Ashoka's Dhamma policy
E578326
Ashoka's Dhamma policy was a moral and social code promoted by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka after the Kalinga war, emphasizing non-violence, religious tolerance, compassion, and the welfare of all beings.
Statements (48)
| Predicate | Object |
|---|---|
| instanceOf |
ethical doctrine
ⓘ
moral and social code ⓘ state policy ⓘ |
| administrativeMeasure |
appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras
ⓘ
inscription of edicts in local languages ⓘ regular tours by officials to spread Dhamma ⓘ |
| aim |
moral uplift of society
ⓘ
promotion of ethical conduct ⓘ social harmony ⓘ welfare of humans and animals ⓘ |
| associatedWithDynasty | Maurya dynasty NERFINISHED ⓘ |
| communicatedThrough |
Ashokan pillar edicts
NERFINISHED
ⓘ
Ashokan rock edicts NERFINISHED ⓘ |
| corePrinciple |
compassion for all beings
ⓘ
kindness to servants and slaves ⓘ moderation in criticism of others ⓘ moderation in spending ⓘ non-violence (ahimsa) ⓘ obedience to parents ⓘ religious tolerance ⓘ respect for elders ⓘ truthfulness ⓘ welfare of all subjects ⓘ |
| distinguishedFrom |
formal Buddhist monastic code (Vinaya)
ⓘ
purely political or military policy ⓘ |
| feature |
appeal to all religious communities
ⓘ
concern for prisoners and their treatment ⓘ discouragement of useless ceremonies ⓘ emphasis on practical ethics over ritual ⓘ encouragement of medical treatment for humans and animals ⓘ non-sectarian character ⓘ planting of trees and digging of wells for public benefit ⓘ promotion of harmony among different sects ⓘ protection of animals ⓘ regulation of animal sacrifices ⓘ |
| geographicalScope |
Indian subcontinent
NERFINISHED
ⓘ
border regions of the Mauryan Empire ⓘ |
| historicalPeriod | 3rd century BCE ⓘ |
| implementedInEmpire | Mauryan Empire NERFINISHED ⓘ |
| influencedBy |
Buddhist ethical ideas
ⓘ
pre-existing Indian moral traditions ⓘ |
| legacy |
early example of state-sponsored ethical propaganda
ⓘ
influence on later interpretations of Ashoka as a dharmic ruler ⓘ model of benevolent kingship in Indian political thought ⓘ |
| originContext | post-Kalinga war transformation of Ashoka ⓘ |
| promotedBy | Ashoka NERFINISHED ⓘ |
| relatedConcept |
Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism
ⓘ
Ashoka's remorse after the Kalinga war ⓘ |
Referenced by (1)
Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.