a renowned Indian emperor, these historical artifacts offer valuable insights into the past. Whether they contain royal decrees, religious teachings, or simple messages of remembrance, ancient inscriptions and edicts serve as tangible links to our human heritage, shedding light on the societies that created them and the challenges and aspirations that shaped their worlds. In this exploration of ancient inscriptions and edicts, we will delve into the significance of these historical documents and their enduring impact on our understanding of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ee1f0c2e34e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ee1f0c2e34e\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Ashokan_Edicts_and_Inscriptions\" title=\"Ashokan Edicts and Inscriptions\">Ashokan Edicts and Inscriptions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Ashokan_Inscriptions\" title=\"Ashokan Inscriptions\">Ashokan Inscriptions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#King_Ashokas_Dhamma\" title=\"King Ashoka\u2019s Dhamma\">King Ashoka\u2019s Dhamma<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Ashokan_Inscriptions_Rock_Edicts\" title=\"Ashokan Inscriptions : Rock Edicts\">Ashokan Inscriptions : Rock Edicts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#1Major_Rock_Edicts\" title=\"1.Major Rock Edicts\">1.Major Rock Edicts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#2Minor_Rock_Edicts\" title=\"2.Minor Rock Edicts\">2.Minor Rock Edicts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#3Major_Pillar_Edicts\" title=\"3.Major Pillar Edicts\">3.Major Pillar Edicts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#4Minor_Pillar_Edicts\" title=\"4.Minor Pillar Edicts\">4.Minor Pillar Edicts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Ashoka_Edicts_Languages\" title=\"Ashoka Edicts : Languages\">Ashoka Edicts : Languages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Significant_Features_of_the_Ashokan_Edicts\" title=\"Significant Features of the Ashokan Edicts\">Significant Features of the Ashokan Edicts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Important_facts_of_the_Ashoka_Edicts\" title=\"Important facts of the Ashoka Edicts\">Important facts of the Ashoka Edicts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Other_Important_Edicts_and_Inscriptions\" title=\"Other Important Edicts and Inscriptions\">Other Important Edicts and Inscriptions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#1Sohgaura_Copper_Plate\" title=\"1.Sohgaura Copper Plate\">1.Sohgaura Copper Plate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#2Rummindei_Pillar_Edicts_Lumbini_Nepal\" title=\"2.Rummindei Pillar Edicts (Lumbini, Nepal)\">2.Rummindei Pillar Edicts (Lumbini, Nepal)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#3Mehrauli_Pillar_Inscription_Garuda_Pillar\" title=\"3.Mehrauli Pillar Inscription\/ Garuda Pillar\">3.Mehrauli Pillar Inscription\/ Garuda Pillar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#4Allahabad_Pillar_Inscription_Prayag_Prasasti\" title=\"4.Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prasasti)\">4.Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prasasti)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#5Kalsi_Inscription\" title=\"5.Kalsi Inscription\">5.Kalsi Inscription<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#6Maski_Inscription\" title=\"6.Maski Inscription\">6.Maski Inscription<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#7Kalinga_Edicts\" title=\"7.Kalinga Edicts\">7.Kalinga Edicts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#8Aihole_Inscriptions\" title=\"8.Aihole Inscriptions\">8.Aihole Inscriptions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#9Junagarh_Rock_inscription\" title=\"9.Junagarh Rock inscription\">9.Junagarh Rock inscription<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#10Nasik_Inscription\" title=\"10.Nasik Inscription\">10.Nasik Inscription<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#11Hathigumpha_Inscription\" title=\"11.Hathigumpha Inscription\">11.Hathigumpha Inscription<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#12Ben_Sagar_Vidisha_Inscription\" title=\"12.Ben Sagar\/ Vidisha Inscription\">12.Ben Sagar\/ Vidisha Inscription<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#1What_are_edicts_in_ancient_history_and_what_purposes_did_they_serve\" title=\"1.What are edicts in ancient history, and what purposes did they serve?\">1.What are edicts in ancient history, and what purposes did they serve?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#2Where_can_one_find_significant_ancient_inscriptions_and_what_information_do_they_provide_about_past_societies\" title=\"2.Where can one find significant ancient inscriptions, and what information do they provide about past societies?\">2.Where can one find significant ancient inscriptions, and what information do they provide about past societies?