Ashoka, also known as Asoka, was India's last important ruler, ruling from 268 to 232 BCE. The Dhamma policy of Ashoka was a way of life and code of behaviour that the people were to follow. In his edicts, he emphasised his Dhamma policies. The majority of Ashoka's inscriptions are on Dhamma (the Prakrit word for dharma). The topic of Dhamma was widely appealing to people of all faiths. Dhamma did not have any rules or regulations. Asoka's favourite of the basic principles was tolerance. This article will explain to you the Ashoka's Dhamma which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Ashoka

• Son of Mauryan Emperor Bindusara and Subhadrangi. Chandragupta Maurya's grandson
• His other names were Devanampiya (Sanskrit Devanampriya, which means Beloved of the Gods) and Piyadasi.
• He was born in 304 BC.
• His reign lasted from 268 BC until 232 BC, when he died.
• As a young prince, Ashoka was a skilled commander who put down revolts in Ujjain and Takshashila.
• As Emperor, he was ambitious and aggressive, re-establishing the Empire's power in southern and western India. But it was his conquest of Kalinga (262–261 BCE) that proved to be the defining event of his life.
• He became a Buddhist. Moggaliputta Tissa, a Buddhist monk, became his guru.
• In 247 BC, Ashoka presided over the third Buddhist Council in Pataliputra, which was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
• The Dhamma is the subject of the bulk of Ashoka's inscriptions (the Prakrit word for dharma).
• People of various faiths were drawn to the concept of Dhamma. There were no laws or restrictions in Dhamma.

Ashoka

Dhamma

• Dhamma's programme was a sincere attempt to address some of the challenges and conflicts that a complex society faced.
• The policy was developed as a result of Ashoka's private empire. In later years, Ashoka was impacted by his close social context.
• The Mauryan kings had a diverse viewpoint. In his later years, Chandragupta turned to Jainism, whereas Bindusara preferred the Ajivika.
• Ashoka practised Buddhism in his personal life, but he never forced it on his subjects.
• The Mauryan imperial structure had become complicated by the time Ashoka rose to the throne, incorporating many cultures, religions, and social and political tendencies.
• Ashoka had to choose between maintaining the system by force, which would involve enormous costs, and defining a set of social standards that would be acceptable to all social behaviours and religious beliefs.

Ashoka and his Dhamma (Edicts)

• The concepts of Dhamma were developed to be acceptable to people from all cultures and religions. Dhamma has no formal definition or structure.
• It promoted tolerance of individuals and care for slaves and servants; it emphasises loyalty to elders; and giving to the destitute, Brahmans, and Sarmanas.
• In order to achieve concord, Ashoka called for tolerance of various religious factions.
• Dhamma's strategy also includes other welfare initiatives, such as tree planting and well digging.
• Ceremonies and sacrifices were deemed useless by Ashoka.
• To execute and popularise the many components of Dhamma, a corps of officials known as Dhamma mahamatras were established.
• Ashoka charged them with spreading his message to diverse segments of society.
• However, they quickly evolved into a form of Dhamma priesthood with immense powers and soon began to participate in politics.
• Dhamma was obviously a non-religious concept.
• The basic features of the dhamma that we may conclude from this huge rock edict and other important rock edicts are as follows:
• Major Rock Edict I - Animal sacrifices and festival gatherings are prohibitedI.
• Major Rock Edict II - Describes the Cholas', Pandyas', Satyaputras', Kerala Putras', Ceylon's, and Antiochus' worldwide medical missions for men and animals. Therapeutic plants and trees are planted along the roadways, and wells are dug.
• Major Rock Edict III - Yuktas (subordinate officials), Rajukas (rural administrators), and Pradesikas (district chiefs) were directed to tour every five years and propagate Dhamma after 12 years after his consecration.
• Being obedient to one's mother and father, friends, and relatives, as well as being charitable to Brahmans and sramanas, are all part of it.
• Major Rock Edict IV - The sound of the drum has changed into the sound of Dhamma, revealing to the people the divine form.
• Major Rock Edict V - In his fourteenth year of rule, Buddha describes the institution of the dhamma-mahamatras, or Dhamma officials.
• It also examines the humane treatment of servants by masters and the treatment of captives by government authorities.
• Major Rock Edict VI - It explains the monarch's connection with his subjects via the Mahamattas, and the Mahamattas are now expected to report to the king at any time and from any location.
• Major Rock Edict VII - It promotes religious tolerance throughout the board.
• Major Rock Edict VIII - In the tenth year of his reign, Asoka made a visit to Bodh-Gaya to view the Bodhi-tree.
• Following this incident, he constructed the Dhamma-yatas system, which is described in full in this edict.
• Major Rock Edict IX - Other rites are pointless save for Dhamma, which entails respect for others, including slaves and servants, as well as presents to sramanas and Brahmans.
• Major Rock Edict X - It condemns fame and glory and reaffirms the benefits of adhering to Dhamma's philosophy.
• Major Rock Edict XI - It is a further clarification of Dhamma policy. It emphasises respect for elders, refraining from harming animals, and being generous to friends.
• Major Rock Edict XII - It is again another call to sectarianism. This proclamation reveals the king's worry over sectarian warfare and includes his call for concord.

