The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c12.117

c12.117

Aśoka declares that progress in Dhamma was promoted in two ways—by inducing to meditate and by moral restrictions.¹ Both were required for the operation of the humanitarian code on which the emperor had set his heart. He exhorts all to show proper courtesy and kindness to servants and slaves.² He imposes restrictions on the slaughter or mutilation of animals. The Fifth Pillar Edict gives the long list of animals which had been declared inviolable for all times and places. It goes on to lay down that "cocks must not be caponed. Husks containing living animals must not be burnt. Forests must not be burnt either uselessly or in order to destroy (living beings). Living animals must not be fed with other living animals. Fish are inviolable and must not be sold on the three Câturmâsîs (end) on the Tiṣyâ full moon, during three days (viz.) the 14th, 15th and 1st (tithi) and invariably on every fast-day. And during these same days also no other classes of animals, which are in the elephant-park (and) in the preserves of the fishermen must be killed." On certain days no animals were to be castrated, no horses or bullocks were to be branded.³