Question

What was Ashoka's Dhamma ? Describe. OR Briefly describe the social and economic life of the Vedic period.

Hint:

For questions on Ashoka's Dhamma, remember to distinguish it from the Buddhist religion. While inspired by Buddhism, Dhamma was a broader ethical code for governance and social harmony. Mentioning the role of the 'Dhamma Mahamattas' and the 'Edicts' adds depth to the answer.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ashoka's Dhamma (a Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word 'Dharma') represents his policy of social responsibility and moral guidance for his subjects. Following the Kalinga War, a remorseful Ashoka embraced Buddhism and decided to rule through righteousness rather than warfare. Dhamma was the practical application of this new policy.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The principles of Ashoka's Dhamma were propagated through his Major and Minor Rock Edicts and Pillar Edicts. The key features were: \begin{itemize} \item Ahimsa (Non-violence): Prohibition of animal sacrifice and promotion of non-injury to all living beings. Ashoka himself gave up hunting and promoted vegetarianism.
\item Tolerance: He preached tolerance towards all religious sects, including Brahmanism, Jainism, and Ajivikas. He encouraged people to respect the faiths of others.
\item Respect for Elders: It emphasized obedience and respect towards parents, teachers, and elders.
\item Proper Conduct: Dhamma included proper treatment of slaves and servants, and charity towards Brahmanas and Sramanas (ascetics).
\item Social Welfare: Ashoka undertook several public welfare measures like planting trees, digging wells, and building rest houses for travelers, which he considered part of his Dhamma.
\item Dhamma Mahamattas: He appointed a special class of officers known as the 'Dhamma Mahamattas' to propagate and enforce the principles of Dhamma throughout the empire.
\end{itemize} It was essentially a secular ethical code aimed at creating a harmonious and just society.

Step 3: Final Answer:
In summary, Ashoka's Dhamma was a code of moral conduct based on virtues like non-violence, tolerance, respect, and social welfare. It was a state policy aimed at fostering peace and ethical behavior among the diverse population of the Mauryan Empire, implemented through royal edicts and dedicated officials.