Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan emperor who ruled most of the Indian subcontinent during the 3rd century BCE, is remembered not just for his military conquests but more for his transformative governance after embracing Buddhism. Following the destructive Kalinga war, Ashoka experienced deep remorse and adopted Dhamma (a moral code rooted in righteousness and compassion) as the guiding principle of his rule. Unlike religious doctrine, Ashoka’s Dhamma was a practical ethical code aimed at fostering harmony in his diverse empire.
Ashoka’s Dhamma did not strictly follow Buddhist teachings, though it was influenced by them. Instead, it was a secular and inclusive philosophy, shaped to suit the multicultural and multi-religious Mauryan empire. Its core principles included:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Avoiding the killing of living beings, including in sacrifices and hunting.
Tolerance and Respect: Encouraging religious tolerance and mutual respect among communities.
Compassion and Charity: Urging people to be kind to elders, servants, and animals.
Truthfulness and Moderation: Promoting honest living and avoidance of excessive desires.
Obedience to Parents and Elders: Emphasizing moral behavior and social discipline.
This set of ethical guidelines was intended for all, regardless of caste, creed, or class.
Ashoka took unprecedented steps to communicate his Dhamma across his vast empire:
Dhamma Mahamatras were appointed as special officers to spread and monitor the practice of Dhamma.
Edicts and Inscriptions were carved on rocks and pillars in local languages for the public to read and understand.
Royal Decrees emphasized the importance of Dhamma in governance and daily life.
These efforts made Ashoka’s moral philosophy accessible to the common people, spreading its influence far and wide.
1. Promotion of Religious Tolerance
India was home to multiple faiths including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and tribal beliefs. Ashoka’s Dhamma created a climate of mutual respect, which reduced religious conflicts and encouraged peaceful coexistence. His policy of tolerance also gave space for the growth of Buddhism, not just in India but in other parts of Asia.
2. Ethical Foundation for Governance
Dhamma acted as a moral compass for rulers and administrators. Ashoka shifted focus from conquest to welfare, emphasizing justice, compassion, and fairness. This laid the groundwork for a more humane and welfare-oriented administration, which influenced later Indian political thought.
3. Social Welfare Measures
Under Dhamma, Ashoka launched welfare activities such as:
Building hospitals for humans and animals.
Digging wells and planting trees along roads.
Supporting the poor, elderly, and prisoners.
These acts reflected his commitment to a compassionate and inclusive society, setting a model for future rulers.
4. Spread of Buddhism and Indian Culture Abroad
Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism helped spread Indian philosophy, art, and values to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. Through missionary work, Buddhist ideals and Indian culture found a global platform, enhancing India’s soft power in ancient times.
5. Unity in Diversity
By emphasizing common moral values over religious dogma, Dhamma helped unify a diverse empire. It provided a sense of shared ethics, which was crucial in maintaining political and social order in a large, pluralistic society.
Ashoka’s Dhamma left a lasting imprint on Indian civilization. His principles were ahead of their time, promoting ideas like religious freedom, animal rights, and universal ethics. Centuries later, his lion capital became India’s national emblem, and his ideals continue to inspire modern values of secularism, non-violence, and welfare statehood.
Ashoka’s Dhamma was a bold and visionary attempt to govern through ethics rather than fear. It transcended religion and class, aiming to create a just, peaceful, and united society. Its impact was not only felt in his own time but echoed across centuries, influencing Indian thought and global Buddhist heritage.