Asokan inscriptons: A bird-eye view

Abstract

Asoka is one of the greatest emperors not only in Indian history but in world history. He was a great conqueror, efficient administrator and successful religious leader. No matter from which point of view his achievements are evaluated, he proves to be absolutely worthy. He had the energy of a Chandra Gupta, the versatility of a Samudra Gupta and the catholicity of an Akbar. He was an appropriate successor for the vast empire that he inherited from his father. As a conqueror, we have seen how he assimilated the kingdom of Kalinga. Asoka personally participated in this war and conducted the army. This shows his military prowess. During his reign, India had experienced unprecedented political unity and stability. He made many reforms in the field of administration. He was a Prajapalak emperor and his concept of kingship was patriarchal reform. He never claimed his divine origin and always considered himself a servant of the people. He was sincerely eager to do not only material but also the moral welfare of his subjects. In his vast empire, he organised and conducted the administration with such great ability and skill that there was complete peace and order in his long reign of about 37 years. He solved the problem of national unity very efficiently and introduced the practice of using one language, one script and one type of law in the whole country. The establishment of punishment-equality and behavioural equality certainly heralds the revolutionary era in the field of administration of justice. In his sixth inscription, he expresses his views on kingship in these words: