The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c12.162

c12.162

Besides death, imprisonment was a regular form of punishment under the Mauryas. In the Fifth Pillar Edict, Aśoka says that within twenty-six years after his Abhiṣeka he had granted amnesty to prisoners twenty-five times. Probably the amnesty was granted regularly on the anniversary of the coronation. As this was the practice of Aśoka even before his conversion to Buddhism, he was, perhaps, only following a time-honoured custom. Rock Edict V, and the First Separate Rock Edict, Dhauli, also testify to the king’s concern for prisoners. The aged ones might be released, the infirm might be freed from shackles. In certain cases, the families of prisoners might be provided for. There was, however, a tradition long current in India that, in the early days of Aśoka, prison-life was a veritable hell. Yuan Chwang heard that shortly after his accession Aśoka built a prison enclosed by high walls, with a lofty tower at each corner, full of indescribable terrors and tortures. It was headed by a fierce wicked man. Later, it was demolished.²