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#3How_did_the_use_of_inscriptions_contribute_to_the_preservation_and_dissemination_of_historical_knowledge_in_ancient_times\" title=\"3.How did the use of inscriptions contribute to the preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge in ancient times?\">3.How did the use of inscriptions contribute to the preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge in ancient times?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#4What_are_the_key_characteristics_that_differentiate_various_ancient_scripts_and_languages_used_in_inscriptions\" title=\"4.What are the key characteristics that differentiate various ancient scripts and languages used in inscriptions?\">4.What are the key characteristics that differentiate various ancient scripts and languages used in inscriptions?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#5How_do_historians_interpret_and_analyse_ancient_edicts_and_inscriptions_to_reconstruct_the_historical_narrative_of_ancient_societies\" title=\"5.How do historians interpret and analyse ancient edicts and inscriptions to reconstruct the historical narrative of ancient societies?\">5.How do historians interpret and analyse ancient edicts and inscriptions to reconstruct the historical narrative of ancient societies?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/ancient-inscriptions-and-edicts-upsc-art-culture\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashokan_Edicts_and_Inscriptions\"><\/span>Ashokan Edicts and Inscriptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/Jz3t5k_N90kBgg4BMRId72p4b4bGvt1VDw4mrMgMvxLI0K-qbjfEm960bown7MZL9VnjrKLHqFeAaIPrSeOoGY8OTQIlUYcMEDEimr21owjNE_41rocFttjOAzTSN1eE7mgGPHa3vIjCLBKx\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashokan_Inscriptions\"><\/span>Ashokan Inscriptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Emperor Ashoka was a strong ruler of the <strong>Maurya dynasty<\/strong>.<\/li><li>He converted to <strong>Buddhism <\/strong>after witnessing the devastating impacts of war in Kalinga.<\/li><li><strong>Cave inscriptions, pillar edicts, <\/strong>and <strong>rock edicts<\/strong> are the <strong>three types of inscriptions<\/strong> discovered.<\/li><li>In the <strong>&#8216;Bhabru Edict<\/strong>,&#8217; he expressed his faith in <strong>Buddhism&#8217;s Three Jewels<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Ashoka constructed pillars and edicts in different regions, including present-day <strong>Afghanistan<\/strong>, <strong>Nepal<\/strong>, <strong>Bangladesh<\/strong>, and <strong>Pakistan<\/strong>, to propagate Buddha&#8217;s ethical teachings.<\/li><li>He promoted <strong>Dhamma <\/strong>throughout his empire and neighbouring areas.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"King_Ashokas_Dhamma\"><\/span>King Ashoka\u2019s Dhamma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In<strong> 260 BC<\/strong>, King Ashoka chose Buddhism as the main religion and centred his rule on Dhamma.<\/li><li>Dhamma, based on Buddha&#8217;s teachings, wasn&#8217;t just a religion but<strong> a way of life<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Ashoka&#8217;s Dhamma focused on how people should behave, being kind, and governing with compassion, as shown in his <strong>14 edicts<\/strong>.<\/li><li>He highlighted the importance of respecting parents, teachers, and religious leaders, and promoted non-violence and truthfulness.<\/li><li>Ashoka&#8217;s Dhamma policies included stopping cruel practices, building things like roads and hospitals, and taking care of the poor and old people.<\/li><li>Dhamma Mahamatras were chosen to spread these ideas, even outside of his own kingdom.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashokan_Inscriptions_Rock_Edicts\"><\/span>Ashokan Inscriptions : Rock Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The four types of Edicts of Ashoka are 33 writings that can be grouped into:<ul><li><strong>Major rock edicts<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Minor rock edicts<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Major pillar edicts<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Minor pillar edicts<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>These edicts were grouped based on the surfaces they were written on.<\/li><li>In<strong> 1837<\/strong>,<strong> James Princep<\/strong> decoded the Ashokan writings for the first time.<\/li><li>The edicts were more about how Ashoka thought society and government should work, rather than just religion. They were put in public places and along trade routes so many people could read them.<\/li><li>The inscriptions on rocks show how Ashoka spread his &#8220;<strong>Law of Piety<\/strong>.