(xiv) Asokan Minor Rock Edict

Understanding Asokan Minor Rock Edicts

The Asokan Minor Rock Edicts are a series of rock inscriptions that form the earliest stratum of Emperor Ashoka's extensive epigraphic corpus. Unlike the Major Rock Edicts which usually present a detailed set of fourteen proclamations on morality and social justice, the Minor Rock Edicts are typically shorter, more personal, and often focus on Ashoka's journey towards Buddhism and his initial efforts to spread its principles.

Key Features and Chronology

• Earliest Inscriptions: The Minor Rock Edicts are generally considered to be among the first edicts issued by Ashoka, dating back to around the 11th year of his reign, subsequent to the Kalinga War and his conversion to Buddhism. They chronologically precede the Major Rock Edicts.
• Personal Nature: These edicts often reveal Ashoka's personal reflections on his conversion to Buddhism and his increasing devotion to the Sangha. For instance, Minor Rock Edict I often describes Ashoka's gradual progress in Dhamma over a period of "two and a half years."
• Explicit Mention of Ashoka: Notably, several Minor Rock Edicts explicitly mention Ashoka's personal name alongside his titles like "Devanampiya Piyadasi" (Beloved of the Gods). Prominent examples include the Maski, Gujjara, Nettur, and Udegolam edicts. This is significant because many other edicts only use his royal titles.
• Language and Script: Predominantly inscribed in Prakrit language using the Brahmi script, some early minor rock edicts, such as the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, also feature Greek and Aramaic, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the Mauryan Empire's frontier regions.
• Technical Quality: The technical quality of engraving in the Minor Rock Edicts is often noted to be relatively poor compared to the later, more refined Major Pillar Edicts, suggesting an earlier stage in the development of Mauryan monumental inscription techniques.

Geographical Distribution

The Minor Rock Edicts are found in numerous locations across the Indian subcontinent, strategically placed in areas accessible to the common populace. Their widespread distribution indicates Ashoka's intent to disseminate his messages broadly. Some significant sites include:

• Karnataka: Maski, Brahmagiri, Siddapur, Jatinga-Rameshwara, Nettur, Udegolam.
• Madhya Pradesh: Gujjara, Rupnath, Saru Maru.
• Andhra Pradesh: Yerragudi, Rajula Mandagiri.
• Bihar: Sasaram.
• Rajasthan: Bairat (Bhabru Edict).
• Uttar Pradesh: Ahraura.

Content and Significance

The content of the Minor Rock Edicts varies slightly by location but generally conveys themes related to Dhamma:

• Propagation of Dhamma: Ashoka urges both the clergy and laity to exert themselves strenuously in practicing and spreading Dhamma. The Bhabru Edict is particularly noteworthy as it lists specific Buddhist scriptures recommended for study.
• Emphasis on Effort (Parakrama): A recurring theme is the importance of 'parakrama' or exertion in the pursuit of Dhamma, highlighting individual responsibility in moral and spiritual upliftment.
• Buddhist Affiliation: These edicts provide direct evidence of Ashoka's personal commitment to Buddhism, often explicitly stating his status as an 'Upasaka' (lay disciple) or 'Buddha-Shaka'.
• Moral Instruction: They encourage basic moral virtues such as obedience to parents and elders, kindness to living beings, truthfulness, and abstention from harming animals.

The Minor Rock Edicts are invaluable not only for their chronological position in Ashoka's reign but also for their direct portrayal of his personal faith and his initial administrative measures aimed at propagating his vision of Dhamma across his vast empire.