Bhabru edict
Also called: Calcutta-Bairat edict · Topic: The Mauryan Empire · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Bhabru edict is a minor rock edict of Ashoka found at Bairat in Rajasthan. It is also called the Calcutta-Bairat edict because the stone was later moved to Calcutta. Unlike most of his edicts, which speak to all subjects, this one is addressed to the Buddhist Sangha (the order of monks). In it, Ashoka openly states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma (the Buddha's teaching) and the Sangha. It is the clearest proof that Ashoka was personally a Buddhist.
Example
In this edict (3rd century BCE), Ashoka names the Buddhist texts he wants monks, nuns and lay followers to listen to and think about often. Here he speaks as a Buddhist follower, not just as a ruler.
Don't confuse with
- Rock Edict XII: the major rock edict that asks all sects to respect one another. It speaks to everyone, while the Bhabru edict speaks to Buddhists only.
Related concepts
- Bindusara
- Ashoka
- Kalinga war
- Rock Edict XIII
- Kalinga edicts
- Dhauli
- Ashoka's dhamma
- Dhamma mahamatta
- Pativedaka
- Devanampiya