DDK HistoryF.p65 - CSIR

202 RADICAL ASOKAN CHANGES [7.3
Hoarding, whether by merchants or house-holders, would create
shortages to put considerable power in the hands of the trader. New
territory had been opened up to the south which could not possibly
be supplied from the old bases of commodity production. The officials
are those mentioned by Megasthenes as forming two castes ; titles seem
to be confirmed by the Arthasastra*
(RE. 4). “ Such as they had not been for many hundreds of years, thus there are
now promoted, through the instruction in dhamma (morality) on the part of king Piyadasi
Beloved-of-the-gods, abstention from killing animals, abstention from hurting living
beings, courtesy to relatives, courtesy to brahmins and Sramanas, obedience to mother
and father, obedience to the aged...(.RE. 5) : In times past (great ministers) called
mahamatras of dhamma (morality) did not exist before Mahamatras of morality were
appointed by me (when I had been) anointed thirteen years. They are occupied with all
sects in establishing dhamma, in promoting dhamma, and for the welfare and happiness
of those who are devoted to dhamma (even) among the Yonas, Kambojas, and Gandharas,
and whatever other western borders (of mine there may be). They are occupied with
servants and masters, with (the highest) brahmins and (the lowest) ibhyas, with the
destitute, with the aged... They are occupied in supporting prisoners (with money), in
causing their fetters to be taken off, and in setting them free, if one has children, or is
bewitched, or aged respectively.... (RE. 6) : In times past, neither the disposal of affairs
nor the submission of reports existed. The following (arrangement) has been made by
me. Reporters must report to me (without delay) on the affairs of the people at any
time, anywhere, even while I am eating, in the harem, in the inner apartments, in the
privy, (being carried) in the Jitter, in the park. And everywhere I shall dispose of the
affairs of the people. And also, if in the council (of ministers) a dispute arises, or an
amendment is moved, in connection with any donation or proclamation which I am
ordering by word of mouth, or in connection with an urgent matter which has been
delegated to the mahamatras, it must be reported to me immediately, anywhere, at any
time.”
The king, therefore, does not just preach morality with the zest of a
new convert, but promulgates radically new administrative measures. The
sentiments became so familiar later on as to lose all special force; here, we
have the imperial administration utilizing methods of rule which were
then revolutionary. (RE. 7) “ King Piyadasi Beloved-of-the-gods desires
that all sects may reside everywhere”. This sounds trivial, having at