Major Rock Edict

Ashokan Site

Major Rock Edict VIII (Mansehra Version)

Major Rock Edict VIII (Mansehra Version)

Location
Ashokan site
Date
c. 260–250 BCE
Script
Kharosthi
Language
Prakrit
Type
Major Rock Edict
Coordinates
Coordinates pending

Overview

Major Rock Edict VIII (Mansehra Version)

Ashokan Site site view
Ashokan Site

The Inscription

Original Text

34 (A) a[ti]krataṁ ataraṁ Devanapri[ya] vihara-yatra nama nikramisu (B) ia mrigaviya añani ca ediśani abhiramani husu (C) s[e] Devanap[r]iy[e] P[r]iyadraśi
35 raja daśa-vaṣabhisite saṁta[ṁ] nikrami Sabodhi (D) tenada dhrama-yada (E) atra iya hoti śamaṇa-bramaṇana dra[śa]ne dane ca vudhrana dra[śa]ne [ca hi]ña-paṭivi[dhane ca]
36 janapadasa janasa draśane dhramanuśasti ca dhrama-[pa]r[i]pucha ca tatopaya (F) eṣe bhuye rati hoti Devanapriyasa Priyadraśisa
37 rajine bhage aṇe
Translation
(A) In times past the Devanapri[ya] used to set out on so called pleasure tour.
(B)  On these (tours) hunting and other pleasures were (enjoyed).
(C)  But when king Devanap[r]iy[e] P[r]iyadraśi had been anointed ten years he went out to Saṁbodhi.
(D) Therefore tours of morality (were undertaken) here.
(E)  On these (tours) the following takes place, (viz.) visiting Śramaṇas and Brāhmaṇas (and) making gifts (to them), visiting the aged and supporting (them) with gold, visiting the people of the country, instructing (them) in morality and questioning (them) about morality, as suitable for this (occasion).
(F)  This second period (of the reign) of king Devanapriyasa Priyadraśisa becomes a pleasure in a higher degree.