Ashoka Inscription - Gavimata

Journey back to the 3rd century BCE and witness the words of one of India’s greatest emperors, Ashoka. These rock edicts, found behind the Gavimath and on Palki Gundu, carry a timeless message of peace, righteousness, and the power of sincere effort.

The personality and ideals of Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, the first emperor of India, are renowned worldwide. The British historian H.G. Wells praised Ashoka, saying, “Among the thousands of kings, emperors and rulers who once shone brightly and vanished into the pages of history, Ashoka stands out as the everlasting pole star, shining even today.” The only war Ashoka ever fought during his lifetime was the Kalinga War, which took place in 261 BCE. The immense death and suffering caused by this war deeply transformed him. He renounced violence and dedicated his life to the service of humanity. To promote the moral upliftment of his subjects, Ashoka had inscriptions engraved on rocks and pillars across India. These inscriptions are categorized based on their content. Two inscriptions belonging to the category of Minor Rock Edicts are found in Koppal district, enhancing its historical significance. These inscriptions are located behind the Gavimath (known as the Gavimath inscription) and on Palki Gundu at Malemalleshwara Hill. Written in the Brahmi script and the Prakrit language, both inscriptions contain nearly identical content spread across eight lines. The essence of the inscription is as follows:

“The Beloved of the Gods (Ashoka) declares: I had been a lay follower of the Shakya faith for more than two and a half years, but had not made much effort. However, for over a year now, I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly after joining the Sangha. During this time, people across Jambudvipa (India) who were once separated from the divine have now united with the divine. Do not think that this achievement is only possible for the great. Even common people can attain heaven through their sincere efforts. This Dharma message has been inscribed here so that ordinary people and the great alike may strive along this path. Let the neighboring people also learn about this message. May it remain eternal and enhance the value of this site, growing abundantly-more than one and a half times its current worth.” This is the core message of the inscription, emphasizing Ashoka’s commitment to spreading peace and righteousness across his empire.