Asokan Inscription on Medical Provisions

Emperor Ashoka's reign is well-documented through his numerous inscriptions scattered across the Indian subcontinent. These edicts provide valuable insights into his policies, administration, and ethical governance. Among these inscriptions, one specifically highlights his dedication to advancing healthcare and ensuring the availability of medical resources.

The question asks to identify the Asokan inscription that details the promotion of the medical profession and the expansion of medical supplies, both within his territory and internationally.

Major Rock Edict II: A Focus on Healthcare

Major Rock Edict II is critically important for understanding Ashoka's commitment to public welfare, particularly in the realm of healthcare. This particular edict explicitly records the measures taken by the Mauryan administration to improve the well-being of both humans and animals.

• The edict details the establishment of medical facilities, including hospitals or dispensaries, throughout the Mauryan empire.
• It also mentions the provision and cultivation of medicinal herbs and roots, ensuring a supply of necessary remedies.
• Significantly, Ashoka extended these medical provisions beyond his immediate borders, mentioning their availability in neighboring kingdoms and Hellenistic states, demonstrating a humanitarian vision that transcended political boundaries.
• The welfare measures mentioned in this edict were inclusive, covering the needs of both people and the animal kingdom.

Analysis of Other Asokan Edicts

To understand why Major Rock Edict II is the correct answer, let's briefly consider the other options:

• Major Rock Edict I: This edict primarily focuses on the prohibition of animal sacrifices and emphasizes the need for moral conduct and compassion towards living beings.
• Pillar Edict VII: This edict summarizes Ashoka's efforts towards the propagation of Dhamma (righteousness) and the establishment of welfare activities across his vast empire, but it does not specifically detail medical provisions in the same way as Major Rock Edict II.
• Minor Rock Edict II: These edicts are generally shorter and often contain personal reflections or reaffirmations of the king's beliefs and policies, but they do not contain the detailed account of medical infrastructure found in Major Rock Edict II.

Therefore, Major Rock Edict II stands out as the inscription that specifically documents Ashoka's comprehensive policies for promoting the medical profession and expanding the supply of medical products far and wide.