Mauryan Empire:

Que. Ashoka’s Dhamma was propagated not just for moral upliftment and social harmony but also for the extension of the state’s authority. Analyse the statement. [UPSC CSE-2022]

Approach:

(1) Explain the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma.

(2) Mention the reason for Dhamma Adoption.

(3) Mention how it helped for moral upliftment and social harmony and also for the extension of the State’s authority.

(4) Explain the impact of Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma.

Introduction:

Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma was a way of life and code of conduct that was to be adopted by the people at large. Dhamma Mahamatras were appointed by Ashoka to teach people about dhamma. They were even sent to other countries to propagate the dhamma.

Historian Romila Thapar presents a view that Dhamma was an ideological tool used by Ashoka to weld and consolidate his far-flung empire. It was aimed at political integration through social harmony and integration among different sects. To continue political hegemony, he also placed 14 rock edicts throughout the empire.

Reason for Dhamma Adoption:

(1) Innovation: Ashoka’s private beliefs and his own perceptions of how he should respond to the problems of his empire were responsible for the formulation of the policy of Dhamma.

(2) Paternalistic outlook of Ashoka: Ashoka was concerned about the all round development of his subjects. He was not only interested in material upliftment but also in their ethical and moral upliftment which led to the policy of Dhamma being propounded.

(3) Eclectic outlook: Chandragupta adapted to Jainism while Bindusara favoured the Ajivikas. Ashoka himself converted to Buddhism.

(4) Strengthening Diversity: The Mauryan empire consisted of various cultures, beliefs, social and political patterns. Ashoka had to either maintain the structure by force, which would have incurred tremendous expenses, or to define a set of social norms which would be acceptable to all, cutting across all social practices and religious beliefs.

(5) Build Harmony in society: Ashoka was aware of the tensions which the rise of heterodox sects like Buddhism, Jainism and Ajivikism had generated in the society. They were all opposed to the domination of the brahmanas. But brahmanas continued to have a strong hold on society and some measure of hostility was inevitable. It was essential to bring about a climate of harmony and mutual trust in a situation such as this.

(6) Social Stability: There were many tribal areas in the empire where people were obviously not familiar either with Brahmanical or heterodox ideas. To make the empire survive and to bring some measure of cohesion within the empire in the midst of such diversity it was essential that there should be some common pattern of behaviour and common approach to the problems of society.

The statement that “Ashoka’s Dhamma was propagated not just for moral upliftment and social harmony but also for the extension of the State’s authority” reflects a nuanced understanding of Ashoka’s approach to governance and the dissemination of Dhamma. Analyzing this statement involves recognizing both the moral and political dimensions of Ashoka’s Dhamma:

Moral Upliftment and Social Harmony:

(1) Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and the promotion of Dhamma were driven by a genuine commitment to moral principles and social harmony. After witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga War, he experienced a personal transformation and sought to renounce violence, promote non-violence (ahimsa), and foster compassion and ethical conduct.

(2) Ashoka’s Dhamma encouraged people to practice virtues such as truthfulness, compassion, tolerance, and non-violence. It aimed to create a more just and humane society by emphasizing moral values and ethical behavior.

(3) The Mauryan king believed that by promoting these moral principles, he could create a sense of social harmony, reduce conflict, and ensure the welfare of his subjects. This aspect of Dhamma focused on the well-being of the individual and the community.

Extension of the State’s Authority:

(1) Ashoka’s propagation of Dhamma also had a political dimension. While it emphasized moral principles, it was used as a tool to strengthen the authority and control of the Mauryan state.

(2) Dhamma was employed to promote loyalty and obedience to the Mauryan ruler and his government. Ashoka sought to establish a sense of unity and allegiance among his diverse subjects, which would help maintain political stability.

(3) The edicts of Ashoka, which were inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout the empire, conveyed not only moral teachings but also the authority and power of the state. They often emphasized the king’s role as the guardian and protector of Dhamma.

(4) Ashoka used Dhamma to encourage his subjects to follow his moral guidelines willingly, but it was also clear that defiance could have consequences. This approach served as a means to assert and extend the state’s authority over the people.

Conclusion:

In analyzing the statement, it is essential to recognize that Ashoka’s promotion of Dhamma had dual objectives; moral upliftment and social harmony on one hand and the extension of the state’s authority on the other. These objectives were intertwined, as Ashoka believed that a morally upright and harmonious society would ultimately lead to political stability and the preservation of the Mauryan Empire.

While Ashoka’s Dhamma was rooted in principles of non-violence and compassion, it also played a role in reinforcing the authority of the state and the king’s position as a just and benevolent ruler. In this sense, Dhamma served as a tool for governance, helping to unite a diverse empire and maintain control over its vast territories.

Overall, Ashoka’s approach to Dhamma exemplifies the complex interplay between moral values and political authority in ancient India, where the promotion of ethical principles was seen as a means to ensure the stability and longevity of the state.