The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c10.s9.5

c10.s9.5

Like the copperplate inscriptions these Edicts are, first and foremost, specimens of literature. And although mainly institutional in origin or nature, this literature can be made to yield theories. Much of ordinary ethical propaganda it undoubtedly contains. But as an Empirebuilder Asoka tried to impress upon his people the conception of administrative uniformity. He was, besides, an exponent of the conception of the “welfare-state”, something like *lo stato educatore* of Redanò. It is through the Edicts that such political categories of the Hindus have found fair expression.