The Mauryan state and Dhamma

• Ashoka's Dhamma was more than just a compilation of lofty words. The monarch owes no one anything in the Arthashastra.
• His only responsibility was to efficiently rule the state. Ashoka condemned war and violent conquest and prohibited the slaughter of many animals.
• Ashoka set an example of vegetarianism by nearly eliminating meat intake in the royal household.
• He dispatched countless missions to spread Dhamma because he desired to conquer the world by compassion and trust.
• Ashoka also forbade unnecessary sacrifices and certain types of assemblies that resulted in waste, indiscipline, and superstition.
• Dhamma yatras were also initiated by Ashoka. He and his top officers were to travel the land spreading Dhamma and making direct contact with his citizens.

Conclusion

The great Ashoka was a beloved Maurya Dynasty monarch. The Mauryan Empire lasted 50 years after Ashoka's death before disintegrating. Brhadrata, the final Mauryan emperor, was assassinated in 185 BCE by one of his generals, Pusyamitra Sunga. Although his dynasty did not rule for long after his death, the Vedas and his directives, which may still be seen today on Ashok pillars and Ashoka's Palace, carried on Ashoka's ideals and examples. In addition, Ashoka is the only emperor to surrender after winning a battle. He made this decision after seeing the horror of the Kalinga conflict.

FAQs

Question: What was the main goal of Ashoka’s Dhamma?

Question: How did Ashoka promote religious tolerance through his Dhamma?

Question: What role did non-violence play in Ashoka’s Dhamma?

Question: How did Ashoka ensure the welfare of his people through Dhamma?

Question: Why is Ashoka’s Dhamma considered unique in ancient Indian history?

MCQs

1. Which of the following was a central tenet of Ashoka’s Dhamma?

A. Religious exclusivity

B. Non-violence (Ahimsa)

C. Political dominance

D. Economic reforms

2. How did Ashoka’s Dhamma promote social harmony?

A. By enforcing strict laws

B. By encouraging respect and compassion for all, including elders and the poor

C. By encouraging wars to unite different regions

D. By building temples for all religions

3. What was Ashoka’s approach to religious diversity in his empire?

A. Promoted only Buddhism

B. Encouraged conversion to a single faith

C. Promoted religious tolerance

D. Suppressed all religions except the state religion

4. Which of the following actions did Ashoka take to improve the welfare of his subjects?

A. Built forts for defense

B. Developed infrastructure like hospitals and rest houses

C. Imposed heavy taxes on all citizens

D. Promoted conquest through wars

5. What was the outcome of Ashoka’s adoption of Dhamma after the Kalinga War?

A. He expanded his empire through wars

B. He focused on promoting peace and non-violence

C. He allied with other empires to wage war

D. He increased taxes to support his army

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of Ashoka’s Dhamma in the context of ancient Indian governance and its impact on the Mauryan Empire.

Answer: Ashoka’s Dhamma was significant in the context of ancient Indian governance as it marked a shift from military conquest to moral and ethical governance. After the devastating Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and adopted Dhamma, focusing on non-violence, social harmony, and welfare. His Dhamma promoted religious tolerance and respect for all communities, ensuring peace within the diverse Mauryan Empire. The principles of Ahimsa and compassion transformed the Mauryan administration into one centered on the welfare of the people. Ashoka’s policies contributed to social stability and cultural development, establishing him as a ruler dedicated to ethical governance rather than military dominance.

Q2: Evaluate the role of Ashoka’s Dhamma in promoting religious tolerance and its relevance to contemporary India.

Answer: Ashoka’s Dhamma played a crucial role in promoting religious tolerance by encouraging respect for all faiths and fostering peaceful coexistence. This policy helped reduce religious conflicts and fostered unity within the diverse population of the Mauryan Empire. In contemporary India, Ashoka’s emphasis on religious tolerance remains highly relevant as the country continues to grapple with issues of communalism and religious intolerance. His Dhamma serves as an enduring reminder of the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity, and the need to build a harmonious society based on mutual respect for different religious beliefs.

Q3: Analyze the ethical and moral principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma and their role in shaping the socio-political structure of the Mauryan Empire.

Answer: The ethical and moral principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma were rooted in non-violence, compassion, and righteousness. These principles aimed at fostering social harmony, improving the welfare of the people, and promoting religious tolerance. Ashoka discouraged violence, cruelty, and unjust practices, focusing instead on creating a moral and just society. His policy influenced the socio-political structure of the Mauryan Empire by emphasizing the well-being of all citizens, including animals. The creation of infrastructure such as hospitals and the appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras to spread moral teachings further reflected his commitment to ethical governance. Ashoka’s Dhamma had a long-lasting impact on Indian society and governance, inspiring later rulers and religious leaders.

Previous Year Questions on Ashoka's Dhamma

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: Which of the following was a key element of Ashoka’s Dhamma?

A. Military expansion

B. Religious intolerance

C. Non-violence and welfare of all beings

D. Encouragement of animal sacrifices

Answer: C

Explanation: The key element of Ashoka’s Dhamma was non-violence (Ahimsa) and the welfare of all beings. Ashoka promoted peace, religious tolerance, and moral governance after his adoption of Buddhism.