INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Major Rock Edict V refers to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign. These special officers were appointed by the king to look after the interests of all sects and religions and spread the message of Dhamma.

Detailed explanation-2: -Dharmamahamantras were a group of officials instituted by Samrat Ashoka to implement and propagate the various aspects of Dhamma. He made them responsible for carrying his message to various sections of society. They also took care of old people, orphan children and widow.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Maski version of Minor Rock Edict No. 1 was historically especially important in that it confirmed the association of the honorific title “Devanampriya” with Ashoka: [A proclamation] of Devanampriya Asoka. Two and a half years [and somewhat more] (have passed) since I am a Buddha-Sakya.

Detailed explanation-4: -Asoka’s 7 pillar edicts have been found at Topra (Delhi), Meerut, Kausambhi, rampurva, Champaran, Mehrauli. Minor pillar edicts have been found at Sanchi, Sarnath, Rummindei, Nigalisagar.

Detailed explanation-5: -They have been found from different places like Kandahar (Afghanistan), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan), Delhi, Vaishali and Champaran (Bihar), Sarnath and Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), and Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh). Fragments of the same edict are found in different places.