The history behind the Ashokan Rock Edicts

The famous emperor Ashoka led the war between Kalinga and the Mauryan Kingdom in 262 BC. Dhauli Hills located on the left bank of the Daya River was the war ground for one of the deadliest wars in history. Why deadliest? It is said the Daya River turned red towards the end of the war and almost 10000 people died during the battle.

The battle took a huge toll on Ashoka’s conscience and he changed his path to Buddhism and spread the word of peace in his life post-war. To spread the ideology of Buddhism, Ashoka started writing inscriptions in Brahmi script on natural rock formations throughout the country. The rock edicts in Bhubaneshwar are extremely close to the battle site. The Edicts are now maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

Spotting the Ashokan Rock Edicts

I walked on these gorgeous stairs, confused about where are the caves, where is the touch of history I wanted to see. I went all the way up and came back disappointed. But I guess it was in my destiny to witness those edicts after all.

While stepping down, the guard of the Rock Edicts stopped me and told me he’d show me the Rock Edicts. I got so excited, finally, my efforts paid off. He told me that the school & college kids coming here don’t value the edicts and scribble on the walls of the caves. So they locked the Ashokan Rock Edicts (an authentic one) and opened only for a few genuine tourists.

The rock formations outside the Ashokan Rock Edicts

Just next to those stairs, the glass door on the right introduced me to the Ashokan Rock Edicts and the original Brahmi Script. Located so close to the entry but hidden in plain sight, the caves in the shape of an elephant should be the true highlight of Dhauli.

Sadly the Edicts were lost till the 19th century and were rediscovered by James Prinsep, an administrator with East India Company.

These unmatched-shaped rocks were the caves where King Ashoka hid and spread the word for peace. The elephant-shaped rock symbolises the transformation of King Ashoka from a violent Emperor to a peaceful Buddhist.

The Ashokan Rock Edicts & The Brahmi Script

The message was written in Brahmi Script which is now being decoded. The translation of the inscription is also available outside just the caves.