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Ashoka rock and pillaredicts Flashcards

1
Q

Ashokan Edicts - Overview

A

Ashoka issued Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts, and other inscriptions to propagate Dhamma (Buddhist principles) and administrative policies.

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2
Q

Major vs. Minor Rock Edicts

A

Major Rock Edicts: Focus on governance, moral values, religious tolerance. Minor Rock Edicts: Personal messages from Ashoka, Buddhist influences, and self-reflections.

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3
Q

Major Rock Edict I

A

Prohibits animal sacrifices and promotes limited killing of animals for food in the royal kitchen.

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4
Q

Major Rock Edict II

A

Mentions public welfare measures such as medical treatment for humans and animals, and plantation of medicinal herbs.

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5
Q

Major Rock Edict III

A

Instructs officials to tour every five years to propagate Dhamma among the people.

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6
Q

Major Rock Edict IV

A

Describes how the impact of Dhamma has improved society and how Ashoka’s governance has reduced cruelty.

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7
Q

Major Rock Edict V

A

Mentions appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras to oversee moral and religious welfare of the people, including Brahmins and women.

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8
Q

Major Rock Edict VI

A

Urges officials to report directly to the King about public grievances.

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9
Q

Major Rock Edict VII

A

Emphasizes religious tolerance and harmony among different sects.

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10
Q

Major Rock Edict VIII

A

Mentions Ashoka’s Dhamma Yatras (pilgrimages) to Buddhist sites instead of royal hunting trips.

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11
Q

Major Rock Edict IX

A

Criticizes meaningless religious rituals and promotes acts of morality and compassion.

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12
Q

Major Rock Edict X

A

Rejects desire for fame and glory and emphasizes focus on Dhamma and social welfare.

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13
Q

Major Rock Edict XI

A

Defines Dhamma as ethical living and highlights its importance for spiritual well-being.

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14
Q

Major Rock Edict XII

A

Strongly advocates religious tolerance and condemns sectarian conflicts.

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15
Q

Major Rock Edict XIII

A

Mentions Kalinga War’s destruction, Ashoka’s remorse, and his shift towards non-violence and Dhamma.

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16
Q

Major Rock Edict XIV

A

Summarizes Ashoka’s edicts, explaining that different versions were inscribed in different regions.

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17
Q

Minor Rock Edicts - Overview

A

Minor Rock Edicts are personal messages from Ashoka, found across India, focusing on Buddhism and moral teachings.

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18
Q

Minor Rock Edict I

A

Declares Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread Buddhist values.

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19
Q

Minor Rock Edict II

A

Encourages people to follow the teachings of Buddha for personal and societal welfare.

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20
Q

Minor Rock Edict III

A

Appears only in Bairat (Rajasthan), listing Buddhist scriptures recommended by Ashoka.

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21
Q

Edicts Found Outside India

A

Ashoka’s inscriptions are found in Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, showing the extent of his influence.

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22
Q

Edicts Written in Different Scripts

A

Brahmi (India), Kharosthi (Northwest), Aramaic & Greek (Afghanistan). Shows Ashoka’s efforts to reach diverse populations.

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23
Q

Ashokan Pillar Edicts - Overview

A

Ashoka issued seven Pillar Edicts inscribed on stone pillars, mostly found in north India. These edicts emphasize Dhamma (moral law), administration, and social welfare.

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24
Q

Pillar Edict I

A

Mentions Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma. Orders the practice of non-violence, kindness to servants, and obedience to parents.

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25
Q

Pillar Edict II

A

Talks about welfare measures such as medical treatment for humans and animals, construction of roads, wells, and planting of medicinal herbs.

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26
Q

Pillar Edict III

A

Encourages respect towards all religions and urges officials to spread moral and ethical teachings.

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27
Q

Pillar Edict IV

A

Explains how Ashoka’s Dhamma policy has improved society and reduced crime. It also emphasizes compassion and truthfulness.

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28
Q

Pillar Edict V

A

Mentions the appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras, officials responsible for promoting moral values and ensuring justice.

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29
Q

Pillar Edict VI

A

Emphasizes the King’s direct communication with his subjects and states that Ashoka is always available to listen to people’s concerns.

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30
Q

Pillar Edict VII

A

Promotes religious harmony and tolerance. Urges people to avoid criticizing other religions and instead focus on common moral values.

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31
Q

Rampurva Bull Capital

A

Found at Rampurva (Bihar), features a beautifully carved zebu bull on top of the pillar.

