Ashoka\'s DHAMMA

Ashoka's DHAMMA





Prakrit word meaning
Dharma/Piety/righteousness



BACKGROUND

1. Economic factor - Widespread use of iron leads to surplus, which leads
to craft specialisation and trade, which, in turn, leads to the emergence
of URBAN CULTURES. Urban cultures have a diverse composition, and it is
required for the consistent growth of the empire that the disputes or
conflicts from among them are resolved.

2. Religious factor - The tyranny of Brahmins was being questioned and
opposed. With the religious movements (Budhdhism, Jaimism, etc.) soaring
high at that time, the tension between heterodox groups and orthodox sects
grew. A strategy was required to tackle this issue.

3. Demographic factor - In the North-west were the Hellenistic Greeks, who
had Master-Slave classes, the society of Ganges plain had four Varnas, and
forest-dwellers had jaatis.



























-----------------------
IMPORTANT ROCK EDICTS



1. Refraining from violence towards al



6. Goals of Dhamma



13. Dhamma Vijay



9. Futility of rituals



11. Gift of Dhamma is the best gift.



Appointment of Dhamma-Mahamattas; Extension of duties of Rajjukas and
Pradeshikas to incorporate Dhamma preaching; replacment of Vihar Yattas
(pleasure tours) with Dhamma Yattas; the ban on meat in the royal kitchen
and marking them inviolable show Ashoka's obsession with Dhamma.