discussion post

Description

This is just for a discussion post. I have so many quizzes and other assignments due I cannot focus on this. It should be quick and quite easy. Below are the instructions

Be sure to cite the sources you used in writing your post at the end of your discussion thread.

Be sure to reply to at least two of your classmates’ posts in order to receive the maximum number of points in the participation section of the Discussion Rubric.

The first major empire in the history of the Indian subcontinent was the Mauryan Empire (321-184 BCE). Unfortunately, our sources for studying it are few in number or were written by outside observers. For that reason, historians have greatly benefited from the discovery and compilation of the rock and pillar edicts of this empire’s third king, King Ashoka (r. 268-232 BCE). Ashoka had these inscribed on rocks and sand-stone pillars in populous areas where people gathered, so that they could read them or, if they were illiterate, hear his officials read them out loud.

Instructions

To prepare for this discussion, you will want to reread the relevant sections in the Unit 2 materials, review a film and, most importantly, carefully read Ashoka’s edicts.

Next, answer the following questions, being sure to provide specific evidence from the edicts:

1. Explain the essential elements of the dharma King Ashoka sought to promote throughout his land, and whether or not Buddhist teachings were a part of it.

2. Discuss how King Ashoka presented himself to his subjects.

3. In your opinion, why did King Ashoka choose to issue these edicts?

Materials

Chapter 3, Section 3.9

Ashoka’s Edicts

PBS has produced an excellent series on the history of India entitled The Power of Ideas, which is linked below. The second episode covers some of the history covered in Chapter 3, Section 8 (“Transition to Empire”) and Chapter 3, Section 9 (“The Mauryan Empire”) in our textbook. If you would like to view the entire episode feel free to do so.