The Mauryan Polity c11.s1.t3.7
The Mauryan Polity c11.s1.t3.7
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c11.s1.t3.7
Fourthly, the term dharmadāna³ simply means gift to really deserving persons. Dāna is indeed one of the cardinal principles of the Hindu sanātana dharma; and various restrictions are ordained in the Dharmaśāstras regulating dāna or gift. The law-books do not advise any indiscriminate gift. They draw a line of demarcation between righteous gifts and unrighteous gifts. Aśoka wished that the gifts went for a worthy cause. Charitable and religious institutions were abundant in those days, and no wonder that the state patronised all creeds by helping them. Hence the *stūpas*, *caityas*, and other monuments were raised by the kings of the land whatever be their religious conviction.