Mauryan Empire page 104 and 105

Rock Edict XIII reveals that the conquest of Kalinga resulted in significant loss of life, with about one hundred thousand people killed and one hundred fifty thousand taken as prisoners. This event deeply affected Ashoka, leading him to value 'victory by dhamma' as the foremost victory, reflecting his sorrow over the war's horrors.

Ashoka's edicts serve as official orders or proclamations engraved on durable materials to preserve historical information. They are categorized into two classes:

1. Rock Edicts
2. Pillar Edicts
   These edicts are considered reliable sources of Mauryan history, with some indicating the year of Ashoka's reign.

The indirect results included:

• Opening of communication routes with the West, enhancing trade between India and Europe.
• The writings of Alexander’s generals, especially Megasthenes, provided valuable information about the Mauryan Empire.
• Greek settlement in North-West India influenced Indian art and culture, particularly the Gandhara School of Art, which depicted realistic human forms.
• The weakening of north-western kingdoms facilitated the rise of the Mauryan Empire.

Rock Edict XII prescribes the following rules:

1. Non-violence or non-killing of living beings
2. Truthfulness
3. Obedience to parents and elders
4. Respect towards teachers
   These principles reflect Ashoka's commitment to ethical governance and moral conduct.

The indirect results included:

• Opening of communication routes with the West, enhancing trade between India and Europe.
• The writings of Alexander’s generals, especially Megasthenes, provided valuable information about the Mauryan Empire.
• Greek settlement in North-West India influenced Indian art and culture, particularly the Gandhara School of Art, which depicted realistic human forms.
• The weakening of north-western kingdoms facilitated the rise of the Mauryan Empire.

Megasthenes' 'Indica' is significant because it provides detailed information about:

1. Organisation of the Mauryan army
2. Administration of Pataliputra
3. Economic growth, especially in agriculture
4. Customs and religion of the people
   Although the original text is lost, its facts are corroborated by other Greek writers like Strabo, Plutarch, and Justin.

In Rock Edict XII, Ashoka prescribes the following key rules:

1. Non-violence or non-killing of living beings
2. Truthfulness
3. Obedience to parents and elders
4. Respect towards teachers

The 'Arthashastra' is attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya) and consists of about 6,000 verses divided into fifteen sections. It is important because it details the art of administration, including:

1. Duties of the king
2. Functions of ministers
3. Organisation of the civil service
   This work serves as a crucial source for understanding governance during the Mauryan period.

Ashoka's Edicts are official orders or proclamations engraved on rocks and pillars, making them reliable historical sources. They are significant because they provide insights into:

• The principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and respect for elders and teachers as prescribed in Rock Edict XII.
• The impact of the Kalinga War, as described in Rock Edict XIII, which reflects Ashoka's remorse over the loss of life and his commitment to dhamma (moral law) as the true victory.

Megasthenes' 'Indica' is significant because it provides detailed information about:

1. Organisation of the Mauryan army
2. Administration of Pataliputra
3. Economic growth, especially in agriculture
4. Customs and religion of the people
   Although the original text is lost, its facts are corroborated by other Greek writers like Strabo, Plutarch, and Justin.