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.
अशोक के धम्म का प्रचार-प्रसार न केवल नैतिक उत्थान और सामाजिक समरसता के लिए अपितु राज्य की शक्ति के विस्तार के लिए भी किया गया था। इस कथन का विश्लेषण कीजिए।
Structure
(i) Introduction: Introduce Ashoka’s Dhamma as a dual-purpose policy aimed at promoting moral values and strengthening state authority.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss the moral and social aspects of Dhamma alongside its role in extending the state’s control over the empire.
(iii) Conclusion: Conclude by analyzing how Ashoka’s Dhamma merged ethical governance with political pragmatism to consolidate his imperial authority.
Introduction
Ashoka’s Dhamma, introduced after his transformation following the Kalinga War, was not solely a doctrine of moral upliftment and social harmony. While its primary focus was on compassion, non-violence, and tolerance, the propagation of Dhamma also served as an instrument to extend and legitimize state authority across the vast Mauryan Empire. This dual role of Dhamma—as both ethical guidance and a tool of imperial consolidation—underscored Ashoka’s unique approach to governance.
Moral and Social Dimensions of Ashoka’s Dhamma
(i) Ethical Governance: Dhamma emphasized moral virtues such as non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion for all living beings, and respect for all religious sects. Upinder Singh notes that Ashoka’s inscriptions frequently urged his subjects to follow principles of kindness, non-injury, and truthfulness, reflecting his deep concern for the ethical improvement of society.
(ii) Promotion of Social Harmony: One of Ashoka’s key objectives was fostering social harmony in a culturally and religiously diverse empire. Romila Thapar points out that Ashoka’s Dhamma encouraged tolerance between different communities, promoting inter-religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence. This effort was intended to prevent conflicts and maintain social stability, which was essential for the functioning of the empire.
(iii) Welfare Initiatives: As part of his moral policy, Ashoka undertook various welfare measures, such as building hospitals for humans and animals, planting trees, digging wells, and constructing rest houses along trade routes. According to D.D. Kosambi, these activities not only reflected Ashoka’s compassionate governance but also helped win the loyalty of his subjects, strengthening the bond between the ruler and his people.
Extension of State Authority through Dhamma
(i) Political Legitimacy: While Dhamma had an ethical foundation, it also served as a means of political legitimacy. Ashoka used Dhamma to project himself as a morally righteous and benevolent ruler, thereby consolidating his authority. As A.L. Basham suggests, the moral governance embodied in Dhamma provided Ashoka with a sense of divine or ethical right to rule, which enhanced his political stature.
(ii) Administrative Control and Propaganda: Ashoka’s propagation of Dhamma was accompanied by the establishment of a network of Dhamma officials (Dhamma Mahamatras). These officials, according to R.S. Sharma, not only ensured the spread of ethical values but also acted as agents of the state, facilitating communication between the central government and provincial territories. Their role extended beyond religious teachings to include the enforcement of state policies and governance.
(iii) Edicts as Tools of Imperial Control: Ashoka’s edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars across the empire, served as tools of both moral instruction and state propaganda. These inscriptions, as noted by Romila Thapar, were written in local languages and dialects, ensuring that Ashoka’s message reached a wide audience. This strategic use of inscriptions helped Ashoka communicate directly with his subjects, extending the state’s ideological presence even to remote areas.
(iv) Unifying the Empire: Dhamma also played a crucial role in unifying the vast and culturally diverse Mauryan Empire. By promoting a common ethical code, Ashoka created a sense of shared values among his subjects. According to D.N. Jha, this ideological unification helped maintain internal peace and stability, which was necessary for the effective governance of a large empire.
Balancing Morality with Imperialism
(i) Non-Violence as Political Strategy: Ashoka’s emphasis on non-violence after the Kalinga War can also be seen as a political strategy to avoid further military conflicts and ensure internal stability. By adopting non-violence as a state policy, Ashoka reduced the need for expensive military campaigns, thereby conserving state resources while projecting himself as a compassionate ruler.
(ii) Intervention in Local Affairs: While Dhamma emphasized non-interference in religious matters, Ashoka’s Dhamma Mahamatras were often involved in local governance. Their intervention ensured that local rulers and subjects adhered to Ashoka’s principles, effectively bringing various regions under tighter imperial control. This allowed Ashoka to maintain the empire’s vast territorial expanse without frequent military intervention.
Conclusion
Ashoka’s Dhamma was a multifaceted doctrine that combined moral principles with pragmatic governance. While it aimed to uplift society through ethical values and social harmony, it also served as a powerful tool for extending state authority. As A.L. Basham argues, Dhamma was Ashoka’s innovative approach to imperial governance, where moral ideals were used not only for the spiritual and social welfare of his subjects but also to strengthen the legitimacy and control of the Mauryan state. By aligning moral governance with political authority, Ashoka’s Dhamma set a unique precedent for future Indian rulers.
