| Edict | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Major Rock Edict 1 | • Prohibition of animal sacrifice • Restrictions on killing animals during festivals |
| Major Rock Edict 2 | • Medical treatment for humans and animals • Planting medicinal herbs, fruit trees • Wells and roads for public welfare • Mentions Pandya Kingdom, Keralaputra Kingdom, and Chola Dynasty |
| Major Rock Edict 3 | • Generosity toward Brahmins and elders • Officials Yuktas, Pradeshikas, Rajukas spread Dhamma every five years |
| Major Rock Edict 4 | • Dhammaghosha (sound of righteousness) preferred over Bherighosha (sound of war) • Promotion of moral rule and duty |
| Major Rock Edict 5 | • Appointment of Dhammamahamatras • Welfare of slaves and servants • Officials tasked with spreading Dhamma |
| Major Rock Edict 6 | • King’s concern for people’s welfare • Emphasis on administrative communication and governance |
| Major Rock Edict 7 | • Religious tolerance among all sects • Welfare policies for subjects and neighbouring kingdoms |
| Major Rock Edict 8 | • First Dhamma Yatra by Ashoka • Visit to Bodh Gaya and the Bodhi Tree • Promotion of spiritual tours instead of royal hunts |
| Major Rock Edict 9 | • Criticism of meaningless rituals and ceremonies • Emphasis on ethical conduct and morality |
| Major Rock Edict 10 | • Rejects pursuit of fame and glory • Promotes Dhamma as the true achievement |
| Major Rock Edict 11 | • Declares Dhamma as the best policy • Encourages respect for elders and kindness to servants |
| Major Rock Edict 12 | • Religious tolerance and harmony • Officials for women’s welfare (Ithijika Mahamatta) |
| Major Rock Edict 13 | • Description of Kalinga War • Ashoka’s remorse after war and shift to Buddhism & peace • Mentions Greek rulers: Antiochus II Theos, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, Magas of Cyrene, Antigonus II Gonatas, Alexander of Epirus |
| Major Rock Edict 14 | • Explains purpose of the edicts • Spread of Dhamma teachings across the empire |