The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c12.86

c12.86

The Inscriptions which are the primary authority for the reign of Aśoka, betray a little Persian influence. As Senart pointed out, their opening formula resembles the commencement of the proclamations of the Achaemenides from Darius to Artaxerxes Ochus. They come nearest the Naqsh-i-Rustam Inscription in which Darius bequeaths his precepts in policy, morals and religion to his successors.¹ It is possible, but there is no literary or epigraphic evidence to prove, that the whole system of Imperial organisation in India derived suggestions from Persia.² From the political point of view, the Inscriptions of Aśoka are valuable, firstly, for a graphic presentation of the practical ideal of the state which the emperor sought to realise and, secondly, for a few glimpses into the structure and working of institutions. In so many words Aśoka enunciates the paternal view of government. "For as one feels confident after having entrusted his child to an intelligent nurse, thinking 'the intelligent nurse will be able to keep my child well,' so the Lâjukas were appointed by me for the welfare and happiness of the country people."³ He tells the officials of Tosali that confidence should be inspired in the people, "they should be made to learn that Devânâmpriya is to them like a father, that Devânâmpriya loves them like himself, and that they are to Devânâmpriya like his own children."⁴ Again, "all men are my children," whose 'complete' welfare and happiness in this world and in the next he must promote.⁵ Thanks partly to the vivid realisation of this idea, Aśoka rises above the narrow views of Brâhmaṇas or others and looks to the welfare of all. "I am directing my attention to all classes"—"to those who are far and near."' Even the inhabitants of the forest were pacified and instructed.² Beyond the pale of humanity, the lower creatures came within the purview of the Emperor's activities. "On bipeds and quadrupeds, on birds and aquatic animals various benefits have been conferred by me, (even) to the boon of life."³