&#8221;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1Major_Rock_Edicts\"><\/span>1.Major Rock Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Ashoka&#8217;s main rock writings talk about how he wanted people to live peacefully by following the dhamma.<\/li><li>There are about<strong> 14 important rock writings<\/strong> that are detailed and lengthy.<\/li><li>Ashoka wrote all these important rock writings on big rocks, <strong>except<\/strong> for the Kandahar Greek writing.<\/li><li>These writings were placed on the borders of the area ruled by Emperor Ashoka.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Ashoka Rock Edicts<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Features Inscribed in Edicts<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict I<\/td><td><strong>No killing of animals, especially during celebrations<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock edict II<\/td><td>Mentions South Indian kingdoms like <strong>Cholas<\/strong>, <strong>Pandya<\/strong>, <strong>Satyaputas<\/strong>, and <strong>Kerala Putras<\/strong>Focuses on social welfare, like medical care for people and animals, planting fruits and medicinal herbs, and building wells<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict III<\/td><td>Brahmanas have freedom<strong>Every five years<\/strong>, officials visit all parts of the kingdom to promote <strong>Dhamma<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict IV<\/td><td><br>Prefers peaceful sounds (<strong>Dhammaghosa<\/strong>) over sounds of war (<strong>Berighosa<\/strong>)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock edict V<\/td><td>Masters should treat slaves kindlyAppoints <strong>Dhamma Mahamatras<\/strong>Dhamma Gosha spreads Dhamma within the kingdom<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict VI<\/td><td><strong>Concern <\/strong>about the people&#8217;s well-being<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict VII<\/td><td><strong>Tolerance <\/strong>towards all religions and sects<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict VIII<\/td><td>Ashoka&#8217;s visit to <strong>Bodh Gaya<\/strong> (his<strong> first Dhamma yatra<\/strong>) and <strong>Bodhi tree <\/strong>mentionedMaintains contact with rural people through Dharma yatras<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict IX<\/td><td>Emphasises people&#8217;s<strong> moral behaviour<\/strong><strong>Avoids <\/strong>expensive ceremonies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict X<\/td><td><strong>Condemns <\/strong>the desire for fame<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict XI<\/td><td><br><strong>Dhamma explained <\/strong>as the best policy, including respect for elders and care for slaves and servants<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict XII<\/td><td>Mentions officials in charge of <strong>women&#8217;s welfare<\/strong> and appeals for<strong> religious tolerance<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock edict XIII<\/td><td>Explains the<strong> Kalinga war<\/strong> and Ashoka&#8217;s<strong> transformation<\/strong> to a promoter of <strong>peace<\/strong>Mentions <strong>Ashoka&#8217;s victories over Greek Kings and other<\/strong> kingdoms<strong>Largest edict<\/strong> mentioning <strong>Kamboj<\/strong>, <strong>Nabhaks<\/strong>, <strong>Bhoja<\/strong>, <strong>Andhra<\/strong>, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major Rock Edict XIV<\/td><td>Discusses the <strong>purpose of inscriptions <\/strong>in various parts of the country.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2Minor_Rock_Edicts\"><\/span>2.Minor Rock Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Minor rock edicts are on <strong>15 rocks<\/strong> <strong>in the country and Afghanistan<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They came before the Major rock edicts.<\/li><li>They tell about <strong>Ashoka&#8217;s life<\/strong> and summarise his dhamma.<\/li><li>You can find these edicts mostly in <strong>Maski (Andhra Pradesh)<\/strong>, <strong>Brahmagiri (Karnataka)<\/strong>, <strong>Sasaram (Bihar)<\/strong>,<strong> Rupanath (Madhya Pradesh)<\/strong>,<strong> <\/strong>and<strong> Bhabru &#8211; Bairat (Rajasthan)<\/strong>.<\/li><li>In these writings, Ashoka calls himself &#8220;<strong>Beloved servant of God<\/strong>&#8221; (<strong>Devanam<\/strong> <strong>Piyadasi<\/strong>).<\/li><li>An inscription in Maski confirms that <strong>Devanampiyadasi <\/strong>is Ashoka.<\/li><li>Ashoka uses his name in <strong>only four places<\/strong>: Maski (AP), Brahmagiri (Karnataka), Gujjara (MP), and Nettur (AP).<\/li><li><strong>Minor rock edict number 3 <\/strong>lists important Buddhist texts for Buddhist clergy to study regularly.<\/li><li>The writings are short, and the quality of the inscriptions is not very good.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3Major_Pillar_Edicts\"><\/span>3.Major Pillar Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>There are <strong>seven Major pillar edicts<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Major pillar edicts of Ashoka refer to those written <strong>only <\/strong>on the Pillars of Ashoka.