2020-03-02 Mon

The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka as well as boulders and cave walls made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire during his reign from 269 BCE to 232 BCE. These inscriptions were dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan and represent the first tangible evidence of Buddhism.

The edicts describe in detail the Ashoka's view about dhamma, an earnest attempt to solve some of problems that a complex society faced. According to the edicts, the extent of Buddhist proselytism during this period reached as far as the Mediterranean, and many Buddhist monuments were created. The Edicts are divided into pillar edicts, major rock edicts and major rock inscriptions.

Minor rock edict found at the village Gujarra in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh also shows the name "Ashoka" in addition to usual "Devanampiyadasi". Gujarra is located near Jhansi in the Datia district. A Special Cover on Samrat Ashoka - Minor Rock Edict of Gujarra District, Datia (MP) was released on 18th March 2016 at Datia.

Background image of cover shows the Great Stupa at Sanchi, in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh which is the oldest stone structure in India originally commissioned by Samrat Ashok in the 3rd Century BCE. The cancellation depicts the Lion Capital Emblem of Samrat Ashok and is titled “Devanam Priyadasi” (a reference to Emperor Ashok himself meaning “Beloved of the Gods”).

Image Courtesy: indianphilately.net