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Edicts of Ashoka: Difference between revisions

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m John Prinsep did the deciphering.
269 is claimed by authorities on the testimony of the contents of the edicts of Asoka.
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[[Image:EdictsOfAshoka.jpg|thumb|Distribution of the Edicts of Ashoka.<ref>Reference: "India: The Ancient Past" p.113, Burjor Avari, Routledge, ISBN 0-415-35615-6</ref>]]
The '''Edicts of Ashoka''' are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the [[Pillars of Ashoka]], as well as boulders and cave walls, made by the Emperor [[Ashoka the Great|Ashoka]] of the [[Mauryan dynasty]] during his reign from 272 to 231 BC. These inscriptions are dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day [[Pakistan]], [[Nepal]] and [[India]], and represent the first tangible evidence of [[Buddhism]]. The edicts describe in detail the first wide expansion of Buddhism through the sponsorship of one of the most powerful kings of Indian history. According to the edicts, the extent of Buddhist proselytism during this period reached as far as the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]], and many Buddhist monuments were created.
 
These inscriptions proclaim Ashoka's beliefs in the Buddhist concept of ''[[dharma]]'' and his efforts to develop the dharma throughout his kingdom. Although Buddhism and the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] are mentioned, the edicts focus on social and moral precepts, rather than specific religious practices or the philosophical dimension of Buddhism.
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