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32
Q

Sarnath Lion Capital

A

The official emblem of India, found at Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh). Features four lions standing back to back, symbolizing Ashoka’s rule.

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33
Q

Sanchi Pillar

A

Located in Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh). Features an elaborate bell-shaped capital with an Ashokan inscription.

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34
Q

Lauria Nandangarh Pillars

A

Located in Bihar. Two pillars found here contain Pillar Edicts detailing Ashoka’s commitment to justice and Dhamma.

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35
Q

Topra & Meerut Pillars

A

Originally erected at Topra (Haryana) and Meerut (UP), later shifted to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

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36
Q

Pillars in Afghanistan

A

Ashoka’s inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic were found on pillars in Kandahar, Afghanistan, showing his diplomatic influence.

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37
Q

Materials & Structure of Pillars

A

Ashokan pillars were made of single stone blocks, mostly from Chunar (Uttar Pradesh), and transported to various locations.

38
Q

Artistic Features of Pillars

A

Pillars had beautifully carved capitals (lion, bull, elephant, horse) representing different aspects of Buddhism and royalty.

39
Q

Purpose of Ashokan Pillars

A
  1. Moral Guidance: Spread of Dhamma | 2. Political Messaging: Royal authority | 3. Public Welfare: Laws & administrative policies.
40
Q

Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts - Locations

A

Ashoka’s 14 Major Rock Edicts are found at various sites across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan. These locations were strategically chosen along trade routes & administrative centers to spread his message.

41
Q

Girnar (Gujarat)

A

Contains all 14 Major Rock Edicts. | Special Feature: Most well-preserved edicts, written in Brahmi script.

42
Q

Kalsi (Uttarakhand)

A

Only Major Rock Edict site in North India. | Special Feature: Depicts an elephant, symbolizing Ashoka’s Buddhist conversion.

43
Q

Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan)

A

Contains all 14 Major Rock Edicts. | Special Feature: Written in Kharosthi script (unlike most Brahmi inscriptions).

44
Q

Mansehra (Pakistan)

A

Contains all 14 Major Rock Edicts. | Special Feature: Another Kharosthi script inscription.

45
Q

Dhauli (Odisha)

A

Contains Major Rock Edicts I-X, XIV (missing XI-XIII). | Special Feature: Elephant carving symbolizes Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism.

46
Q

Jaugada (Odisha)

A

Contains Major Rock Edicts I-X, XIV. | Special Feature: Similar to Dhauli, missing Edicts XI-XIII.

47
Q

Sopara (Maharashtra)

A

Contains Edicts VIII-IX, XI-XIV (some are missing). | Special Feature: Important port city for trade in Ashoka’s time.

48
Q

Lauriya-Nandangarh (Bihar)

A

Contains Edicts I-VI. | Special Feature: One of the best-preserved pillar sites.

49
Q

Lauriya-Araraj (Bihar)

A

Contains Edicts I-VI. | Special Feature: Another important Ashokan site in Bihar.

50
Q

Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh)

A

Contains all 14 Major Rock Edicts. | Special Feature: Key site for Ashoka’s influence in South India.

51
Q

Sannati (Karnataka)

A

Contains all 14 Major Rock Edicts. | Special Feature: Largest number of Ashokan inscriptions in South India.

52
Q

Maski (Karnataka)

A

Contains Edict I only. | Special Feature: First inscription explicitly mentioning Ashoka’s name (Devanampiya Piyadasi).

53
Q

Udegolam (Karnataka)

A

Contains Major Rock Edicts. | Special Feature: Associated with Ashoka’s southern expansion.

54
Q

Yerragudi (Andhra Pradesh)

A

Contains all 14 Major Rock Edicts. | Special Feature: Another key location in the Deccan region.

55
Q

Brahmagiri (Karnataka)

A

Contains Major Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Associated with Ashoka’s southernmost rule.

56
Q

Manimala (Kerala)

A

Debated location; possible presence of Ashokan inscriptions.

57
Q

Significance of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict Locations

A

Edicts were placed along important trade routes, capitals, and religious centers to spread Dhamma policies across his empire.

58
Q

Ashoka’s Minor Rock Edicts - Locations

A

Ashoka’s Minor Rock Edicts (MREs) were found at various sites across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan. These inscriptions are more personal and focus on Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and instructions for followers.

