The Mauryan Polity c10.s2.t3: Functions of dharmamahāmātras

The Mauryan Polity c10.s2.t3

Language: English

Functions of dharmamahāmātras

c10.s2.t3.1

More or less the same functions were expected of the *dharmamahāmātras* by Aśoka.³ Their functions were as follows:—

“These are occupied with all sects in establishing morality, in promoting morality, and for the welfare and happiness of those who are devoted to morality (even) among the *yonas*, *kambojas*, and *gāndhāras*, and whatever other western borderers (of mine there are).

c10.s2.t3.4

“They are occupied with servants and masters, with Brahmanas and Ibhyas, with the destitute, (and) with the aged, for the welfare and happiness of those who are devoted to morality, (and) in releasing (them) from the fetters (of worldly life).

c10.s2.t3.5

“They are occupied in supporting prisoners (with money), in causing (their) fetters to be taken off, and in setting (them) free, if one has children, or is be-witched or aged, respectively.

c10.s2.t3.6

“They are occupied everywhere, here and in all out-lying towns, in the harems of our brothers, of (our)

c10.s2.t3.7

sisters, and (of) whatever other relatives (of ours there are).

c10.s2.t3.8

"These *mahāmātras* of morality are occupied everywhere in my dominions with those who are devoted to morality, (in order to ascertain) whether one is eager for morality or properly devoted to charity."¹

c10.s2.t3.9

¹ Hultzsch, Trans., pp. 33-34. See above pp. 168, 173-5, for a slight modification in the interpretation of certain terms. The statements in the inscriptions (V.R.E.): atikātaṁ amtaraṁ na bhūta-pruvaṁ dhammamahāmātā nāma| ta m(a)yā traidasavāsābhi(s)i(tena) dhammamahāmātā katā| (Girnār, corpus, p. 9). se atikantaṁ amtalaṁ nohuta-puluva dham(m)a-mahāmatā nāmā| t(e)dasa-vasābhi(i)sitenā mamayā dharma-mahāmāt(ā) kaṭ(ā)| (Kālsi, corpus, p. 32). sa atikrataṁ atara no bhuta-pruva dhramma-ma(ha)ma(tra) nama| so todaśavaṣabhisitena maya dharma-mahamatra kiṭa (Shāhbāzgārhi, corpus, p. 55).

Linked texts (3)

Major Rock Edict V — Prakrit
Pillar Edict VII — Prakrit
Major Rock Edict XII — Prakrit