<\/li><li>Major rock edicts and minor rock edicts come before them in time.<\/li><li>These inscriptions were made during the <strong>last period of his rule<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Almost all major pillar edicts are in<strong> Central India, except for two<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Two types of stones were used: spotted <strong>white sandstone (from Mathura)<\/strong> and <strong>buff-coloured sandstone and quartzite (from Amaravati)<\/strong>, mostly from Chunar.<\/li><li>Pillars are single stones with polished surfaces, having similar sizes and shapes.<\/li><li>Found in various places including <strong>Kandahar (Afghanistan)<\/strong>,<strong> Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)<\/strong>, <strong>Delhi<\/strong>, <strong>Vaishali<\/strong>, and <strong>Champaran <\/strong>(<strong>Bihar<\/strong>), <strong>Sarnath and Allahabad <\/strong>(<strong>Uttar<\/strong> <strong>Pradesh<\/strong>), <strong>Amaravati <\/strong>(<strong>Andhra<\/strong> <strong>Pradesh<\/strong>), and <strong>Sanchi <\/strong>(Madhya <strong>Pradesh<\/strong>).<\/li><li>The pillars show important <strong>symbols <\/strong>in Buddhism, like <strong>elephants, lions, wheels, <\/strong>and <strong>lotuses<\/strong>.<\/li><li>A platform (<strong>abacus<\/strong>) at the top of the bell capital supports the crowned animal.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Major Pillar Edicts<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Features Inscribed in Edicts<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillar Edict I<\/td><td>Ashoka\u2019s principles relating to <strong>protection <\/strong>of his people<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillar Edict II<\/td><td><strong>Dhamma <\/strong>is defined as the minimum of sins, possession of compassion, liberty, virtues, purity, and truthfulness.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillar Edict III<\/td><td><strong>Sins <\/strong>such as harshness, anger, cruelty, etc., are being abolished<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillar Edict IV<\/td><td>The <strong>duties <\/strong>of <strong>Rajukas <\/strong>are mentioned<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillar Edict V<\/td><td>&#8211; A list of animals and plants that should<strong> not be killed on certain occasions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>&#8211; A list of animals and plants that should <strong>never be killed<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>&#8211; Describes the <strong>release of 25 prisoners<\/strong> by Ashoka<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>&#8211; This pillar edict is also known as<strong> Delhi-Topra Pillar Edict<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillar Edict VI<\/td><td><strong>Policy of Dhamma <\/strong>is explained (welfare of the people)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillar Edict VII<\/td><td><strong>Tolerance <\/strong>towards all religious sects.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4Minor_Pillar_Edicts\"><\/span>4.Minor Pillar Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The minor pillar edicts refer to the<strong> 5 minor edicts<\/strong> inscribed on the pillars of Ashoka.<\/li><li>They are preceded by minor rock edicts.<\/li><li>These edicts belong to the <strong>initial period<\/strong> of Ashoka\u2019s reign.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Minor Pillar Edicts&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Features Inscribed in Edicts<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>The schism edicts<\/td><td>Warning of punishment for dissent in Samgha<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>The Queen\u2019s edicts<\/td><td>Ashoka announces that gifts of the Queens should be credited<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nigali Sagar pillar inscriptions<\/td><td>Mentions about Ashoka\u2019s dedication to increase the height of Kanakamuni Buddha<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rummindei pillar inscriptions<\/td><td>Mentions about Ashok\u2019s visit to Lumbini i.e. birthplace of Buddha<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashoka_Edicts_Languages\"><\/span>Ashoka Edicts : Languages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Only three languages were used in the Ashoka edicts \u2013 <strong>Prakrit, Aramaic and Greek<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Most of the<strong> Ashoka inscriptions <\/strong>were in<strong> Prakrit language<\/strong> written in <strong>Brahmi script <\/strong>(left to right).<\/li><li><strong>Mansehra <\/strong>and <strong>Shabazgiri <\/strong>in the <strong>northwest <\/strong>are the<strong> only scripts in Kharosthi <\/strong>(right to left).