59
Q

Bairat (Rajasthan)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Ashoka recommends studying seven Buddhist texts.

60
Q

Brahmagiri (Karnataka)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: One of the southernmost Ashokan inscriptions.

61
Q

Siddapur (Karnataka)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Connected to the Brahmagiri inscription.

62
Q

Jatinga-Rameshwara (Karnataka)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Part of Ashoka’s southern expansion.

63
Q

Maski (Karnataka)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: First inscription to mention Ashoka’s name (Devanampiya Piyadasi).

64
Q

Sahasram (Bihar)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Found in the eastern region of the empire.

65
Q

Rupnath (Madhya Pradesh)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Located in central India.

66
Q

Panguraria (Madhya Pradesh)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Another important site in central India.

67
Q

Rajula Mandagiri (Andhra Pradesh)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I & Queen’s Edict. | Special Feature: Mentions Ashoka’s Queen Karuvaki and her charity work.

68
Q

Gavimath (Karnataka)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Another southern site.

69
Q

Yerragudi (Andhra Pradesh)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I & II. | Special Feature: A key Ashokan site in South India.

70
Q

Devtek (Maharashtra)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict I. | Special Feature: Shows Ashoka’s reach into Maharashtra.

71
Q

Nigali Sagar (Nepal)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict. | Special Feature: Mentions enlargement of a stupa dedicated to Buddha Kanakamuni.

72
Q

Lumbini (Nepal)

A

Contains Minor Rock Edict. | Special Feature: Ashoka visited this site and exempted Lumbini from taxes.

73
Q

Queens Edict (Rajula Mandagiri, Andhra Pradesh)

A

Issued by Queen Karuvaki, mentions her charitable donations.

74
Q

Bhabru Edict (Rajasthan)

A

Contains Ashoka’s personal declaration of faith in Buddhism. | Special Feature: Encourages studying specific Buddhist texts.

75
Q

Significance of Ashoka’s Minor Rock Edict Locations

A

Placed in remote areas, near religious sites, trade routes, and monastic centers to promote Buddhism and morality.

76
Q

Front

77
Q

Ashoka’s Pillar Edicts - Overview

A

Ashoka’s Pillar Edicts (PEs) were inscribed on monolithic sandstone pillars, found at strategic locations across his empire. They focus on Dhamma, administration, animal welfare, and religious harmony.

78
Q

Delhi-Topra Pillar (Originally in Haryana)

A

Contains Pillar Edicts I-VI. | Special Feature: Shifted to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.

79
Q

Delhi-Meerut Pillar (Originally in Meerut, UP)

A

Contains Pillar Edicts I-VI. | Special Feature: Also relocated to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

80
Q

Lauriya-Nandangarh (Bihar)

A

Contains Pillar Edicts I-VI. | Special Feature: Best-preserved Ashokan pillar with no damage.

81
Q

Lauriya-Araraj (Bihar)

A

Contains Pillar Edicts I-VI. | Special Feature: Another well-preserved pillar in Bihar.

82
Q

Rampurva (Bihar)

A

Contains Pillar Edicts I-VI. | Special Feature: Features the famous bull capital.

83
Q

Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh)

A

Contains Pillar Edict I. | Special Feature: Features a beautifully carved bell-shaped capital.

84
Q

Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh)

A

Contains Pillar Edict I. | Special Feature: The Lion Capital of Ashoka, adopted as India’s National Emblem.

85
Q

Nigliva (Nepal)

A

Contains Pillar Edict. | Special Feature: Mentions enlargement of a stupa dedicated to Buddha Kanakamuni.

86
Q

Lumbini (Nepal)

A

Contains Pillar Edict. | Special Feature: Ashoka visited Lumbini and exempted the village from taxes to honor Buddha’s birthplace.

87
Q

Kandahar (Afghanistan)

A

Contains Greek & Aramaic inscriptions. | Special Feature: Shows Ashoka’s diplomatic reach into the Hellenistic world.

88
Q

Topra (Haryana, Shifted to Delhi)

A

Originally stood in Haryana, now in Delhi. | Special Feature: Largest known Ashokan pillar.

89
Q

Meerut (Uttar Pradesh, Shifted to Delhi)

A

Originally stood in Meerut, now in Delhi. | Special Feature: Another pillar moved by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

90
Q

Significance of Ashoka’s Pillar Edict Locations

A

Placed near important cities, trade routes, Buddhist sites, and administrative centers to spread Dhamma policies.

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