Fourteen Rock-Edicts of the Great Ashoka

Following we are presenting the topic “Description of 14 Rock-Edicts of the Great Ashoka”. In the exam of the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level, questions were asked about the Ashoka topics. So it is important for all the candidates who are preparing for these exams. These topics may also help in State Commission’s Exams and Banking Exams.

Brief Description Of 14 Rock Edicts of the Great Ashoka : 

• One of the main means of knowing the history of Emperor Ashoka is his inscriptions(pillar inscriptions).
  
• The language of all these inscriptions is Prakrit. 
  
• While their script is Brahmi, Kharoshthi, Aramaic, and Unani. 
  
• The scripts of the miniature inscriptions, long pillar inscriptions, miniature pillar inscriptions, and cave inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka are only Brahmi. 
  
• All the inscriptions containing Brahmi scripts have been found in India only.
  

Number	Description of Rock-Edicts
First	The inscription mentions a ban on the killing of animals. In this, restrictions have also been imposed on festivals. It is also mentioned in this inscription that Emperor Ashoka had ordered to kill only two peacocks and one deer in the royal kitchen.
Second	Announcements of social welfare are mentioned in this inscription, such as arranging a hospital for humans and animals as well as arranging medicines. Build an inn and dig wells in the state. On this inscription, there is a description of the border states of Emperor Ashoka such as Chola, Pandya, Sariputta, Keralaputra (Cher), Tamraparni region, Antioch, Yavanarajya, etc.
Third	It is mentioned in this inscription that Emperor Ashoka, 12 years after his coronation, issued an order that “at all places in my empire, officials named Pradeshika, Yukta and Rajuka should visit the state every 5th year.
Fourth	It describes the transformation of Bheri Ghosha into Dhamma Ghosha. In this, there is a mention of Emperor Ashoka’s order to the public to see Vimana-darshan, Hastidarshan, and Agni Kanda.
Fifth	It is mentioned in this inscription that in the 13th year of his reign, Emperor Ashoka had appointed officers named Dhamma Mahamatras.  These officers tried to increase the welfare and happiness of the people. This inscription also describes the missionaries sent by Emperor Ashoka.
Sixth	This inscription describes King’s desire to get informed about the conditions of the people constantly. Talks about welfare measures.
Seventh	It is mentioned in this that people of all sects should reside everywhere because all people want restraint and purification of mind.
Eighth	It is mentioned that the emperor started the Dhamma Yatra in the 10th year of his coronation.
Ninth	In this, there is a description of banning festivals so that expenses can be controlled.
Tenth	It emphasizes on following Dhammniti.
Eleventh	In this, Dhammniti is explained. In this, Dhamma donation has been described as superior than ordinary charity.
Twelfth	It has been said to establish harmony among all the sects.
Thirteen	This inscription describes the Kalinga war. It is also mentioned in it that after the Kalinga war, Emperor Ashoka abandoned the policy of war and adopted the policy of Dhamma. It also mentions the names of the border states of Emperor Ashoka.
Fourteen	Describes engraving of inscriptions in different parts of the country.