<\/li><li>Inscriptions in <strong>Afghanistan <\/strong>were <strong>bilingual <\/strong>i.e., written in both <strong>Greek and Aramaic <\/strong>script.<ul><li><strong>Example &#8211; <\/strong>The Kandhar rock inscription<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-gs-integrated-course?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Integrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42401 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Significant_Features_of_the_Ashokan_Edicts\"><\/span>Significant Features of the Ashokan Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Asoka&#8217;s edicts depict him as a parental figure, <strong>highlighting the king-subject relationship<\/strong> as that of a father and child.<\/li><li>Despite his diverse religious interests, Ashoka <strong>criticised meaningless rituals and sacrifices<\/strong>.<\/li><li>He encouraged generosity and kindness toward both ascetics (<strong>sramanas<\/strong>) and priests (<strong>Brahmins<\/strong>).<\/li><li>Ashoka <strong>stressed upon <\/strong>the importance of<strong> <\/strong>upholding social duties and civic morals.<\/li><li>Several major rock edicts discuss various <strong>aspects of the Ashoka Dhamma<\/strong>, alongside discussions on being compassionate and humane.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_facts_of_the_Ashoka_Edicts\"><\/span>Important facts of the Ashoka Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In Ashoka edicts, the emperor (Ashoka) refers to himself as <strong>Devanampiya Piyadasi<\/strong> which means beloved of Gods.<\/li><li>&nbsp;The name Ashoka is explicitly mentioned only in three rock edicts which are in <strong>Maski, Gujjara and Nittur<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Ashoka was the<strong> first king<\/strong> to make direct connection to the people via his inscriptions<\/li><li>These inscriptions were mostly placed on the ancient highways.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Important_Edicts_and_Inscriptions\"><\/span>Other Important Edicts and Inscriptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1Sohgaura_Copper_Plate\"><\/span>1.Sohgaura Copper Plate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sohgaura copper plate, an <strong>ancient Mauryan record<\/strong>, <strong>references relief efforts during a famine<\/strong>. It is among the few pre-Ashoka <strong>Brahmi <\/strong>inscriptions found in India.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/nRzqjUoPCAg8oSA6oIDleqocSL0b0VIJ-s0bf3_KQ-BdKaumtOG9H5yvMZui6rElRDI6dW6QncYhmsEoEycY3sOJmY3tAnL2hTNKiSqjt4qS64qZFNkTUQCa3FrPEqrAgWYZvfWMEuobVXCW\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2Rummindei_Pillar_Edicts_Lumbini_Nepal\"><\/span>2.Rummindei Pillar Edicts (Lumbini, Nepal)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The inscriptions, categorised as Minor Pillar Inscriptions, are dedicated to nature.&nbsp;<\/li><li>They record <strong>Ashoka&#8217;s trip to Lumbini (Rummindei)<\/strong>, the <strong>birthplace <\/strong>of Lord Buddha in <strong>Nepal&#8217;s Rupandehi district<\/strong>. Ashoka e<strong>xempted Lumbini from taxes<\/strong> and established its<strong> grain contribution at one-eighth<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>These inscriptions are inscribed in the <strong>Brahmi <\/strong>script.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/7BYGmY97amuoXp8ihl3tmc5mCOJsScYFe5BptgQKdbD71xZUCATOfpyvY4RXi48B4-xB_mN6e0By2SeqgTqUzMT5I_VCDuhAYg0A4YCWfDYxJ6KdWRVr0YrVia6rfXQaU9HEUYhI8FsvoP_f\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3Mehrauli_Pillar_Inscription_Garuda_Pillar\"><\/span>3.Mehrauli Pillar Inscription\/ Garuda Pillar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Mehrauli Iron Pillar was <strong>originally <\/strong>positioned near the <strong>Beas River<\/strong> and <strong>later <\/strong>moved to <strong>Delhi <\/strong>by a Delhi king. It is <strong>currently <\/strong>located in <strong>Delhi&#8217;s Qutub Minar complex<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Its construction using <strong>rust-resistant metals<\/strong> is a notable feature.<\/li><li>The pillar commemorates <strong>Chandragupta&#8217;s triumph over the Vanga Countries<\/strong>, where he battled alone against a coalition of adversaries.<\/li><li>It also celebrates his victory over the <strong>Vakatakas <\/strong>across the seven mouths of <strong>Sindhu<\/strong>.<\/li><li><strong>Chandragupta-II <\/strong>of the Gupta dynasty, known as <strong>Vishnupada<\/strong>, dedicated this pillar to honour<strong> Lord Vishnu<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/IwTPl9DALD2tZIf_auqGBRAb4SzoiAx-y7CpA-m0_kVHD-pM-2jLq2moluyIzk4y4KF2cmBIl-G3r_6fcvo62QgxsANUiSYsUU1swfp2G8xK485zsrgamuWrZmj8BYrMiejOmmTmtYOp2bzF\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Iron Pillar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4Allahabad_Pillar_Inscription_Prayag_Prasasti\"><\/span>4.Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prasasti)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>&#8220;<strong>Prayag&#8221; signifies a meeting place<\/strong>, and it is an <strong>ancient name for Allahabad<\/strong>, where<strong> the<\/strong> <strong>Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers converge<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Prashasti is a <strong>tribute <\/strong>or eulogy in honour of someone.<\/li><li>The Allahabad Prasasti was <strong>originally <\/strong>engraved on the<strong> Ashokan Pillar in Kaushambi near Allahabad<\/strong> and was <strong>later <\/strong>moved to the <strong>Allahabad fort<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Despite being an Ashokan Stambh, it contains <strong>four different inscriptions<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The standard Ashokan inscriptions in <strong>Brahmi <\/strong>script are present on all pillars.<\/li><li>It includes<strong> an edict praising Ashoka&#8217;s wife Kaurwaki&#8217;s<\/strong> charitable deeds.<\/li><li>The <strong>inscriptions of Samudragupta, written in Sanskrit and Brahmi script by Harisena (335\u2013375 AD)<\/strong>, discuss Samudragupta&#8217;s conquests and the boundaries of the Gupta Empire.<\/li><li>There are<strong> also Persian inscriptions from Jahangir&#8217;s era<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/vhT8-GEXYxT0q5yTRmMee35f7JSOkfrLOfwfvpsMrjAB2rHHHre2E5pjsNzqDXaFe5UykkBnfLyR02iefVnmZ8oedq--5rfCbh58HySksGaJIRjp1TtFTrHzdbpFiVSavaBLaHe2AqU3wTOD\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Ashokan Pillar at Prayag Prasasti<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5Kalsi_Inscription\"><\/span>5.Kalsi Inscription<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Kalsi, situated <strong>by the<\/strong> <strong>Yamuna River between Chakrata and Dehradun<\/strong>, holds historical significance.<\/li><li>Ashoka&#8217;s inscriptions at Kalsi are unique as they represent the only c<strong>omplete set of fourteen rock edicts in North India<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The edicts are in the <strong>Prakrit <\/strong>language and <strong>Brahmi <\/strong>script.<\/li><li>The Rock edict, made of <strong>quartz<\/strong>, measures 8 feet wide and 10 feet long, dating back to around <strong>450 B.C<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Reflecting his conversion to Buddhism, Ashoka&#8217;s rock edicts<strong> demonstrate a humane approach to internal governance<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The edicts also emphasise policies supporting n<strong>onviolence and the reduction of warfare<\/strong>.<\/li><li>They provide<strong> insights into Ashoka&#8217;s life<\/strong> before his spiritual transformation.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/yhwFRgUNH53KfBWTJwHKt-b6g6Hd-maoywqjVKVPHpRsaTg830HLYHnC4F7iWnN3USt-z8JcHcuaTmsDU-hh34lAZQZA2JiaQELs2GxmdDBg3vHCCSSHQY_BUdGSw_Qm4SOBWLAcRX-Ji8eF\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Kalsi Rock Edicts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6Maski_Inscription\"><\/span>6.Maski Inscription<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Maski, situated in <strong>Karnataka&#8217;s Raichur district<\/strong>, is an archaeological site located <strong>on the banks of the Maski River, a tributary of the Tungabhadra<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The site houses a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka, which notably features Ashoka&#8217;s name directly, instead of <strong>&#8216;Devanampriya&#8217; <\/strong>or <strong>&#8216;Piyadassi<\/strong>.&#8217;<\/li><li>The inscription, still a <strong>dharma shasana<\/strong>, advises people to adhere to the principles of Buddhism.<\/li><li>Additionally, the inscription indicates the <strong>extension of Mauryan rule to the Krishna valley in northeastern Karnataka<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/3AfvVberl0B7V7OY6Kd1GknCR4qv6P5xXVxo0wFcADszEJPsRbIZhcSyh_W1O3dX1mmYQV07AfL0TBjOaNGd-iXg0wcSf_HpeMLZIPqVohHbPfL7rH-s9pkvVO6dAp8_1k2tTf9MMk1EEmcU\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Maski Inscription<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7Kalinga_Edicts\"><\/span>7.Kalinga Edicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Kalinga, located in present-day <strong>Odisha<\/strong>, bears witness to its ancient heritage that spans over a thousand years.<\/li><li>The Kalinga War marked a <strong>turning point in Ashoka&#8217;s life<\/strong>, leading him to forsake his aspiration of conquering all territories and adopt the path of non-violence and Buddhism.<\/li><li>Among the set of Rock Edicts, <strong>eleven of Ashoka&#8217;s famous fourteen Rock Edicts<\/strong> are present.