Understanding Ashokan Rock Edicts in South India

The question asks about the location of Ashokan Rock Edicts containing fourteen proclamations in South India. These fourteen proclamations are known as the Major Rock Edicts of Emperor Ashoka.

Emperor Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, ruled the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. He is famous for his conversion to Buddhism and the spread of Dharma through his inscriptions, known as Ashokan Edicts. These edicts were inscribed on pillars, rock surfaces, and cave walls throughout his vast empire.

The Major Rock Edicts consist of fourteen distinct proclamations covering various aspects of Ashoka's policy of Dhamma (Dharma), including principles of morality, social welfare, religious tolerance, and administrative instructions.

Analysing South Indian Sites with Ashokan Edicts

Let's examine the sites mentioned in the options and their connection to Ashokan Edicts, specifically the Major Rock Edicts (fourteen proclamations):

• (a) Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh): Erragudi is a significant archaeological site in Andhra Pradesh. It is well-known for having a complete set of Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts. This site provides valuable insights into Ashoka's presence and propagation of Dhamma in the southern parts of his empire.
• (b) Rajula-Mandagiri (Andhra Pradesh): Rajula-Mandagiri is another site in Andhra Pradesh with Ashokan inscriptions. It contains some Major Rock Edicts, but Erragudi is typically cited for the complete collection of the fourteen proclamations in South India.
• (c) Maski (Karnataka): Maski is a famous site in Karnataka primarily known for a Minor Rock Edict. This edict is historically crucial because it is one of the few inscriptions where Ashoka is explicitly named (Devanampiya Asoka). While it contains Ashokan edicts, it does not contain the full set of fourteen Major Rock Edicts.
• (d) Sannati (Karnataka): Sannati in Karnataka is a very important site for Ashokan studies in South India. Excavations here have revealed numerous Ashokan inscriptions, including fragments and versions of the Major Rock Edicts (often inscribed on slab stones rather than a single rock face). The discoveries at Sannati are extensive and represent a significant collection of Ashokan proclamations in the region, including aspects of the fourteen Major Rock Edicts.

Identifying Sites with Fourteen Proclamations

Based on historical and archaeological evidence:

• Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh) is confirmed to contain the complete set of fourteen Major Rock Edicts.
• Sannati (Karnataka) has yielded a wealth of Ashokan inscriptions, including significant portions and versions related to the Major Rock Edicts, representing a major presence of Ashoka's proclamations in South India.
• Maski and Rajula-Mandagiri contain Ashokan edicts, but typically not the complete set of fourteen Major Rock Edicts in the same comprehensive manner as Erragudi or the collective significance at Sannati for the region.

Therefore, sites where Ashokan Rock Edicts containing fourteen proclamations (or a significant collection representing them) have been found in South India include Erragudi and Sannati.

Revision Table: Ashokan Edicts in South India

Additional Information on Ashokan Edicts

Ashokan Edicts are primarily written in Brahmi script, though Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic scripts were also used in some border regions. The language used is generally Prakrit, with regional variations.

• Major Rock Edicts: These are inscribed on large rocks and are found in various parts of the subcontinent. They are a set of fourteen edicts.
• Minor Rock Edicts: These are usually shorter and often inscribed on smaller rocks. They are more personal, sometimes autobiographical, and discuss the spread of Dhamma. Maski and Erragudi have Minor Rock Edicts as well.
• Pillar Edicts: Inscribed on polished stone pillars erected at important locations. These include seven major pillar edicts and some minor ones.
• Cave Inscriptions: Found in caves, such as those in the Barabar Hills.

The Ashokan edicts are the earliest deciphered writings of India and provide crucial information about the reign of Ashoka, the Mauryan administration, the spread of Buddhism, and the social conditions of the time. James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi script in 1837, unlocking the contents of these valuable historical records.