Understanding Ashokan Inscriptions and Languages

Emperor Ashoka, ruler of the Maurya Empire, communicated his policies, Dhamma (his moral code), and instructions through inscriptions carved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls across his vast empire during the 3rd century BCE. These inscriptions are crucial primary sources for understanding Ashoka's reign and the spread of Buddhism.

A key feature of Ashokan inscriptions is the use of different languages and scripts tailored to the specific regions where they were located. Ashoka aimed to reach the local population directly, so he used languages and scripts familiar to them.

Languages in Different Regions of the Ashokan Empire

The languages and scripts used varied significantly:

• Central and Eastern India: The majority of the inscriptions found in areas like Magadha, Kalinga, and central India are in Prakrit language, predominantly using the Brahmi script. This was the common language and script understood by a large population in these regions.
• North-West India and parts of Afghanistan: This region was a crossroads of cultures and languages due to trade routes and contact with areas further west. Ashoka's inscriptions here reflect this diversity.

Ashokan Inscriptions in the North-West

In the North-Western parts of the subcontinent, including areas that are now part of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ashoka's inscriptions were found in several languages and scripts:

• Aramaic: This language was widely used for administration and trade in the Achaemenid Empire, which previously controlled parts of this region. Ashoka used Aramaic in some edicts, particularly in Afghanistan.
• Greek: In areas with Greek populations, such as Kandahar (ancient Gandhara), inscriptions were found in Greek, sometimes alongside Aramaic (bilingual edicts).
• Prakrit (using Kharosthi script): Prakrit was also used in the North-West, but unlike the Brahmi script used in most of India, the inscriptions here often employed the Kharosthi script, which was written from right to left.

The use of Aramaic and Greek in the North-West demonstrates Ashoka's pragmatic approach to ensure his messages were understood by diverse linguistic groups living in those frontier regions.

Considering the options provided and the historical evidence of Ashokan inscriptions in the North-West, Aramaic was indeed one of the languages used in this region.

Revision Table: Ashokan Script and Language Distribution

Additional Information on Ashokan Edicts

Ashoka's edicts are primarily categorized into:

• Major Rock Edicts: A set of 14 edicts found at multiple locations.
• Minor Rock Edicts: Shorter edicts, often focusing on Ashoka's personal conversion to Buddhism and instructions to officials.
• Pillar Edicts: Inscriptions on specially erected pillars.
• Minor Pillar Edicts: Shorter inscriptions on pillars.
• Cave Inscriptions: Dedicatory inscriptions, like those in the Barabar Caves.

The content of the edicts promotes social welfare, religious tolerance, justice, and the principles of Dhamma, which emphasized compassion, truthfulness, purity, and gentleness. They provide invaluable insights into the administrative, religious, and social conditions of the Maurya period and Ashoka's efforts to govern according to ethical principles derived from Buddhism.