The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c23.12

c23.12

As time went on Asoka's passionate devotion to the doctrine of the sanctity of animal life grew in intensity; and, in 243 B. C., resulted in the production of a stringent code of regulations applicable to all classes of the population throughout the empire, without distinction of creed. Many kinds of animals were absolutely protected from slaughter in any circumstances; and the slaying of animals commonly used for food by the flesh-eating population, although not totally prohibited, was hedged round by severe restrictions. On fifty-six specified days in the year, killing under any pretext was categorically forbidden; and in many ways the liberty of the subject was very seriously contracted.² While Asoka lived, these regulations were, no doubt, strictly enforced by the special officers appointed for the purpose; and it is not unlikely that deliberate breach of the more important regulations was visited with the capital penalty, as it was later in the days of Harsha.