Collection of Prakrit and Sanskrit Inscriptions

Author(s): P Piterson
Publisher: Bhavnagar Archiological Department

Page 64

MAURYA DYNASTY. ४ पनः पुनः वृत्तं तस्य तस्य अर्थस्य माधुर्या किमि ति जन स्तथा प्रतिपद्येत ५ ततः (त सत् )एकदा असमासं लिखितं असदृशं वा संशय (१) कारणं या ६ आलोचयत (आलोच्य) लिपिकरापरावेन वा.
ENGLISJI TRANSLATION,
Edict I. This cdict is proclaimed by King Priyadarsin the beloved of the gods. None should here on earth slaughter any animal even for sacrifice, nor should call together large gatherings,* for in them the King Priyadarsin, thc beloved of the gods, remarks many sins. Still the King Priyadarsin, the beloved of the gods, looks with filvour on the gatherings ordained by his father. In the kitchen of minc, King Priyadarsin, the beloved of the gods, many thousands of animals were day by day slaughtered for food; but to-day when this edict is sent forth only three animals are being killed for food in two peacocks and one deer. But even this deer is not necessarily to be killed, nor even all the three shall afterwards be killed.
Edict II. In the whole dominion of King Devânâmpriya Priyadarsin, as also in the adjacent countries as Chola, Pandya, Satyaputra, Keralaputra, all as far as the Tamraparni, even in the kingdom of Aatiochus, the Grecian king, and of his neighbour kings, the King Devanampriya Priyadarsin has ordered two things : the caring for the sick of man and the caring for the sick of cattle; and at all places where uscful healing herbs for men and caitle were wanting, he has caused them to be brought and planted; and at all places where roots and fruits were wanting he has caused them to be brought and planted; also he has caused Wells to be dug and trees to be planted, on the roads, for the benefit of men and cattle.
Edict III. King Devânâmpriya Priyadaráin orders twelve years after his coronation that everywhere in my dominion whether under my direct control or in foreign lands, all connected with me should every five years be thrus ordered (being called together)... for this purpose ; for carrying out this edict and for other business as well-That it was pious to be obedient to father and mother, to protect the men of our own caste, to give gifts to Brahmanas and Sramaņas, • Perhaps for purposes of dinner, &c.
† As of coilecting taxes, &c.
Aho I Shrutgyanam