Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ashokan Edicts
Steve and I had no idea what Ashokan Edicts were. I'm not proud of that fact, but it's the
truth. Now we know what they are, and a little more about them thanks to Niru.
Junagadh has been influenced by all four major religions in this area at different times
in history: Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Islam. Islam needed no explanation after seeing those
unbelievable Mausoleums. The great Emperor Ashoka reigned from 269 B.C. to 231 B.C.,
converting to Buddhism out of remorse for his conquest of the Kalingas around 264 B.C. (so
it is said). Niru's story was that Emperor Ashoka fell in love with a Buddhist woman, and
that is why he became Buddhist. The "Edicts" are a collection of 33 inscriptions that have
been inscribed on pillars, boulders, and caves walls throughout India, Nepal and Pakistan.
Junagadh has 14 Rock Edicts inscribed on a huge rock.
The Edicts (Ashoka's philosophy) describe, in detail, the first wide expansion of
Buddhism engraved into large granite stone. Located in a small building, Ashoka's edicts
were etched in the eastern side of the boulder in 250 B.C. Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I in
150 A.D, and Skandagupta in 450 A.D., incorporated their inscriptions on the same boulder.
Translations of the edicts hung on walls around the room.
A very historic, but "underwhelming" sight. It was back in the car for the ride to Uparkot
Fort with its huge walls and ramparts visible from where we stood. A huge opening/window,
cut in the wall on top, was used to push condemned criminals out to their death! That would
do it, and
this
looked interesting.
