Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c11.s26.5

c11.s26.5

In 238 B. C. Aśoka began the issue of the Pillar Edicts which together with the Fourteen Rock Edicts form the most important records of the reign. The first six Pillar Edicts which were issued in the first instance contained further elaboration of the principles of Dhamma and the administrative measures calculated to secure their voluntary observance by the people, and their enforcement, where necessary, by the officials of the imperial government. A year later in 237, another edict, the longest in this series, was added ; and this inscription, found only on one pillar, constitutes a more or less systematic review of all the steps taken by Aśoka so far for the promotion of Dhamma and the motives which actuated them ; incidentally it gives some idea of the results obtained by the action of the monarch and of his hopes for the future.