<\/li><li>These edicts are inscribed in<strong> Magadhi Prakrit<\/strong> using an early Brahmi script.<\/li><li><strong>Instead of the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth rock edicts, two special edict<\/strong>s called <strong>Separate Rock Edicts or Kalinga Edicts<\/strong> were <strong>included<\/strong>, aiming to establish peace and pacify the newly conquered people of Kalinga.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8Aihole_Inscriptions\"><\/span>8.Aihole Inscriptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Aihole in <strong>Karnataka <\/strong>served as the first capital of the <strong>Chalukyas<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Numerous inscriptions were found at Aihole, with the Aihole inscription at <strong>Meguti Temple<\/strong> witnessing several significant historical events <strong>during the Chalukya period<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The inscription, <strong>written in Sanskrit, is in the Kannada script<\/strong>.<\/li><li>It references <strong>Pulakeshin II&#8217;s victory over Harshavardhana and the Chalukyas&#8217; triumph over the Pallavas<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Additionally, it mentions the<strong> transfer of the capital from Aihole to Badami<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The inscriptions were authored by <strong>Ravikirti<\/strong>, the <strong>court poet of Pulakeshi II<\/strong>, who ruled from 610 to 642 CE.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/W8M4QIxw1Rams7nUuyKZgbwGnRtC9oGa-takrUctRsE4lozsnjWhfab9fIjzJOQVkrQA7iSEGBqkEm0zJsOcc4XRi7gM_DV_x1lj2NUsDB__mQ519mAUtqGbW3wxysUnBgmNXGC1y6DAMiLk\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Aihole Inscriptions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9Junagarh_Rock_inscription\"><\/span>9.Junagarh Rock inscription<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Rudradaman&#8217;s Junagarh Rock inscription, written around the <strong>mid-second century AD<\/strong>, is one of the early examples of<strong> pure Sanskrit<\/strong>.<\/li><li>It talks about the<strong> building of a dam on Sudarshana Lake near Girnar in Kathiawar<\/strong>, managed by <strong>Pushyagupta<\/strong>, one of Chandragupta Maurya&#8217;s governors.<\/li><li>Another <strong>Skandagupta <\/strong>inscription indicates that the dam was repaired during his rule, nearly <strong>800 years <\/strong>after it was first built.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/bpayfzXXdsWCzEpHvKYJgAFQP8lwemOzSssG9vy_dzGTKa8Mm4Nxb-kJDIX0rtMJZMVGW1vI11NXOfIX_2QCIglMc4od3aqtyoJEIBbqMqAhlvPaQt1BC77KjPU8rK1rr4nvUCeZyqDcgW_Q\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Junagarh Rock Inscription<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10Nasik_Inscription\"><\/span>10.Nasik Inscription<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Gautamiputra Satkarni&#8217;s mother, <strong>Gautami Balasri,<\/strong> documented his achievements in the Nasik Inscription.<\/li><li>The Nasik Prasasti confirms <strong>Gautamiputra <\/strong>as the ruler.<\/li><li>According to the inscription, Gautamiputra fought against the <strong>Saka King Nahapana <\/strong>and restored the reputation of his dynasty.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11Hathigumpha_Inscription\"><\/span>11.Hathigumpha Inscription<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>King Kharavela<\/strong> wrote the Hathigumpha Inscription during the second century BCE in <strong>Odisha&#8217;s Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves.<\/strong><\/li><li>The Hathigumpha Inscription consists of <strong>seventeen lines in Prakrit and Brahmi <\/strong>script.<\/li><li>The <strong>primary source of information about Kalinga ruler Kharavela<\/strong> is the Hathigumpha Inscription found <strong>at Udayagiri Caves<\/strong>.<\/li><li>It narrates Kharavela&#8217;s story as a king, conqueror, supporter of culture, and advocate of <strong>Jainism<\/strong>.<\/li><li>The Hathigumpha Inscription is the <strong>sole Indian inscription that provides year-by-year details of a ruler&#8217;s achievements<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/ks0CPoogko3hRn2jcUacW_5gflY9eYkTA1R656qRaJEv1gmJzjCq7qv6AfRISgJ94zVFfUCw37ShNaNhCwlnjcaMfK4nKo1E3QlLOwD95Hs210GcOlKaX7vFIMv8-PeHULJK0-SkQKk0ELM9\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Hathigumpha Inscription<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12Ben_Sagar_Vidisha_Inscription\"><\/span>12.Ben Sagar\/ Vidisha Inscription<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Located at the <strong>ancient site<\/strong> of Vidisha in present <strong>Madhya Pradesh <\/strong>state.<\/li><li>This pillar inscription was <strong>constructed by Heloidorus, the Greek ambassador <\/strong>and belongs to the Sunga<strong> period (2nd century BC)<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Written in <strong>Prakrit <\/strong>language (with a few Sanskritic spellings) <strong>and Brahmi<\/strong> script.