Ashokan Edicts in Delhi
The Ashokan edicts in Delhi are a series of edicts on the teachings of Buddha created by Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor who ruled in the Indian subcontinent during the 3rd century BC. The Edicts of Ashoka were either carved on in-situ rocks or engraved on pillars erected throughout the empire; examples of both are found in Delhi.
| Ashokan Edicts | |
|---|---|
Askhokan Pillar in Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | |
Location within Delhi | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Edicts on sandstone pillars and on in-situ rocks |
| Town or city | Delhi |
| Country | India |
| Coordinates | 28.61°N 77.23°E |
| Construction started | 3rd century BC |
| Completed | 3rd century BC |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Ashoka |
The first in-situ rock edict was discovered in Delhi in 1966, and establishes the city's ancient historical link with the Ashokan era (273–236 BC). Delhi's stone pillar edicts were transported from their original sites in Meerut and Ambala during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 AD). They were erected in Feruzabad, the fourth medieval city of Delhi, established by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
The inscriptions are written in Prakrit, a colloquial language used in everyday speech. The edicts were intended to teach the people of the morals and ideals of civilised living, to bring peace and harmony to the vast empire. The philosophy bears a striking resemblance to the teachings of the Buddha, which his followers believe lead to enlightenment (the universal law of nature), and the constituent elements of the world as it is experienced (the characteristic of elements).