The book presents the English translation of the inscriptions of Mauryan Emperor Asoka, a great follower of the Buddha. The objective of the book is to carry the message of Asoka’s edicts to the masses. Although the translation closely follows the texts of the epigraphic records, it has been made simple so that it is easily comprehended by the readers. Redicovered by scholars and researchers, these inscriptions form a vital part of Indian history.

The inscription have been rendered into English by Dr. D.C. Sircar, a distinguished scholar.

Gautama the Buddha and the Maurya emperor Moka are two r e greatest Sons of India and the world, and their lives and achievements stand among India’s best contributions to human civilization.

The present English translation of the inscriptions of Asoka, one of the most sincere followers of the Buddha, was undertaken at the request of the Buddha Jayanti Working Committee formed by the Government of India in connection with the celebration of the 2500th anniversary of the Lord’s Mahã-Parinirvãna. The objective is to carry the message of Asoka’s edicts to the public. Although the translation closely follows the texts of the epigraphic records it has been made slightly free so that it would be easily intelligible to the general reader. A sincere attempt has been present the author’s meaning without slavishly adhering to mere expression. It was felt that a strictly literal translation might render the message of Asoka difficult to understand at least for the class of readers for which the book is intended. The same feeling also underlies the use of the Sanskrit forms of proper names etc. in the translation of inscriptions which are couched in Prakrit.

The work has not been burdened with citation of references to authorities in support of any of the points raised, and difference of opinion among scholars on the interpretation of certain difficult words and passages occurring in the inscriptions has been indicated only in a few cases. But a small bibliography has been appended to the monograph with a view to helping the more inquisitive among the readers to pursue the study of the subject.

The historical background of Asoka’s career and records has been concisely set forth in a short Introduction. The readers are expected to find in it the answers to some of the queries that may occur to them while going through the translation of the inscription. The classification of the epigraphs in this work has also been explained in it. An annotated list of personal and geographical names occurring in the records as well as Sanskrit expressions retained in the translation has been supplied in an Appendix for ready reference.

When an edict is found in different versions, generally one of the most well-preserved texts has been selected for translation and its findspot has been indicated in all cases. Only in a few cases, the texts of some other versions have been additionally translated either in whole or in part. This is intended to draw the reader’s attention to important variations in the different texts of an edit. A few records included in the monograph fall outside the category of edicts.

One of the passage in which Asoka explains the reason under-lying the incision of his edicts on rocks and pillars of stone reads as fellow in translation:

“This records relating to Dharma has been caused to be written by me on stone for the following purpose, viz, that people may act according to it and that it may endure for a long time. And he who will act thus will do what do what is meritorious.” – Pillar Edict II.

The book has been carefully revised in the light of recent discoveries and the present edition is expected to be useful to the readers like its predecessors.