<\/li><li>This pillar inscription is <strong>devoted to lord Vasudev<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Remains of a large temple of the late Paramara period known as <strong>Bijamamandal <\/strong>found here.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1What_are_edicts_in_ancient_history_and_what_purposes_did_they_serve\"><\/span>1.What are edicts in ancient history, and what purposes did they serve?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: Edicts in ancient history were official orders or proclamations issued by rulers to convey important messages, laws, or policies to their subjects. They served various purposes, such as maintaining social order, promoting ethical conduct, and asserting political authority, while also providing valuable historical insights into the governance and societal norms of ancient civilizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2Where_can_one_find_significant_ancient_inscriptions_and_what_information_do_they_provide_about_past_societies\"><\/span>2.Where can one find significant ancient inscriptions, and what information do they provide about past societies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: Significant ancient inscriptions can be found on various structures, monuments, and archaeological sites worldwide. These inscriptions offer valuable information about the political, social, and cultural aspects of past societies, including details about rulers, dynasties, religious practices, trade relations, and historical events, providing invaluable insights into the civilization&#8217;s language, script, and customs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3How_did_the_use_of_inscriptions_contribute_to_the_preservation_and_dissemination_of_historical_knowledge_in_ancient_times\"><\/span>3.How did the use of inscriptions contribute to the preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge in ancient times?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: Inscriptions played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating historical knowledge in ancient times by recording important events, achievements, and cultural practices onto durable materials such as stone, metal, and clay. These inscriptions served as enduring historical records, ensuring that critical information about civilizations, rulers, and societal developments could be passed down to future generations, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4What_are_the_key_characteristics_that_differentiate_various_ancient_scripts_and_languages_used_in_inscriptions\"><\/span>4.What are the key characteristics that differentiate various ancient scripts and languages used in inscriptions?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: Ancient scripts and languages used in inscriptions exhibit distinctive characteristics based on their geographical origins and cultural contexts. These variations encompass diverse writing systems, linguistic features, and symbolic representations, reflecting the unique cultural identities and historical developments of ancient civilizations, such as the Indus script, cuneiform, hieroglyphics, and Brahmi script, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5How_do_historians_interpret_and_analyse_ancient_edicts_and_inscriptions_to_reconstruct_the_historical_narrative_of_ancient_societies\"><\/span>5.How do historians interpret and analyse ancient edicts and inscriptions to reconstruct the historical narrative of ancient societies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: Historians employ interdisciplinary methods to interpret and analyze ancient edicts and inscriptions, combining expertise in linguistics, archaeology, epigraphy, and historical context. By deciphering scripts, examining linguistic patterns, and cross-referencing with other historical sources, they reconstruct the historical narrative of ancient societies, unravelling political structures, societal norms, cultural practices, and significant events, thereby enhancing our understanding of the ancient world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ancient inscriptions and edicts provide a captivating glimpse into the history, culture, and governance of civilizations long past.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":15244,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[379],"tags":[380,232,213,140],"class_list":["post-15242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-and-culture","tag-art-culture","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-notes","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15242"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22787,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15242\/revisions\/22787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}