Inscriptions of Aśoka

The book is organized into two major parts: an introductory historical study and a translation of the inscriptions. The introduction first surveys Magadha and the rise of the Mauryas, then discusses Aśoka’s reign, his Dharma, benevolent activities, propagation of Dharma, and historical estimate. It also explains the nature of Aśoka’s inscriptions, distinguishing records on rocks and pillars, and discussing issues of script, language, date, location, and authenticity. The section further covers inscriptions on rocks, inscriptions on pillars, and spurious records. The translation section is divided into Part I, “Inscriptions on Rocks,” including Minor Rock Edicts, Rock Edicts, and Cave Inscriptions, and Part II, “Inscriptions on Pillars,” including Minor Pillar Edicts, Pillar Inscriptions, and Pillar Edicts. The volume also includes an appendix on proper names and Sanskrit expressions in the translation, a select bibliography, illustrations of important inscriptions, and a map showing the locations of Aśoka’s inscriptions.