Ashoka
Explanation
The inscription referred to is the famous Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription. It is a significant archaeological find that provides evidence of the Mauryan Empire's extent and administrative approach under Emperor Ashoka.Detailed Analysis:
- Historical Context: The inscription was discovered in Kandahar (modern-day Afghanistan) and dates back to approximately 260 BCE (roughly 2250 years ago). This period corresponds to the reign of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE).
- Linguistic Features: It is a bilingual edict written in two scripts and languages:
- Greek: Addressed to the Greek-speaking population in the region (a legacy of Alexander the Great and the Seleucids).
- Aramaic: Addressed to the local Iranian-speaking population, as Aramaic was the lingua franca of the erstwhile Achaemenid Empire.
- Content: The inscription articulates Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma (righteousness). It mentions the king's advocacy for non-violence, the prohibition of animal killing, and the promotion of piety and obedience to parents.
- Relevance of Other Rulers:
- Chandragupta Maurya: Although he annexed the trans-Indus region (including Kandahar) from Seleucus Nicator, the tradition of inscribing moral edicts on rocks is exclusively associated with Ashoka.
- Kanishka and Samudragupta: Both rulers belong to much later periods (Kushan dynasty, c. 2nd century CE, and Gupta dynasty, c. 4th century CE, respectively), making them chronologically incorrect for an artifact from 2250 years ago.
Key Takeaway: The Kandahar Bilingual Inscription is a crucial proof of Ashoka’s control over the northwestern frontier and his pragmatic use of local languages (Greek and Aramaic) to communicate the message of Dhamma to diverse subjects.