Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c11.s33.6

c11.s33.6

The term Mahāmātra indicated a certain definite high rank in the hierarchy of officials ; the duties that devolved on each were implied by more specific titles. Thus there were the Dhamma-mahāmātras whose offices were newly created by Aśoka thirteen years after his abhiṣeka as he states in Rock-Edict V which sets forth their duties in some detail. They were to establish and promote dhamma among all the sects in the land and promote the happiness of people devoted to dhamma among the Yonas, Kambhojas and Gāndhāras and other tribes on the western border. They were to help in all difficulties experienced by servants and masters, by Brahmins and Vaiśyas, and by the destitute and the aged ; they reviewed all sentences awarded by courts and mitigated or remitted them after taking into account the particular circumstances of each case such as motive, the presence of children, instigation, and advanced age¹ ; in Pāṭaliputra and in all outlying towns, they had duties in harems and households of the king's relatives, brothers and sisters, and generally they regulated morality and charity throughout the empire. The Seventh Pillar-Edict throws further light on their work ; after a general statement that their activity was fraught with benefit for ascetics and householders of all sects, Aśoka makes the following declaration : ‘Some were ordered by me to busy themselves with the affairs of the Saṅgha ; likewise others were ordered by me to busy themselves also with the Brāhmaṇas and Ājīvakas ; others were ordered by me to busy themselves also with the Nirgranthas ; others were ordered by me to busy themselves also with various other sects²’.