Ashoka, the emperor of India who inspired the symbols of new republic, is still relevant. Elucidate.
From national flag to national emblem
- The "Ashoka Chakra" in the centre of the national flag is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principle of those who work under this flag. Again, the wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation. There is life in movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of a peaceful change
- It resonates with the Dhamma concept of Ashoka
- The National Emblem of India is a replica of the Lion of Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The Lion Capital was erected in the third century BC by Emperor Ashoka to mark the spot where Buddha first proclaimed his gospel of peace and emancipation to the four quarters of the universe. The National emblem is thus symbolic of contemporary India''s reaffirmation of its ancient commitment to world peace and goodwill.
From Preamble of constitution to Fundamental duties
- Secularism – “There should not be honour of one’s own (religious) sect and condemnation of others without any grounds”.( Rock Edicts XII)
- According to the edicts, Ashoka took great care of the welfare of his subjects (human and animal), and those beyond his borders, spreading the use of medicinal treatments, improving roadside facilities for more comfortable travel, and establishing "officers of the faith" throughout his territories to survey the welfare of the population and the propagation of the Dharma.(Welfarist approach of Ashoka and Social justice)
- Rock edict VII – Requests for tolerance for all religions
- Pillar Edit III- Abolishes sins of harshness, cruelty, anger, pride etc
- Ashoka showed great concern for fairness in the exercise of justice, caution and tolerance in the application of sentences, and regularly pardoned prisoners.
“It is my desire that there should be uniformity in law and uniformity in sentencing. I even go this far, to grant a three-day stay for those in prison who have been tried and sentenced to death. During this time their relatives can make appeals to have the prisoners'' lives spared. If there is none to appeal on their behalf, the prisoners can give gifts in order to make merit for the next world, or observe fasts”. (Pillar Edict No.4).
- Major Rock Edict I – Prohibits animal slaughter (resonates well with fundamental duties)
- Major Rock Edict II - Provides for care for man and animals
- Major Rock Edict V - Concerns about the policy towards slaves.
- Dharma is good, but what constitutes Dharma? (It includes) lesser evil and greater good, kindness, generosity, truthfulness and purity. Pilar Edict No.2
Ashoka’s principles had deep impact on Indian minds and reverberated in constitution. He was relevant then and his concepts are relevant now.
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