KURNOOL: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has set up an information centre to help those interested in the Ashoka rock edict near Erragudi on Gooty-Pathikonda road in Kurnool district. The site is expected to be of great help to researchers and those interested in preserving and protecting historic objects, said Sri Lakshmi, Superintending Archaeologist of Amaravathi Circle.
She said that the information centre will host 10 replicas of important Ashoka edicts found in India besides Erragudi edict. She said that the inscriptions were among the important treasures of Mauryan king Ashoka (269-231 BCE) falling under major and minor rock inscriptions. From archaeological point of view, Eerragudi site is the most important location in South India. Ashoka edicts were the basis for developing the Indian Jurisprudence. Most of them were ethical precepts of Ashoka and issued as ordinances at that time, said Archaeologist Krishna Chaitanya.
Of particular importance is Girnar (city on the hill) edicts which is a group of mountains in the Junagarh district of Gujarat. As per mythology, this place is associated with the death of Yavana warrior Kalayavana from the Dwaparayug. The Ashoka edicts are inscribed high on alarge, domed mass of black granite measuring roughly 20 feet by 30 feet. The inscription is Bramhi script. The edicts were engraved in 257 BC.
Archaeologist said that Ashoka preferred to speak directly to people through these rock edicts. Referring to himself as Beloved-of-gods King Piyadassi he offered advice - no living beings to be slaughtered, publicised achievements - I have made provisions for the medical treatment of humans and animals, prescribed rules - officials shall go on inspection tours every five years for the purpose of Dharma instruction and sometimes just liked showing off. The site sits in a patch of green farm land. In her book about Ashoka, historian Romila Thapar opines that perhaps Erragudi had once been just such an important town whose remnants though not yet found may one day turn up. If there was once a caravan route here the hillock with its inscription would have been perfectly visible to it and would have been adorned to attract attention.
