Asoka's Major Pillar Edicts

A moral code focused on minimizing harm, promoting virtues like compassion and truthfulness, and fostering the well-being of the people.

Officials tasked with spreading Dhamma and enforcing its principles every five years.

Ashoka's edicts prescribed rules for avoiding the killing of certain animals on specific days and permanently.

Ashoka's policy emphasizing the well-being of subjects and the importance of self-control and purity.

Ashoka's instruction to avoid cruelty, anger and sin to bring peace and justice

Prohibits animal slaughter, festive gatherings, and animal killings in South India. Includes medical care for animals and humans, mentions several kingdoms and Greek King Antiochus II.

Emphasizes generosity towards Brahmans, as well as the importance of spreading Dhamma policy and welfare every five years across the kingdom.

Concerns about slavery/human rights.

Emphasizes the king's responsibility for the well-being of his people.

Promotes religious tolerance for various religions.

Details remorse and the massive loss of life during the Kalinga War; highlights the king's conversion to Dhamma in response to the tragedy.

States Ashoka's victory and mentions several foreign contacts , particularly Greek rulers.

Emphasizes the importance of Dhamma over personal glory, respecting elders, and the welfare of slaves/servants. Also emphasizes religious tolerance.