Asokan Edicts: An Assemblage of Sociological Assertions and Moral Guidelines Book

The most authentic source material for Mauryan History especially history is Asokan Edicts (numbering 33) which are known to be the oldest, the best preserved and the most accurately dated sources. These Asokan edics are found in Indian sub-continent viz., throughout the areas of present day Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Asokan edicts gives information about the social, political and religious lifestyles of Mauryan era and also gives ample proof of a powerful and able king’s attempt to establish a society which he believed to be just, righteous and full of virtues. Furthermore, Asokan edicts tell us about eh strict adherence of emperor Asoka to the Buddhist principles and philosophies, most importantly the philosophy of Dhamma. However, even though there have been hints of Buddhism and the mentioning of Buddha in several inscriptions, the edicts focus more on the ‘social assertions and moral guidelines, rather than religious or the philosophical aspects of Buddhism. Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism, the efforts he placed in trying to spread the religion throughout Asia and the world, his moral and religious laws and principles, and his social and animal welfare program form the central themes that the inscriptions revolve around. The present book has made an attempt to explore the social and moral guidelines as advocated by the King Asoka based on his edicts. The book not only deals with social and moral principles of the Asoka but also explored the geographical location, various languages used in edicts, and date of Asoka and the Buddha. (jacket)