Class Discussion

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Although there was an incredible amount of history covered in this lecture a few things in particular stood out to me that I wanted to research further.

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Emperor Ashoka

• One topics I was particularly interested in was the Maurya Emperor Ashoka, specifically his
  religious policies.

• Unlike other emperors Ashoka emphasised diversity and tolerance, recognising that people from
  different caste and areas would believe in different religions.

• Interestingly Buddhism stood out to him as a result of its non-violent principles and ideas of social
  democracy, in contrast to Brahmanism which was rooted in caste distinction.

  • Therefore, he saw Buddhism as the best way of uniting his empire and spreading toleration
    across the country.

  • Even though he had chosen Buddhism as his religion, he did not enforce this on others and
    emphasised that people should not condemn others for their religious beliefs being different.   

• Additionally, after his conversion to Buddhism, Ashokas attitude changed and he put more effort
  into building schools, hospitals and wells for his people. This was in contrast to his past of military
  conquest and expanding his empire.

• Throughout his empire Ashoka had carved edicts which promoted the values of Buddhism including one which stated “few sins and many good deeds, of kindness, liberality, truthfulness and purity.” (Pillar edict 2).

• Although he did emphasise religious tolerance, as a result of Ashokas conversion, a lot of his subjects also converted. This is significant as Buddhism was traditionally a religious for the upper-class and educated peoples, but now it had become a religion of the common people as well.

 

The Pillars and Edicts

• Pillars, rocks, and cave walls have all been found to have Ashokan edicts carved into them throughout India as a mark of Ashokas kingdom.

• These pillars were placed in areas that attracted a lot of people, such as trade routes or pilgrimage sites, in order to reach the greatest number of people.

  • Pilgrimage sites included that of Sarnath (Buddhas first sermon) and Bodh Gaya (Buddhas Enlightenment).

• Ashokas pillars were commonly inscribed in Brahmi (language all Indic languages developed), as well as in Western India some were inscribed in a language similar to Sanskrit. Additionally in Afghanistan a pillar was discovered to be written in both Aramaic and Greek, thus showing the diverse cultures Ashoka aimed to reach out to.   

• I also found it really interesting to note that not all the inscriptions were religious and one describes the remorse Ashoka feels after the massacre at Kalinga, further emphasising his dedication to his people and bettering his kingdom. 

 

Example:

 

"Beloved of the Gods speaks thus: Twelve years after my coronation I started to have Dhamma edicts written for the welfare and happiness of the people, and so that not transgressing them they might grow in the Dhamma. Thinking: “How can the welfare and happiness of the people be secured?” I give my attention to my relatives, to those dwelling far, so I can lead them to happiness and then I act accordingly. I do the same for all groups. I have honoured all religions with various honours. But I consider it best to meet with people personally." Edict 6​

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