Unit 2 Discussion: Kingship in Ancient India-Clues from the Edicts of King Ashok
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Unit 2 Discussion: Kingship in Ancient India-Clues from the Edicts of King Ashoka . Subscribe Hide Description Unit 2 Discussion: Kingship in Ancient India Clues from the Edicts of King Ashoka Introduction The first major empire in the history of the Indian subcontinent is the Mauryan Empire (321-184 BCE), But our sources for studying it are few in number or were written by outside observers. For that reason, historians have greatly benefited from the discovery and compilation of the rock and pillar edicts of this empire's third king, King Ashoka (r. 268-232 BCE). Ashoka had these inscribed on rocks and sand-stone pillars in populous areas where people gathered, so that they could read them or, if they were illiterate, hear his officials read them out loud. Instructions To prepare for this discussion, you will want to reread the relevant sections in our textbook, review a film and, most importantly, carefully read Ashoka's edicts. After that, for your discussion, answer the following questions, being sure to provide specific evidence from the edicts. Here are the questions: In ancient times, Dharma meant universal law and duty. For Brahmin priests, it meant a society and religious order founded on Vedic principles and the caste system. For Buddhists, it meant the truths taught by the Buddha, and for kings, it was enlightened governing and just rule. Scholars believe that Ashoka was deeply infuenced by Buddhist teachings, but also that he combined those with his own ideas about morality and what a king's dharma should be. . Please explain ka sought to promote throughout his land, and whether or.not Buddhist teachings Discuss how King Ashoka presented himself to his subiects chose to issue these edicts Materialts Chapter 3, Section 3.9 PBS has produced an excellent series on the history of India. The second episode covers some of the history covered in 3.8 CThe Transition to Empire) and 3.9 e Mauryan Empre") in our tetbook·If you would like to view the entire episode feel free to do so, as it covers the life of the Buddha and then the Mauryan mpire. I am asking you to view the last 25 minutes of the flm, which begins with Alexander the Great's brief invasion of India and the rise of the Mauryan Empire, but then turns to King AshakaExplanation / Answer
Essential elements of Dharma King Ashoka sought to promote
Buddhist elements of Dharma are just-rule, enlightened governing, and, righteousness. Ashoka chose to be a peaceful emperor, rather than battles, against other states. He adopted conquest by Dharma. He campaigned to spread Buddhist teachings to bring about spiritual, moral, and, social renewal.
2. He was accessible to his subjects through his inspection tours. His edicts proclaimed his policies, and, reforms. He promulgated his advice to his subjects. He is known as one of the greatest kings for his policies of public welfare. He established a reign of virtue, moral & spiritual welfare.
3. Ashoka's edicts
Edicts are concerned with moral principles he recommended, and, reforms he instituted. These were to create a humane, and, just society. Fourteen edicts are seen as the most important in Indian history. These give information on the what the King did for the citizens. Some of these are:
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