Edicts of Ashoka facts for kids

The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka, as well as on large stones and cave walls, made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty during his reign from 272 to 231 BCE. The edicts describe in detail the first wide expansion of Buddhism. According to the edicts, the extent of Buddhist proselytism during this period reached as far as the Mediterranean, and many Buddhist monuments were created.

Buddhist proselytism at the time of king Ashoka (260 - 218 BCE).

Ashoka did not completely forbid the killing of animals; he wanted restraint in the number that had to be killed for consumption, protected some of them, and in general condemned violent acts against animals.

Images for kids

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  Distribution of the Edicts of Ashoka

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  Edicts of Ashoka I-XI in Shahbazgarhi, Peshawar, along the Karakoram Route, now the Karakoram Highway

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  The Kandahar Edict of Ashoka, a bilingual inscription (Greek and Aramaic) by king Ashoka, from Kandahar. Kabul Museum.

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  Fragment of the 6th Pillar Edicts of Ashoka (238 BCE), in Brahmi, sandstones. British Museum.

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  Ashoka's Edict at Gujarra, Madhya Pradesh