Ashoka – The Great

Published on 15 Oct 2025

Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an emperor of the Mauryan Empire who ruled from 268 BCE to 232 BCE. He is considered one of the most significant figures in Indian history due to his transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate and enlightened ruler. Ashoka's reign and his conversion to Buddhism had a profound impact on the empire and the spread of Buddhism throughout the region.

Concept of Ashoka’s Dhamma

Ashoka's Dhamma, also known as Ashoka's Edicts, represents a profound and influential concept in the history of ancient India. Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, embraced Buddhism and introduced a set of moral and ethical principles that guided his personal conduct and the governance of his empire.

Moral and Ethical Framework:

Moral and Ethical Framework: Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasized principles of righteousness, compassion, non-violence, and respect for all living beings.

Example: Edict III – Parents must be obeyed, and teachers must be revered.

Universal Application and Dissemination of Dhamma:

Universal Application: Ashoka's Dhamma was intended to be applicable to people of all religious backgrounds and social statuses.

Example: Major rock edict XII - Mahamattas in charge of women’s welfare and tolerance towards the dhamma of others.

Dissemination of Dhamma through pillars and edicts: Ashoka's Dhamma was disseminated through rock and pillar edicts erected across the Mauryan Empire. These edicts, inscribed with Ashoka's teachings, were installed in public places to educate and guide the populace.

Example: Major rock edict V- About Dhammamahamatras. - A special cadre of officials were appointed and entrusted with the duty of spreading Dhamma within the kingdom.

Principles of Governance:

Righteous Governance: Ashoka's Dhamma emphasized the responsibility of rulers to govern with fairness and justice.

Example: Edict V – Humane treatment of slaves and servants.

Social Welfare: Ashoka's Dhamma advocated for the welfare of all people, including the poor, the sick, and the elderly. He established hospitals, medical facilities, and other welfare measures to alleviate suffering and ensure the well-being of his subjects.

Example: Ashoka established two kinds of hospitals; one for humans, the other for animals.

Religious Tolerance: It encouraged individuals to follow their own religious beliefs while respecting the diversity of other religious practices within the empire.

Example: Major rock edict VII- Tolerance towards religions among all sects and welfare measures for the public in his as well as his neighbouring kingdoms.

Non-Violence and Peace: Non-violence (ahimsa) was a central tenet of Ashoka's Dhamma. He renounced aggressive warfare and sought to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, promoting diplomacy, negotiation, and reconciliation.

Example: Dhammaghosha (sound of Dhamma/righteousness) over Bherighosha (sound of war).

Environmental Stewardship: He issued edicts to prevent the wanton destruction of forests and to promote the conservation of natural resources.

Example: Major rock edict I- Prohibition of animal sacrifice, especially during festive seasons.

Impact and Legacy:

Impact and Legacy: Ashoka's Dhamma had a lasting impact on Indian history and culture. Its principles influenced subsequent rulers and played a significant role in the spread and development of Buddhism throughout India and beyond.

Example: Under Ashoka's patronage, Buddhist missionaries were sent to various regions, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.

Even today, the legacy of Ashoka's Dhamma endures. His teachings continue to resonate as guiding principles for moral conduct, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. The enduring influence of Ashoka's Dhamma on Buddhism, art, governance, and ethical philosophy stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and continues to shape the cultural heritage of India and the Buddhist world.

Contributions of Ashoka to moral and administrative welfare of people

Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, made significant contributions to the moral and administrative welfare of his people. His policies and actions aimed to create a just and compassionate society, focusing on the well-being and upliftment of his subjects.

Moral and public Welfare

Promotion of Ethics and Virtues: Ashoka's moral welfare initiatives focused on cultivating ethical conduct and virtues among the public.

Example: Kalinga rock edict post Kalinga war in promotion of commitment to non-violence.

Edicts for Public Welfare: Ashoka's rock and pillar edicts guided moral conduct, social welfare, and the equitable distribution of resources which were displayed in public places to educate and inspire the people to follow them.

Example: Major Rock Edict VI – shows the King’s desire to know about his people’s conditions.

Dhamma Mahamatras: They were officers who helped in propagating the message of Dhamma and also enabling the emperor to keep in touch with public opinion

Example: Major rock edict XII mentions mahamattas.

Social Harmony and Tolerance: He advocated for the acceptance and coexistence of different religious beliefs, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Example: Edict VII mentions the tolerance towards religions of all sects.

Humanitarian Approach and Social Welfare: He sought to alleviate suffering, promote well-being, and ensure social justice for all individuals within his empire.

Example: Edict VII inscribes welfare measures for the public in his as well as his neighbouring kingdoms.

Administrative welfare

Administrative Reforms: Mantriparishad was the council of ministers who assisted the ruler.
Judicial Reforms: Kautilya mentions two other kinds of courts Dharmasthiya (Civil Court) and Kantakashodhana (Criminal Court).
Public Works and Infrastructure: Ashoka ordered the construction of rest houses or "Dharmashalas" along major roads.
Healthcare Facilities: These institutions provide free medical treatment to the sick and injured, ensuring the well-being and welfare of the public.

Example: Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath states that Ashoka established hospitals for both humans and animals.

Public Welfare Programs: These programs included measures to support orphans, destitute individuals, and those facing economic hardships, promoting social welfare and inclusivity.

Example: Ashoka implemented water management projects, including the construction of wells, tanks, and reservoirs.

Legacy of Ethical Governance: After Ashoka's reign, subsequent Mauryan emperors and regional rulers within the empire continued to adopt his ethical principles and policies.

Example: The ethical principles of Buddhist Dhamma were spread across the South and South East Asia through missionaries.

Ashoka's contributions to moral and administrative welfare were aimed at fostering a just and compassionate society. His policies and teachings continue to inspire generations, emphasizing the importance of moral values, social welfare, and responsible governance for the well-being of individuals and the betterment of society.